Giving elderly dogs love, hope

Redmond High School senior Lauren Nabseth is hosting a raffle and fundraising walk for Old Dog Haven, at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 29. Participants should meet in the Redmond Saturday Market lot at Redmond Town Center, on the corner of Bear Creek Parkway and Leary Way.

The event is linked to Nabseth’s Culminating Project and she hopes to keep helping animals after graduation.

“Our family has always been very into dogs and we’ve rescued many, tried to make them comfortable in their final days,” she explained. “Lots of older dogs are stuck in the pound. Everyone wants the puppies.”

Old Dog Haven, located in Arlington, strives to find adoptive caretakers for elderly dogs which have been abandoned because people can’t or don’t want to be responsible for them anymore. Many have health issues, but Old Dog Haven pays their veterinary bills. They’re also currently aiding dogs displaced from “puppy mills.”

As a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization, Old Dog Haven relies completely on donations and does not receive any state or federal funds.

At our meeting last week, Nabseth introduced toy poodles named Cora and Mitzie. Both had come from Old Dog Haven. Their owner was going into a nursing home and her adult children didn’t want them. Although Mitzie is blind, the dogs appeared to be happy and affectionate.

“Old dogs want a ton of attention,” Nabseth concurred. After they’ve have found refuge, “it’s like they realize they’ve got a second chance and they are so loving.”

On March 29, the fundraising walk will begin at the covered area of the Saturday Market lot. People can bring their dogs, old or not, for a mapped, half-mile trek around Redmond Town Center. Straight donations to the dog haven will be accepted or you can get a pledge sheet from Nabseth. For information, e-mail ODHfundraiser09@hotmail.com or call (425) 466-9820.

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