House with a Heart Senior Pet Sanctuary

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Gaithersburg, MD
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.

11/04/2024

Heart-Shaped Natural Wonders Around The World

Trnovacko Lake, Mountain Maglić, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Heart Shaped Destinations courtesy of https://seeker.io/article/heart-shaped-natural-wonders/

11/03/2024

The Los Angeles Dodgers enjoyed a party that was more than three decades in the making on Friday as they celebrated their World Series win with an open-top bus...

https://www.aol.com/shohei-ohtani-dog-steal-show-131233766.html

11/03/2024

📣 SAVE THE DATE - DECEMBER 3RD! 📣

is a global day of giving that kicks off the charitable season and is a major fundraising event for nonprofits worldwide. The 2024 virtual event will be held one month from today (Tuesday, Dec. 3) and we’re so excited to participate again this year!

Please join us and learn how you can help give senior and special needs pups and kitties "New Beginnings." We'll share inspirational success stories (and lots of adorable photos!) so please watch our page and join the joy and giving!

We know you have many choices for charitable donations, and we're so grateful for your support of our Senior Pet Sanctuary!

11/02/2024

Meet Panda.

Panda is an 11-year-old Boston Terrier. She is fostered by Petty Pawz Rescue in Fredericksburg, VA.

Panda has a sad story. She was discarded by her breeder after they believed she could no longer provide puppies for them due to her age. Surprisingly, she was pregnant when she arrived at the rescue.

It’s time for Panda to know what it’s like to just be a household dog. She loves being around people and has gotten used to being loved in her foster home, so much so, that she doesn’t want you to leave her side.

She does great with dogs, cats, and kids!

Panda is hearing impaired.

She needs a soft place to land and someone to give her the best life in her senior years.

To read more about Panda's story or to fill out an adoption application, visit www.pettypawzrescue.org.

11/02/2024

Today, November 3rd, at 2:00 a.m., the clocks will fall back.

Pets know the routine. They anticipate when you’ll wake up and wait eagerly at their bowl to be fed. They’ll wait for you to get into bed before jumping up and taking their spot at your side.

When your familiar routine suddenly changes, your pets may be put off, or confused as to why you’re doing things differently.

Fortunately, it doesn’t take much to get them back on track. Making small adjustments to their schedule and monitoring your own can make adapting to a new time easier and less stressful for your pets.

Source: https://www.petfood.express/learn/know-your-pet/daylight-saving-time/

11/02/2024

What a wonderful message to start our day!

11/01/2024

Are you looking for double the love and double the snuggles? Meet Hansel and Gretel, a sweet, bonded pair of 12-year-old pug mixes who are ready to spend their golden years by your side.

These two are not just siblings in name-they are best friends who have spent a lifetime together, and now they're looking for a forever family to share their love. Sadly, their owner passed away and now they're ready for a new family to share their love with.

Hansel and Gretel are fostered by PetConnect Rescue in Potomac, MD.

These two are healthy, snuggly, and adore being with their people. They're used to being only pets and love having someone home for a good part of the day. They are fully potty trained, enjoy daily walks, sleep soundly through the night, and are low-maintenance but full of affection.

Gretel and Hansel thrive together, and their bond will bring double the love and joy to your home. Ready to welcome this sweet, snuggly duo? They're waiting for a forever family to love them through their golden years!

Hansel and Gretel are spayed and neutered and up-to-date on vaccines.

If you are interested in adopting this pair, visit petconnectrescue.org.

11/01/2024

The end of Daylight Savings is approaching: how does it impact your pet?

The final step to supporting your pet during or after DST is to create a stress-free environment. Try keeping things as normal as possible.

Hold off on mounting that new TV. Limit the number of unfamiliar guests coming over. Calming aids can come in handy if your pet continues to feel anxious.

A cat or dog pheromone diffuser like Feliway MultiCat Calming Pheromone Diffuser Starter Kit or ThunderEase Dog Calming Starter Kit targets the environment and can be added to frequently visited rooms to reduce feelings of stress.

Calming aids in the form of chews, oils, powders, spreads, and tablets are another option for anxious cats and dogs that need additional relaxation.

More to follow.
** Courtesy of https://www.petfood.express/learn/know-your-pet/daylight-saving-time/

11/01/2024

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!

Oh Boy - this was really a life changing moment for House with a Heart and our mission:

5/1/2015 - NGS Video went viral – We were so excited that National Geographic put together an amazing video about HWAH but going VIRAL – that was over the top!

We had folks from around the world aware and interested in our mission and more importantly, helping senior dogs. We updated our wish list daily and the donations just kept coming. The Amazon and UPS guys just backed up to the gate and started unloading. Our mail even came in a bin for a while. Thank you NGS!

One of the things I realized as I watched the video again recently, is that without the care and craft and vision of the videographer and the producer and their crew, the impact would not have been nearly as great. So again, Thank you to the crew who made this amazing message about House with a Heart!

https://youtu.be/k8zqW2txy8g?feature=shared

11/01/2024

FEEL GOOD FRIDAY: Cheers to Vintage Pet Rescue for a creative solution to help senior pup Juliet!

This Romeo and Juliet story was also marked by a tragic loss, yet Vintage Pet Rescue came up with a brilliant idea to create a happy ending.

11/01/2024

Welcome November

10/31/2024

Meet Daisy and Rufus, a bonded dachshund pair. They are 15-years-old and fostered by Little Paws Dachshund Rescue in Wheaton, MD.

Both pups take time to warmup, but once they do, they are sweet and loving. They were rescued from a shelter and are in search of a quiet home with experienced owners, and no young children.

Daisy is the more laidback of the two but can be led astray by her brother from time to time! Rufus especially loves to run, and sniff unfettered, as a result, this pair will need a fenced yard to get their exercise. They don’t necessarily need someone who works from home since they are fine in their crates. They both enjoy snuggling in their beds and relaxing in an open crate.

Daisy is deaf and has a heart murmur for which she is receiving palliative care. Luckily, she takes her medicine very easily. Rufus is important to her as her bonded partner and as her "emotional support animal".

For more information or to fill out an adoption application, visit www.littlepawsdr.org.

10/31/2024

The end of Daylight Savings is approaching: how does it impact your pet?

When the clock goes back an hour in fall, your pet may see a reduction in their outdoor time since there’s less daylight in the mornings.

And while there’s the opportunity to play outside in the evening, this could be particularly troublesome, especially if you have an active dog that’s used to morning exercise.

Creative indoor activities like building your own DIY obstacle course can be an exciting experience for the curious dog or cat. Puzzle toys and stuffable chews, such as Catit Pixi Mouse Treat Dispenser Interactive Toy or Totally Pooched Puzzle ‘N Play Mushroom. **

Interactive Toy, are another excellent way to kill time and are great for mental stimulation. Combine these interactive items with favorite dog or cat treat as a tasty challenge.

Even though indoor cats won’t be as affected by the changes in daylight, introducing them to an interactive cat toy or slow feeder may help keep them engaged and distracted from changing routines.

More to follow.
** Courtesy of https://www.petfood.express/learn/know-your-pet/daylight-saving-time/

10/31/2024

Happy Halloween! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
(courtesy of Scott Metzger Cartoons)

10/31/2024

Number one rule when living with senior dogs… watch your step!! 😅

10/30/2024

Introducing Joya, the sweetest little bundle of joy!

Joya is a 13 year old Terrier, Pit Bull mix, weighing 48 lbs. She is fostered by Reeds Rescue in Parkton, MD.

This friendly pup is like a ray of sunshine, spreading warmth wherever she goes. She gets along with everyone-kids, cats, and other dogs alike! Joya's foster family is helping her master house training, and she's eager to please.

She'd be a perfect match for a family with older children who want a loving, playful companion. Whether it's playtime with furry friends or snuggles with her humans, Joya is always ready to bring a smile to your face. Could you be her forever family?

For more information, visit www.reedsrescue.org.

10/30/2024

The end of Daylight Savings is approaching: how does it impact your pet?

Making changes to your schedule in tandem with adjusting your pet’s dog and meals can be beneficial in creating a sense of continuity. Habitual sounds and actions give pets cues to what’ll happen next.

Your pet’s day often gets started when you wake up and comes to an end when you sleep. So, if you’re planning to walk your dog 15 minutes earlier in the morning, then you may also want to wake up 15 minutes earlier than usual to stay on track.

DST can be disruptive your pet’s circadian rhythm, making it difficult for them to fall asleep. If you notice your pet struggling to sleep, supplements made with CBD or melatonin may be a solution. Calming chews for dogs and cats – such as NaturVet QuietMoments Calming Aid + Melatonin Soft Chews – are a popular option that promote sleepiness and relaxation. In addition to supplements, you can tire your pet out throughout the day by spending plenty of time playing with them! **

More to follow.
** Courtesy of https://www.petfood.express/learn/know-your-pet/daylight-saving-time/

10/30/2024

Does your pup cheer you up on a bad day? 🐶

10/29/2024

Today is National Cat Day. 😺

Looking to add a feline friend to your home? Meet Buddy.

Buddy lived outside most of his life until a kind lady took him in. He is estimated to be 12 years old and is fostered by Paws for Seniors in Toms Brook, VA.

He is a quiet guy who allows petting and would do best in a home with a confident cat to help him understand that humans are not scary or going to hurt him.

He is neutered and up to date on vaccines. He had a dental to include extraction of most of his teeth. So he is looking for a life indoors where he can be safe.

He is looking for a quiet home with someone to give him time and patience to become a confident cat.

Interested in adopting Buddy? Visit pawsforseniors.org.

10/29/2024

The end of Daylight Savings is approaching: how does it impact your pet?

Similar to adjusting their walks, you can ease your pet into a new feeding schedule by altering their mealtimes a week in advance to DST.

Again, start with 10 – 15 minutes and gradually increase the time throughout the week. If your pet is really put off by the delay, you can try adding a small amount of food to their bowl at the usual time and then feeding them a larger portion at the new time.

This final option may be the easiest – don’t change anything. Continue to feed your pet at their usual time without regard for what the clock says.

More to follow:

Address

6409 Stream Valley Way
G*ithersburg, MD
20882

Website

https://www.housewithaheart.com/

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Videos

Mr. Aj needed a potty break right after his bath!! 🛀😋

Best. Mom. Ever. We will all miss you baby girl. ❤️ #seniordogs #chihuahua #doglover #doglove #seniorchihuahua #seniordog #chihuahualove #seniorpetsanctuary #HWAH #rainbow #be #rainbowbridge #rip

HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY, JOIE!! 🥳🎉

Dino! Our fospice for Mid Atlantic Scottish Terrier Education and Rescue - Master.. 14, blind, and such a cutie!! 🥰

Piper reporting for clean up duty!! 🫡

Kiki on her way to get a delicious dinner! 🥰🏃‍♀️

Sweet Midnight is in need of a new forever home. At 11 years young, Midnight is your classic lap dog who loves to cuddle on the couch and relax. He can be left alone during the day without a crate and is fully housetrained. He is also up to date on vaccines and neutered. He is 25 lbs of pure love!! Midnight has a cherry eye that comes and goes ~ he has drops that can be easily administered if need be. Other than that, he is in perfect health! Midnight is good with other dogs and children. He loves going to the groomer and has the softest fur. If you would like to add Midnight to your family, please fill out an application with Chesapeake Cats and Dogs: https://forms.gle/T5EGLmtXs2wZTZFs5 #ReadyToBeAdopted #TakeMeHome #RescuePartnerAdoptMe

Everyone loves to play in the cooler weather!! 🥰

I think Hershey is stepping up to be the family groomer now that mama Bella is gone.. 😭

Little Kiki got a bath and she loves to skip!! 🥰

10 year old Joie and puppy Milo having a great time!! Age ain’t nothin but a number!! 🥰

Bad boy, Ciroc! It’s okay…he has a pass because he’s grieving.. 😓💔

Toby and his cutting board 😂

Meet the Senior and Special Needs Residents of House with a Heart! During September we shared stories about our Residents, Piper's Pals (rescues staying with House with a Heart) and Forever Fosters (HWAH residents who live with one of our volunteer families). Hope you enjoy this compilation from our volunteer Karen!

After dinner nap with Karen.. so peaceful. 😌🧘🏻

Shortcuts

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.