Anita Dunford and her dogs that inspired Fletcher's Keep.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Anita Dunford

“A puppy is the light at the beginning of the rainbow and a senior dog really is the pot of gold at the end, because you have such a much deeper connection with them as they grow old.”

That's what Anita Dunford, founder and executive director of Fletcher’s Keep in the Okanagan said about the significance and importance of keeping senior dogs as healthy while still in the company of their owners.

As a relatively new foundation, formed in March last year, Fletcher’s Keep is all about supporting senior dogs as they enter their golden years. The non-profit organization is a volunteer based program, created to support owners who are unable to afford veterinary expenses.

“We want to preserve that human canine bond...  I say that all senior dogs are therapy dogs, they're just freelancing. So although they're not trained, you know from a mental health and well-being perspective they mean to the world to people,” Dunford said.

When she noticed lack of programs in place to help senior dogs in the Okanagan she decided to step up. She's also noticed higher numbers of senior dogs being surrendered to the BC SPCA and Okanagan Humane Society as expenses grow higher and people cannot afford to support a pet, or themselves, any longer.

This cause resonates personally with Dunford after her senior dog Fletcher died.

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“Looking back in hindsight, you realize just how much dogs bring to you, in terms of the ups, the downs. They help you through the good, the bad, so I very much became aware of how much dogs meant to me once you've loved and lost them,” Dunford said.

The dog’s are cared for by volunteers who take in dogs as fosters, make house calls and come for short visits. The volunteers are spread all across the Okanagan and the organization is hoping to take on and care for a greater area as the organization grows. 

Although it will be senior dogs receiving assistance, anyone at any age can apply for this aid if they need assistance. Fletcher’s Keep can cover anything from grooming, to medical or dental bills. 

Applicants can fill out an application online here. The Keep’s goal is to cover as much of the bill as possible to ensure both the owner and dog are healthy, happy and most importantly, together.

“We're able to help people and help senior dogs and also help struggling owners who are facing hardship or crisis of some kind,” Dunford said.

All money raised to support the senior dogs is through donations, so all money that comes out of the community goes right back in. Over the last three months, Fletcher’s Keep has been able to help 10 senior dogs with various ailments.

In the future, Dunford hopes to have a location comparable to a hospice for dogs, for senior dogs separated from their families to live out their final days.

“We don't want to see an old dog suffer or die alone. We really want to do anything we can to make sure that no old dog gets left behind,” Dunford said.

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