A Sanctuary for Elder Dogs
About Us - What do we do?
Sunset Seniors is a truly unique sanctuary concept for elder dogs. At our sanctuary the dogs live together in a cage-free environment. Located in the pristine Driftless Area of Southwest Wisconsin, our dogs have room to run and play. This open design ensures that they are stress-free, happy and sleep in warm beds at night.
Too often older dogs are surrendered to shelters because their owners can no longer care for them .... older dogs have special needs and are more difficult to adopt. Older owners may have to surrender the dogs due to their own illnesses, death or other challenging circumstances.
Our mission is to provide a caring, long-term home for senior dogs whose owners can no longer care for them. Owners can designate their preference for seeking foster/adoptive homes for their dogs, or having them live out their lives at the sanctuary. t Nursery Farm
Evidence suggests that dogs become stressed by standard rescue kennel facilities. It is especially stressful for a senior dog who has spent their entire life with their owners and now find themselves in a strange or unfamiliar environment. Our cage-free environment is designed to minimize the stress of transitioning to a new living situation and allow the dog to bond with other senior dogs in a caring, home-like environment.
The sanctuary is run by two dedicated, veteran professionals and dog lovers, Amber Ghelf and Linda Kica.
"If I passed before my dog, I would ask for permission to return just to say goodbye; to let my dog know that God called me, and that I didn't abandon him.
I would tell him I want him to take care of himself, and that in the meantime, I'll be waiting for him.
I would give him one last kiss, one last hug, and tell him that he's the best thing that has ever happened to me. That he is the one I've loved the most.
If I pass first, give me permission to tell him that. And especially to tell him that when we finally meet again, it will be forever."
- Anonymous
We are running a capital campaign to fund a cage-free facility for the special needs of senior dogs. Currently foster-based, our mission is to provide a caring, long-term home for senior dogs whose owners can no longer care for them.
Any and all donations get us closer to our dream home! Just click on the donation button above.
Why We Do It
We do it for Ginny. She is about 9 years old. She came to us when her owners could no longer care for her. She is a sweet mix (Heinz 57 maybe?) who absolutely loves her big, round corner chair. Ginny exemplifies our mission - to care for senior dogs who have lived forever in one home and find themselves displaced. Ginny does not have a kennel - she lives in Sunset Seniors as she would at home. Couches, kitchen, television - she's got it all!
This gorgeous 17 year old senior is Lil Mama. Lil Mama was a puppy mill dog who was retired after many years of breeding and who was put up for auction. She wasn't purchased at the auction, and was then sold for $5. Turns out she was pregnant with 4 puppies, 2 of whom I adopted (Nike and Diesel, now 10 years old). I found out a year after the auction that Lil Mama still wasn't adopted so I got involved and brought her home. It took a few months but now she's the household queen!
The green 09 tattoo on her ear always reminds me of how far she has come, we even as people need to appreciate life and the love it can bring if we can just let ourselves open up even after we've been hurt, abused or unwanted.
My vision for the sanctuary came from my love for senior dogs and the desire to provide them a safe, stable, loving home in their final years.
Have Faith. Stay Strong. Dream Big. LUV Always
-- Amber Ghelf
Honey and Angel are enjoying a sunny day on the deck. Both dogs came to us as through another rescue. Angel is a staffy mix, she's about 9 years old and can't get enough love. Honey is about 5, when she joined us she was pregnant. Even though we are dedicated to Senior Dogs, we just can't say no to dogs in need! Now we have six gorgeous german pinscher/black lab mix puppies waiting for their furever home.
What It Means To You
If you or a family member need to go to an Assisted Living Facility or a Nursing Home Facility, giving up the dog is a serious stress factor in health and recovery.
Sunset Seniors will care for the dog in our kennel-free environment and make arrangements for the dog to visit the owner in accordance with the facilities policies.
Fido is your best friend, confidant and traveling companion. You've spent his/her life feeding, watering, petting, comforting and taking care of your dog(s).
Who will do this if you become are no longer able to care for the dog or die? Your responsibility doesn't end.
“They're losing their friends. They're losing their independence. They're not driving. They're probably not working and the pet provides unconditional love. You've got that little buddy sitting on your lap."
Laurenn McCarron
How Can You Help?
Please consider volunteering.
Our kennel-free home is the ideal opportunity to spend time on the couch with fun, friendly dogs. It's a great gig- catch up on your fave tv shows while petting dogs, and helping out with normal household chores like dishes and laundry.
Donate!
Please consider a monetary donation, any amount help and goes towards our senior dogs.
Dog food
Dog toys
Dog beds
Old furniture -sofa, loveseat, armchair
Belly bands
Dog shampoo
Kongs
Send an email to admin@sunsetseniors.org for donation location and more details.
A Sanctuary for Elder Dogs . . . Because Love Never Grows Old