A Message from our Founder

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When we rang in 2020 last year, none of us could have predicted the kind of world changes we were about to experience. To say it’s been a tough one is an understatement. 

When I realized what I wanted to do with the rest of my life in the summer of 2019, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Creating a much-needed senior dog sanctuary here in WNY, which would also benefit humans, seemed like a pipe dream. There was no way to predict how challenging this quest would be during a pandemic.

But many people bought in right away! With a dedicated team of volunteers, including a wonderful 12 member board of directors, the support we realized was gratifying!

We received our 501c3 charity designation on Christmas Eve, 2019. Ace of Spades Design came forward and offered to construct our website, and through our Facebook page, we began to accrue a passionate following.  Long-time dog-enthusiast friends climbed onboard. A talented local artist, Mary Gross, created White Whiskers Artistic Creations, a Facebook page of local artists and crafters, all of whom donate their works to the cause. This page brought in well over $10,000 in 2020 alone. And this, despite the pandemic!

We also decided to partner with local rescues and shelters to help them find homes for senior dogs. The White Whiskers Senior Dog Adoptables Facebook page was born along with a feature on White Whiskers’ main Facebook page that we call Senior Sunday. Through these efforts, we have helped find loving families for many homeless senior pups.

Things are really happening for us! Our network has grown, and our supporters have multiplied. Local media is recognizing our efforts, and our social media pages are flourishing with 4,800+ followers. Even though we had to cancel 13 events last year, we raised an astounding $100,000!

Going forward, along with the realization of our dream to have a senior dog sanctuary, we make these promises to you: 

• Your donations will be honored and respected, every penny accounted for and appreciated. Transparency will rule the day, and our year-end financials will be available on our website for everyone to peruse. 
• To the best of our ability, we will follow the Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines, and our facility will be accessible to all, leaving no one behind.
• We will partner with our local rescue community, holding mutually beneficial events and assisting them with their senior dogs.
• We will maintain a strict policy of openness, kindness and community spirit. 
• We will be loving and conscientious caretakers for the homeless senior pups who come our way.

In the end, the White Whiskers Senior Dog Sanctuary will be a gift to our community, a place of peace, comfort and solace. With all of you, we WILL get this done – TOGETHER!

A very big THANK YOU to all!