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 Gaithersburg, 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.

Even snow couldn't keep our volunteer Kat from her play date with Joie
02/12/2025

Even snow couldn't keep our volunteer Kat from her play date with Joie

💞 We think HWAH Resident Marco is PAWSOME and love the Valentine he created to help all of us share love as we approach ...
02/12/2025

💞 We think HWAH Resident Marco is PAWSOME and love the Valentine he created to help all of us share love as we approach Valentine’s Day! Look for a new Valentine featuring HWAH pups every day until Valentine’s Day!

Our HWAH critters love getting items from our Chewy Wish List, and if you'd like to send an item their way, please check out the list here: https://www.chewy.com/g/house-with-a-heart-pet-sanctuary-inc_b71952291

Thank you for sending your love and support to all our senior and special needs animals!

02/12/2025

Little Kiki Update!

Earlier today, we noticed Kiki doing some abdominal breathing. With a snowstorm on the way and our regular vet closing early, we were advised to take her to the ER just to be safe. The doctor noticed her breathing but wasn’t too concerned. She recommended X-rays and bloodwork to check for anything beyond Kiki’s usual issues. The good news-everything came back normal! The only thing out of the ordinary was a slightly elevated blood pressure, which our regular vet will monitor.

With the storm rolling in, Emily decided it was safest for Kiki to have a sleepover at her place (just 10 minutes from the ER) rather than making the long trip back to the sanctuary. Kiki is cozy, well-fed, and even had some fun in the snow!

🥰

Meet Teddy!Teddy is about 10 years old and weighs 11 pounds. He is fostered by Friends of All Critters at Shelters in Po...
02/11/2025

Meet Teddy!

Teddy is about 10 years old and weighs 11 pounds. He is fostered by Friends of All Critters at Shelters in Potomac, MD. He was dumped into the snow on a frigid night and left to die.

Teddy is a living doll, an absolute sweetheart. He likes short walks, fresh air, a lap to sit in and cuddling.

Teddy gets eye drops but is otherwise in good health. He sees well from his left eye and drags his feet a bit, but he loves to explore and go outside.

He is great with other dogs and people of all ages.

He will come with full completed dental work, neutering and all his shots up to date. And he was professionally groomed!

Teddy is patiently waiting for you. You will love this little guy.

Interested in adopting Teddy? Visit https://foacas.org/pet/teddy-2/.



02/11/2025

So grateful that these babies are with us 💕.

Our assistant director Lori and our newbie Peanut
02/11/2025

Our assistant director Lori and our newbie Peanut

Toby, our handsome part poodle, is sending LOVE your way! 💖 We hope you're enjoying our residents' sweet Valentine's...
02/11/2025

Toby, our handsome part poodle, is sending LOVE your way! 💖 We hope you're enjoying our residents' sweet Valentine's Day messages this week!

If you'd like to send Toby a special Valentine, he sure loves the items on our Amazon wish list! Check it out here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2BC30YZ17QAK0/

All our pups say woof and thank you!

02/11/2025

Today we pay tribute to our sweet Dewey, who we lost to cancer a few weeks ago. Though his time with us was short, his impact was immeasurable. Dewey filled our hearts with joy, love, and unforgettable memories. Rest easy, sweet boy.

Meet Ressler. He is an 11 year old, Pit/Lab mix and weighs about 60 lbs. He is located the Tampa, Florida area. Here is ...
02/10/2025

Meet Ressler.

He is an 11 year old, Pit/Lab mix and weighs about 60 lbs. He is located the Tampa, Florida area.

Here is a message from his current owner:

"Res is a very sweet dog. He is an older dog but still loves to go on quiet walks and likes the dog park. He is really the perfect dog besides his separation anxiety. He loves to be next to people at all times, he loves his treats, and gets along with other cats, dogs and is great with kids. He loves toys and bones. He is an overly anxious dog which makes it challenging to live in a downtown setting. I believe the best setting for him is a sanctuary setting, away from loud noise of a city, where there may be care-givers at all time.

I have tried many things to deal with Ressler's separation anxiety these past 3 years: training, meds, leaning on family, and so on. While all these interventions worked as short-term solutions, they have not been long-term solutions that would work for both Ressler and I. Most recently, he has displayed an intolerance to the meds, which means that my only solution to the problem is no longer available to me. I live alone and having Res as a pet has left me isolated and unable to do anything outside of the apartment. I am traveling more and more for work, and it has become incredibly difficult to have Ressler as a pet."

If you know someone who may be interested in helping Ressler, please email [email protected].

We hope to help his owner find him a new, loving family.


We need a name for this duo... I vote for the "Bite-sized Bandits!"
02/10/2025

We need a name for this duo... I vote for the "Bite-sized Bandits!"

Regular volunteer Maria and her admirers.
02/10/2025

Regular volunteer Maria and her admirers.

All you need is love... and an adorable pup! ❤️Valentine’s Day is a great time to celebrate the love we share with our f...
02/10/2025

All you need is love... and an adorable pup! ❤️

Valentine’s Day is a great time to celebrate the love we share with our fur-babies, so leading up to Friday we’re sharing cute Valentine’s Day images featuring our House with a Heart animals. We hope you’ll share them with your family and friends.

Today we're featuring Joie, our sweet poodle girl and our director Sher's very own! Her names means JOY in French

Joie and the HWAH gang love items from our Chewy Wish List, so if you'd like to send them goodies for Valentine's Day, please visit this page:
https://www.chewy.com/g/house-with-a-heart-pet-sanctuary-inc_b71952291

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Amazing Heart-Shaped Natural WondersTupai, French PolynesiaIt's a common misconception that Tahiti is a heart-shaped isl...
02/10/2025

Amazing Heart-Shaped Natural Wonders

Tupai, French Polynesia

It's a common misconception that Tahiti is a heart-shaped island. But what many people may have been referring to is the heart-shaped atoll of Tupai in the island chain of Tahiti. For years, visitors (mostly couples) to French Polynesia only had the opportunity to fly Tupai via helicopter but Air Tahiti now offers flights to and from the island, according to GoTahiti.com. Tupai, about 11 miles to the north of Bora Bora, is fast becoming a popular wedding (and engagement) spot, with aerial tours and diving day trips also available. If you just want a glimpse of this romantic island, make sure to sit on the right side of the plane when departing Bora Bora.

Photos courtesy of : https://weather.com/travel/news/heart-shaped-islands-and-lakes-photos-20140204

Ciroc and Hudson keeping me company while I make some calls 😴. (They were supervised and did not go near the plants!)
02/09/2025

Ciroc and Hudson keeping me company while I make some calls 😴. (They were supervised and did not go near the plants!)

The House with a Heart gang is excited about Valentine's Day, and our adorable pups will share sweet messages with you o...
02/09/2025

The House with a Heart gang is excited about Valentine's Day, and our adorable pups will share sweet messages with you over the next few days! Today, we start with Bobbi and his "I Woof You!" message and we hope you'll spread this sweet Valentine with friends and family!

If you'd like to send Bobbi and the other pups at the Sanctuary some of their favorite Amazon wish list items for Valentine's Day, please visit this page!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2BC30YZ17QAK0/

As always, we're so grateful for your support of all the critters at House with a Heart!

ARE YOU READY TO "CAPTION THIS?"ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!!!!Piper and her fur-friends are on the move and having FUN! Please shar...
02/09/2025

ARE YOU READY TO "CAPTION THIS?"

ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM!!!!
Piper and her fur-friends are on the move and having FUN!

Please share your photo captions for this great canine gang in the comments section below!

Address

6409 Stream Valley Way
Gaithersburg, MD
20882

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Videos

Little Kiki Update! Earlier today, we noticed Kiki doing some abdominal breathing. With a snowstorm on the way and our regular vet closing early, we were advised to take her to the ER just to be safe. The doctor noticed her breathing but wasn’t too concerned. She recommended X-rays and bloodwork to check for anything beyond Kiki’s usual issues. The good news-everything came back normal! The only thing out of the ordinary was a slightly elevated blood pressure, which our regular vet will monitor. With the storm rolling in, Emily decided it was safest for Kiki to have a sleepover at her place (just 10 minutes from the ER) rather than making the long trip back to the sanctuary. Kiki is cozy, well-fed, and even had some fun in the snow! 🥰

So grateful that these babies are with us 💕.

Today we pay tribute to our sweet Dewey, who we lost to cancer a few weeks ago. Though his time with us was short, his impact was immeasurable. Dewey filled our hearts with joy, love, and unforgettable memories. Rest easy, sweet boy. #MemorialMonday

Piper I think you're scaring Hershey 😂

Mama Bella taught her boys well 🥹🫶🏻.

A relaxing afternoon with the kiddos ✨. Except for Hershey... I wonder what he's barking about?!

Meiko having some fun while we take the littles out for their potty break :)! (RIP Dewey🌈💛)

A very patient Piper! 😅

We took advantage of the “warmer” 34 degree weather today and got to run around outside for a little bit! 🥰😅

Meiko doesn’t like the hair dryer so after his bath, he gets extra towel cuddles until he’s all dry. 🥰

We love our silly little seniors!

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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.