House with a Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary

House with a Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary We provide a loving home for unwanted senior pets and give medical grants to assist in pulling/adopting seniors out of shelters ❤️
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In 2006, Sher Polvinale and her late husband, Joe, created a senior pet sanctuary in their home in G*ithersburg, Maryland. Sanctuary residents are senior and special needs dogs and cats who have lost their families and homes through no fault of their own. Because of their advanced age and various medical conditions, they have little chance of being adopted. The Sanctuary’s mission is to provide a

helping hand for senior pets, so they can live their best lives. In addition to top-notch “room and board,” all our residents receive abundant, unconditional love and affection. Those who arrive at the Sanctuary with health problems immediately get the care they need, such as diagnostic screenings, dental work, medication, and surgery. The Sanctuary offers residents* a life well worth living. They have a safe, roomy, comfortable, bright, and spotless home environment. On our two-acre property, they play in secure outdoor yards and spend supervised time in fenced, grassy fields. We provide ongoing health care and wellness screening, consulting veterinary specialists as needed. Residents are fed high-quality foods/treats and receive special diets as required.

*Our current residents are all members of the “pup pack.” But over the years, we have welcomed countless dogs AND cats, and we continue a variety of efforts to support all pets who need a helping hand. For example:

Our K-9 & Kitty Medical Miracles Grants program supports our Rescue Partners who pull senior and special needs dogs and cats either from a shelter or owner give up. We provide a grant to help pay for medical care they need to make them adoptable and help them find their new forever home. Feed Fido & Fluffy is our HWAH Pet Pantry. With donations from our supporters, we purchase food and supplies for pets in need. HWAH relies on volunteers, donations, grants, and wish-list gifts to accomplish our primary mission of providing a helping hand for senior dogs and cats in need. We are always looking for ways to “pay it forward” on their behalf. We reserve the right to delete comments, posts or photographs that are:

- Profane, vulgar or offensive
- Misinformation or disinformation
- Bullying or attacks against HWAH, its staff or other supporters of this page
- Spam or commercial sales
- Off-topic or irrelevant
- In support of illegal activities, violence, animal cruelty or abuse
- In violation of Facebook’s Community Standards

While we encourage open discussion, including differences of opinion, we will remove and/or block you from this page if you repeatedly violate this policy. Further, HWAH does not endorse or approve the comments, posts or photographs by others that are on this page. HWAH does not warrant and shall not be held liable the accuracy, truthfulness or reliability of the information or opinions posted on this site.

Kiki, 9 x 12 pastel pencil portrait: This was drawn for our volunteer Chris A.From the Artist: "I draw these pet portr...
12/16/2024

Kiki, 9 x 12 pastel pencil portrait: This was drawn for our volunteer Chris A.

From the Artist:

"I draw these pet portraits as a charity benefit (100% of the proceeds) for the House With A Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary. For more information, check out their link: https://housewithaheart.com/pet-portraits/

Sher Polvinale converted her home into a wonderful and loving sanctuary environment and has been sharing it with countless, aging, ailing, and otherwise unadoptable dogs, cats and other domesticated pets for over 18 years.

I encourage you to read about and follow her on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HousewithaHeart,
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/housewithaheart/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HWAHSeniorPets/
Ticktok: https://www.tiktok.com/
X social media: https://x.com/HWAHSeniorPets

https://housewithaheart.com/

12/16/2024
Meet Boujie!Boujie is a 6 year old Yorkie and weighs about 8 lbs. She is fostered by Healing Hearts Animal Rescue Group ...
12/15/2024

Meet Boujie!

Boujie is a 6 year old Yorkie and weighs about 8 lbs. She is fostered by Healing Hearts Animal Rescue Group in Northern Virginia.

Boujie is a friendly dog who gets along well with other dogs that are similar in size. She is afraid of larger dogs.

She is a true lap dog and just wants to snuggle with her person.

Boujie is house-trained and loves to go on walks or run around in a fenced-in yard.

If you live in the DC metro area and would like more information about Boujie, visit hharg.rescuegroups.org.



Monica & Phoebe, 9x12 pastel pencils: This was drawn for our volunteer Chris AFrom the Artis@peterpoggi "I draw these pe...
12/15/2024

Monica & Phoebe, 9x12 pastel pencils: This was drawn for our volunteer Chris A

From the Artis@peterpoggi

"I draw these pet portraits as a charity benefit (100% of the proceeds) for the House With A Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary. For more information, check out their link: https://housewithaheart.com/pet-portraits/

Sher Polvinale converted her home into a wonderful and loving sanctuary environment and has been sharing it with countless, aging, ailing, and otherwise unadoptable dogs, cats and other domesticated pets for over 18 years.

I encourage you to read about and follow her on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HousewithaHeart,
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/housewithaheart/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/HWAHSeniorPets/
Ticktok: https://www.tiktok.com/
X social media: https://x.com/HWAHSeniorPets

https://housewithaheart.com/

Federal employees and retirees, you have one month left to donate to your chosen Combined Federal Campaign charity! We ...
12/15/2024

Federal employees and retirees, you have one month left to donate to your chosen Combined Federal Campaign charity! We hope you'll consider a pledge to House with a Heart ( #69166) this holiday season - learn more at: https://cfcgiving.opm.gov/welcome

Thank you for your kindness and generosity! We can't thank you enough!

An update from our friends at Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue regarding Ziggy’s Revenge: Bed EditionAfter months of fight...
12/14/2024

An update from our friends at Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue regarding Ziggy’s Revenge: Bed Edition

After months of fighting his foster sister Mitzi in the Battle of the Bed, Ziggy (our blind boy who’s basically Toto but bamboozled over beds) finally got his sweet, sweet victory.

Yesterday, for the first time in ages, Ziggy claimed the bed and napped like a king, completely unbothered, undisturbed, and, most importantly, undefeated. He even woke up on his own terms with a big dramatic stretch, as if to say, “Bow down, peasants.”

Want to add a little bit of sass (and a lot of love) to your life? Ziggy’s looking for a forever home… with multiple beds.

Ziggy is 16 years old and fostered in Berkeley Springs, WV. For more information or adopt Ziggy, visit MirisHaven.org.



We are so excited to be able to share more of our series "New Beginnings", HWAH K-9 & Kitty Medical MiraclesFrom our res...
12/14/2024

We are so excited to be able to share more of our series "New Beginnings", HWAH K-9 & Kitty Medical Miracles

From our rescue partner: Somerset Cottage Poodle Rescue

MURDOCK - Another Happy ending and Just adopted!

"MURDOCK is approximately 13yrs old we're told and was found wandering the streets.
He is alone, afraid , and has no idea what happened to him. He gets on with other dogs & cats too, we think - we urgently need a soft place for him to land ASAP, he is a real cuddle bug, and loves to walk!

Little MURDOCK finally got to his great foster, Susan's , home last night, where he slept a solid 11 hrs!!!
Huge thanks to Chad for doing his very last minute Freedom Ride last night

Another happy adoption day to our sweet little 13yr old senior boy, MURDOCK, who was recently adopted by his foster family, who love him dearly. Here he is with Mom, Susan.
Welcome to our Very Elite Foster Fail Club Susan!

MURDOCK, you really landed in a very special home, thankfully, after being pretty sick when you arrived. This wonderful family have taken such good care of him - he even has a little canine buddy to snuggle with.

Thanks to YOUR generosity, our HWAH K-9 & Kitty Medical Miracles Fund was able to help Murdock get the medical care he desperately needed.

HWAH provided a $ 897.47 grant towards his medical and vet bills To date in 2024, we have provided over $ 25,000 in grants to help senior and special needs animals. Thank you!

To learn more about our Medical Miracles Fund or DONATE, visit: https://housewithaheart.com/about-k9-medical-miracles/

Does your kitty run a similar "campaign??!!"(courtesy of Scott Metzger Cartoons)
12/14/2024

Does your kitty run a similar "campaign??!!"
(courtesy of Scott Metzger Cartoons)

Hudson really wanted to be included with his brothers! 😅
12/14/2024

Hudson really wanted to be included with his brothers! 😅

It's Found a Home Friday!We are so happy to share that the following pets we featured on behalf of our rescue partners h...
12/13/2024

It's Found a Home Friday!

We are so happy to share that the following pets we featured on behalf of our rescue partners have found a home just in time for holidays. We will them and their new forever families many years of love!

Spike (Oldies But Goodies Cocker Rescue)
Cherish (Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue)
Sammy (Paws for Seniors)
Baby (Paws for Seniors)

If you would be interested in adopting a senior pet, visit our website for a list of our rescue partners.

www.housewithaheart.com

The Story of House with a Heart!Each Friday for the next little while, we'll share with you the story and history of Ho...
12/13/2024

The Story of House with a Heart!

Each Friday for the next little while, we'll share with you the story and history of House with a Heart!

Our story would not be complete without talking about the pandemic and the effect it had on House with a Heart.

Our first message in late March of 2020:
"To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, we will continue to practice social distancing through the end of April. We have temporarily closed the sanctuary to protect and care for those who work with us. Here at HWAH we have cut back to just a small crew of volunteers in order to have fewer people in harm's way. No visitors and most all of our Short Term Care buddies have cancelled their stays as so many people are unable to travel. "

As time passed and the pandemic became a regular part of our day to day lives, we started sending a weekly enewsletter with "Week at HWAH" happenings. Just a short posting of pictures and ways we coped during this time of "social distancing".

One of our fan favorites was Zoom Backgrounds to use while working from home...

We even went virtual with our annual fund raiser for our Medical Miracles program and had a HWAH Calendar contest to raise money. Our fan Favorite Piper "won" with the most donations. We were honored with over $ 16,500 in "votes"/donations".

Like most folks, we gradually resumed our Short Term Care program and limited volunteers with social distancing. We were so blessed by the continued support of our friends and followers.

Congratulations to our Pet/Person Lookalike Photo Contest Winner! The winning photo features Grandma Marcy and her dog...
12/13/2024

Congratulations to our Pet/Person Lookalike Photo Contest Winner! The winning photo features Grandma Marcy and her dog, Molly. Molly has been a great companion for Grandma, and as you can see, "love lives there!"

Thanks for the photo entries and we're so excited to send a 2025 HWAH Calendar to the winner!

Adoptable Sammie likes to supervise his foster mom while she is at work. If you have a supervisor position open, Sammie ...
12/12/2024

Adoptable Sammie likes to supervise his foster mom while she is at work. If you have a supervisor position open, Sammie may be the dog for you!

Sammie is 13-years-young and fostered by Senior Hearts Rescue and Renewal in Bradfordwoods, PA. He can be adopted within a two-hour radius of Pittsburgh, PA.

Sammie is healthy and very friendly. He cannot see or hear that well any longer but it doesn’t stop him from getting around and going outside.

Sammie is looking for a calm forever home. He would do best in a home without kids, but would love a fur sibling about his size to play with.

If you would be interested in adopting Sammie, visit www.seniorhearts.org/how-to-adopt.



Our 2024 Annual Newsletter is HERE!We are please to share with you final page of our 2024 End-Of Year Annual House with ...
12/12/2024

Our 2024 Annual Newsletter is HERE!

We are please to share with you final page of our 2024 End-Of Year Annual House with a Heart Newsletter!

To read more or support house with a Heart, Click here:
https://housewithaheart.com/annual-newsletter/

Looking for great gifts for your pet-loving friends and family? Check out the House with a Heart store! Colorful hoodi...
12/12/2024

Looking for great gifts for your pet-loving friends and family?

Check out the House with a Heart store! Colorful hoodies, t-shirts, tote bags and our 2025 Calendar. And our Tails of Love Books are a great read with adorable photos of HWAH resident pups!

All proceeds benefit HWAH residents. Visit the HWAH Store: https://housewithaheart.com/shop-hwah/hwah-apparel/

Many thanks for your support of senior and special needs pups and kitties!

Our 2024 Annual Newsletter is HERE!We are please to share with you the pages of our 2024 End-Of Year Annual House with a...
12/11/2024

Our 2024 Annual Newsletter is HERE!

We are please to share with you the pages of our 2024 End-Of Year Annual House with a Heart Newsletter over the next few days.

To read more or support house with a Heart, Click here:
https://housewithaheart.com/annual-newsletter/

Address

6409 Stream Valley Way
G*ithersburg, MD
20882

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Videos

Time for zoomies!! The weather has been yucky these past few days and it feels good to finally get some energy out!! 🥰

Bobbi! Such a handsome boy, isn’t he?! 🥰 Mid Atlantic Scottish Terrier Education and Rescue - Master

#MemorialMonday We will miss you forever, Aj!! ❤️‍🩹

It’s been SO COLD for our pups to be outside for more than potty breaks. We still want them to have fun and get exercise, so we have them exercise their brains and senses! Minus the sight part for our eyeless Tator, of course! 😅🥰

The foster boyz from Mid Atlantic Scottish Terrier Education and Rescue - Master 🥰

We want to thank everyone for supporting House With a Heart and for making Giving Tuesday a HUGE success!!

Sissy sure has a lot of patience for our silly Kiki! 😅

Our theme this year is "New Beginnings" All of our Chihuahua's have certainly had "New Beginnings" at House with a Heart, Thanks to YOU! We lost Mama Bella just recently, but we still have plenty of fun with Hudson, Ciroc and Hershey. As you may know, Bella and her sons, Ciroc and Hudson, had a dramatic journey to their new forever home at the sanctuary. They always lived together, but lost their home when their owner died in . They were scheduled for euthanasia when someone called House with a Heart to see if they would take them. With just hours to spare, we made room for all three senior pups. And speaking of saving senior dogs, we welcomed Hershey, a 4 lb.,13- year-old Chihuahua. His owner could no longer care for him, so we took him into the Sanctuary and immediately fell in love with him. We took some "still photos" taken by the volunteers and let our video program create a short video.

Thanks for joining us for Giving Tuesday 2024! We know you have many choices of wonderful non-profits for donations. Please know we are honored to have support from friends near and far! Our very own Piper turned 9 this year. She is truly an example of having a "New Beginning" once again. She recently had a serious health scare but with our excellent medical team, she was able to have the necessary surgery and is in full recovery mode! Thanks to all of the PIPER fans and supporters.

"An Inside Look at House With A Heart" This video from 2015 produced by National Geographic shows a behind the scenes look at the Sanctuary and how Love Lives Here! Truly our story of "New Beginnings" @ House with a Heart #HWAH #NewBeginnings #GivingTuesday

Benefiting: House with a Heart "New Beginnings" Our Goal: $ 25,000 If your heart is with senior dogs/kitties, please support House with a Heart this Giving Tuesday (tomorrow!). We know there are so many wonderful organizations you can donate to on this day of giving, and we will be so honored if you count us among them! https://housewithaheart.com/giving-tuesday-2024/ And we hope you will Please Share! 📢 ** Please note this message was recorded before the loss of A.J. today.

https://housewithaheart.com/giving-tuesday-2024/

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Our Story

In 2006, Sher Polvinale and her late husband, Joe, created a senior pet sanctuary in their home. Sanctuary residents are dogs and cats who have lost their families and homes through no fault of their own. Because of their advanced age and various medical conditions, they have little chance of being adopted.

Once a dog became a resident, it would have a loving home for life. Our Director Sher devotes herself full-time to caring for the pets and maintaining and improving the Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary’s Mission is to provide a “Helping Hand” for senior pets. For our residents, we are able to provide love, affection, and shelter. Many of these dogs receive medical care, such as diagnostic screenings, dental care, surgery, and medications, as needed.

For other senior and special needs dogs, we provide a “Helping Hand” by getting the word out about their special needs, and encourage others to give them a forever home.

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