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.

Biscuit had a fun-filled day and is now ready for a happy sleep on a super cozy bed, surrounded by all his new friends. ...
07/01/2025

Biscuit had a fun-filled day and is now ready for a happy sleep on a super cozy bed, surrounded by all his new friends. Goodnight and sweet dreams from our joyful little guy!

Guess who! Level: Difficult 😋
07/01/2025

Guess who! Level: Difficult 😋

Majesty is available for adoption, but she is also in urgent need of a temporary foster as her current foster will be tr...
06/30/2025

Majesty is available for adoption, but she is also in urgent need of a temporary foster as her current foster will be traveling from 7/3-7/6.

She is fostered by Freckles Foundation & Animal Rescue in Rockville, MD.

This 9-year-old micro bulldog has a happy tail that never stops wagging. She loves her walks, enjoys playing in the yard, and never turns down a good car ride.

She is also the queen of cuddles. She eagerly jumps onto the couch for snuggle sessions and, while she enjoys her own comfy bed, she much prefers sleeping in bed with her favorite people.

Majesty prefers to be the only female pet in her household. She gets along beautifully with male dogs, bringing a warm and playful energy to every interaction.

She confidently tackles stairs going up but sometimes needs a little help coming down.

For more information on fostering or to adopt Majesty, visit https://frecklesfoundation.org/.



Joey keeping an eye on everyone from his throne (a cozy bed 🤣)!
06/30/2025

Joey keeping an eye on everyone from his throne (a cozy bed 🤣)!

A laugh to start your week!
06/30/2025

A laugh to start your week!

Peanut, Hershey, and Tillie are patiently waiting for their bedtime snack before snuggling in for the night. Here’s to a...
06/30/2025

Peanut, Hershey, and Tillie are patiently waiting for their bedtime snack before snuggling in for the night. Here’s to another beautiful day tomorrow—let’s all be kind, stay grateful, and appreciate this wonderful world we share.

This dynamic duo is still looking for their forever home. Could it be you?Biscuit & Gravy, both male, are a Scottish Ter...
06/29/2025

This dynamic duo is still looking for their forever home. Could it be you?

Biscuit & Gravy, both male, are a Scottish Terrier mix. (Biscuit in 1st, Gravy in 2nd). They are a bonded pair and must be adopted together. They are fostered by Mid Atlantic Scottish Terrier Education and Rescue - Master in Silver Spring, MD.

While they may look like twins, they have completely different personalities!

Gravy is a slow-going, quiet, laid-back gentleman. Biscuit is the more energetic brother and loves to play. Both of these boys will do great with anyone who wants to lay on the couch and watch TV or go for walks in the neighborhood. They are both friendly and loving.

They are looking for either a permanent foster (medical care paid for) or an adoption.

Contact [email protected] for more info about these boys!!



06/29/2025

Our Toby loves to mess with Piper and nibble on her ears but she doesn’t seem to mind much 🤣

YES!
06/29/2025

YES!

We love those chihuahua ears ☺️🫶🏻
06/28/2025

We love those chihuahua ears ☺️🫶🏻

06/28/2025

Hitting the Road with Your Pet: Prepare for Summer TravelSummer is the perfect time for road trips—and if you’re like ma...
06/28/2025

Hitting the Road with Your Pet: Prepare for Summer Travel

Summer is the perfect time for road trips—and if you’re like many pet parents, that means bringing your furry co-pilot along for the ride. Whether you’re heading to the beach, the mountains, or to visit family, a little preparation can ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable trip for both you and your pet.

Here’s your complete guide to preparing your pet for a summer road trip. ☀️
1. Schedule a Vet-Check Before You Go

Before heading off on your adventure, visit with your family vet to confirm that your pet is healthy enough for travel and up-to-date on vaccinations. This is a great time to ask about motion sickness medication, flea/tick prevention, and any location-specific health risks. If you’re crossing state lines or staying in pet-friendly accommodations, a copy of your pet’s medical records or a health certificate might be required.
2. Pack the Essentials

Think of your pet’s travel gear like a mini suitcase just for them. Here’s a quick checklist:

Plenty of food and water (collapsible bowls make feeding on-the-go easy!)
Leash, collar/harness, and ID tags
Current photo of your pet (in case they get lost)
Waste bags and grooming supplies
Bed, blankets, or travel crate
Toys and chews for entertainment
Pet-safe sunscreen or paw balm (especially for dogs)

If your pet is crate-trained, bringing the crate helps create a safe and familiar space during the drive and at your destination.
3. Plan Pet-Friendly Stops

Long drives mean breaks—for both you and your pet. Research rest stops, parks, and trails where your pet can stretch, sniff, and relieve themselves. Apps like BringFido or AllTrails can help you find pet-friendly stops along your route.
4. Keep Them Safe in the Car

For everyone’s safety, pets should be secured during travel. 🚗 A crash-tested seatbelt harness, travel crate, or pet barrier are great options. Pets should not ride in the front seat or on your lap while the car is in motion. Also—no matter how much they love it—don’t let them hang out the window. It’s dangerous, especially on highways.

Important: Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car, even with the windows cracked. Summer temperatures can rise fast, leading to heatstroke or worse.
5. Maintain Routine on the Road

Pets love routine—and travel can throw that off. Try to stick to regular feeding, walking, and bedtime schedules as much as possible. Familiar smells (like your pet’s bedding) and comfort items (like a favorite toy) go a long way in reducing stress.
6. Book Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Not all hotels, rentals, or campsites allow pets, so always confirm policies before booking. Bring a copy of your pet’s vaccination record, and consider a pet travel mat or blanket to protect furniture and help your pet feel at home. Again, apps like BringFido can help you find a pet-friendly spot.
7. Watch for Summer Hazards

Be mindful of hot pavement, sun exposure, and insects. ♨️ Check your pet’s paws for burns after walking on hot surfaces, and avoid peak heat hours when exercising. Keep your pet hydrated at all times—and never offer unfamiliar foods, even if they beg for a bite of your road trip snacks.
Final Thoughts

With a little planning, your summer road trip can be just as fun for your pet as it is for you. From safety and comfort to snacks and scenic stops, preparing in advance ensures happy travels and unforgettable memories with your four-legged friend by your side.

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Gaithersburg, MD

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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.