Elk Rapids-based nonprofit Silver Muzzle Cottage (SMC) is on a mission: to care for aged dogs facing their final years alone or even euthanasia. SMC Founder Kim Nelson says many canines late in their years are often found in area shelters but quickly euthanized because their age and disabilities make them less likely to be adopted. Now Nelson and her organization's board of directors seek to rehab a building to provide full hospice care.

“We recognized that these dogs once gave their lives to someone, or a family, and for a variety of reasons were disposed of in a strange, scary shelter environment or set free and eventually picked up as a stray,” says Nelson, a former General Motors engineer who also owns Bowsers by the Bay, a cage-free dog boarding facility.

“Silver Muzzle Cottage feels they deserve more, that they shouldn’t die alone in a cage. They deserve love and dignity in their final days, months and years. We’re dedicated to the rescue, adoption and lifelong care of these senior dogs.”

SMC's Elk Rapids, which will eventually provide shelter and hospice care for up to five dogs, needs plumbing, electrical work, doors, windows, flooring, trim work, kitchen and bath facilities and more. 

“When it’s completed it will be the only facility of its kind in the state of Michigan,” Nelson says. “Other rescues provide special fostering services for senior dogs, but we’re unaware of any that provide an actual hospice sanctuary.”

SMC dogs will be pampered with massages by a registered canine massage therapist and receive medical care by local veterinarians; others in the program could be placed in foster homes where volunteers would care for them.

“Many people overlook adopting a senior dog and don’t understand the benefits of having a new senior best friend,” explains Nelson. “Unlike puppies, seniors don’t demand the energy and patience it takes to train a new puppy and usually already have good habits and are well trained to fit right into a family. Some people are afraid that they will only have the senior dog for a short time and will go through a painful loss soon after adopting, but the love and gratitude from a senior dog makes every day special and every moment worthwhile – and most of these seniors still have many years of fun and love to share with their new families.”

Silver Muzzle's board members and a dozen or so volunteers are lined up to begin serving once the building is refurbished, which Nelson hopes will happen this spring. Additional volunteers can help fundraise and assist with resident hospice dogs. 

Approximately $50,000 is needed for building upgrades; $2,000 has been raised so far. For details, visit the Silver Muzzle Cottage Facebook page or call (231) 264-8408. Donation boxes are also at many local veterinary offices and businesses to help defray dog food and medical care costs.