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
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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.
An animal rescue in Florida just saved about 80 dogs from the ongoing Los Angles wildfires and the freezing weather in Texas.
01/23/2025
Our sweet boy Dewey went to heaven today. 💔
Over the last couple of days, he wasn’t feeling well, and his bloodwork showed severe anemia, likely from internal bleeding caused by his advanced lymphoma. We knew our time with him would be short, but we made sure every moment was filled with love, comfort, and care.
We’re so grateful to Mid Atlantic Scottish Terrier Education and Rescue - Master for trusting us to give Dewey the best care for the rest of his life. It was an honor to love him and be loved by him in return.
Run free, sweet Dewey. We love you always, buddy. ❤️
01/22/2025
Meet Princess!
Princess is fostered by Caring Hearts Rescue in Springfield, VA.
This sweet, gentle Bichon is 12 years old, but you wouldn’t know it because she is so agile and full of life.
She loves everybody she meets and likes to cuddle and give kisses.
She loves attention and lap time and will gaze adoringly into her humans’ eyes.
She is the first to greet people at the door and the first in line for meals!
Princess gets along well with other dogs and people of all ages.
She recently had her dental and is ready for adoption. If you are interested in adopting Princess, visit www.caringheartsrescue.org.
01/22/2025
Forever Fosters
As you know, House with a Heart residents are dogs who come to HWAH and have a “Home for Life”. But SOMETIMES it is not the best of the best and that is what we always want for our charges.
Some pups become “Forever Fosters”.
These are pups who are happier in a more calm and quiet setting with more hands-on attention than they can get in the Sanctuary full of doggie friends all vying for attention.
Monroe is our Miracle Mascot. Unlike our other pups and kitties he’s not a senior and he has no has no special needs.
So why, you might ask, is he at the Sanctuary? Well, because this little hunk of love is a MIRACLE!
He arrived at the sanctuary severely debilitated, but with love and care, his improvement was miraculous and we fell in love with this sweet, intelligent, energetic puppy.
So our miracle boy has become our Miracle Mascot and his loving presence added a new dimension to House with a Heart. He now lives with his Forever Foster family, Karen.
Ree Drummond Shares Sweet Family Photos of Her Kids Bonding with Their Pets on Their Oklahoma Ranch:
The Pioneer Woman blogger, 55, shared a series of photos on her Instagram Stories on Friday, Dec. 27, which showed her kids bonding with their pets while at their Pawhuska, Ok., ranch.
“Paige ❤️Lucy,” Ree first wrote over a photo of her daughter Paige Drummond, 25, embracing her white Labrador Lucy.
Meet Penny and Roe - a bonded pair of yorkies who are fostered by Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue in Ellicott City, MD.
Penny is 13 and Roe (short for Romeo) is 10. They have lived together for 7 years and get along well.
Penny has a wiggle in her walk and may have a hard time seeing. She LOVES to be close to you and giving kisses.
Roe is a little more shy than Penny, but once he warms up he is your shadow and LOVES to snuggle.
Their foster mom actually watches Romeo give Penny some grooming kisses and Penny comfort Romeo in the car with some kisses.
Interested in adopting this sweet yorkie pair? Visit mirishaven.org.
01/21/2025
Forever Fosters
As you know, House with a Heart residents are dogs who come to HWAH and have a “Home for Life”. But SOMETIMES it is not the best of the best and that is what we always want for our charges.
Some pups become “Forever Fosters”.
These are pups who are happier in a more calm and quiet setting with more hands-on attention than they can get in the Sanctuary full of doggie friends all vying for attention.
Daisy’s owners were moving to a retirement village and could only take 1 dog. Daisy was left in the care of a friend who was supposed to re-home her. Unfortunately, Daisy was so terrified in her new situation, she escaped and was on the run for several days.
We had her bring Daisy to us in the hopes we could help her fear and get her relaxed before we reaching out to a rescue partner who could help re-home her. Well, we instantly fell in love with her and decided she would go live with our Assistant Director Lori and husband John. Daisy is getting the proper training so that she will always feel safe and loved and never need to run away again.
"I don't like donuts! Why would you even ask me that?"
🤣🤣🤣🤣
01/20/2025
Forever Fosters
As you know, House with a Heart residents are dogs who come to HWAH and have a “Home for Life”. But SOMETIMES it is not the best of the best and that is what we always want for our charges.
Some pups become “Forever Fosters”.
These are pups who are happier in a more calm and quiet setting with more hands-on attention than they can get in the Sanctuary full of doggie friends all vying for attention.
Candie was a 12 year old Yorkie when she came to us when her owner had to go into a nursing home. Candie is the absolute sweetest dog. She loves to be with everyone who pays attention to her!
She enjoys cuddle time or just sitting next to her special someone. Candie does well with the other dogs in her foster home. Candie has kidney disease and is on a special diet. She also has a heart murmur. She will require eye drops for the rest of her life to keep her eyes from being dry.
Candie has recently gone to live with Dr. Michelle as her Forever Foster.
From our friends at Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue - more info on their new intake Jerry.
"Picture it ~ you’re taking some food donations to your local shelter, and there he sits. Little boy Jerry and we couldn’t resist.
Jerry was surrendered back to the shelter yesterday. He’s been part of their family since 2015 ~ eight years ~and now, at the time when he needs them most, they’re done. The surrender form says he’s 24 years old and that they “no longer have time to care for him.” Twenty-four years is likely not accurate; the shelter has his birth year listed as 2010. Either way… He’s old. He’s fragile. And he’s confused.
Jerry didn’t understand what was happening as they walked away. He just stood there. Quiet. Looking. Waiting for someone to tell him it wasn’t real - sitting in a kennel, not knowing why the only life he’s ever known was ripped away from him, until we showed up.
Despite all this, Jerry’s heart is still pure. He’s gentle. He’s sweet. He greeted everyone without a sound, his little paws making soft imprints in the snow as he hopped around before settling into a bed ~ probably the only comfort he’s had in days.
Jerry doesn’t have years and years left, but we refuse to let him live out his time in a shelter. He deserves warmth. Love. Safety. A soft place to land for whatever time he has. But we need your help to make that happen.
Please share his story. Let’s get Jerry into the arms of someone who will never abandon him again."
Jerry is fostered in Warrenton, VA. For more info, visit mirishaven.org.
HWAH Fospice DEWEY is deep in thought and has something to say to us ... but what is it?
Share your caption ideas for this cute photo in the comments section below!
01/18/2025
Adoptable Ziggy may not be able to see the snow, but he feels its magic. Doesn't he look cozy? This is a picture-perfect reminder that beauty is found in every soul.
Ziggy is 16 years old and fostered by Miri's Haven Senior Dog Rescue in Berkley Springs, WV.
This sweet senior boy is blind, but his heart sees everything that matters. Ziggy loves sniffing the crisp winter air, enjoying cozy naps, and finding the little joys in life. He’s searching for a family to share his golden years with ~ a home where his quiet strength and love can truly shine.
Ziggy is ready to join your your family to create cherished memories.
To adopt Ziggy, visit mirishaven.org.
01/18/2025
Courtesy of our Girl Scouts Silver Project 2023
01/18/2025
Disabled Cat Develops Coolest Ski Moves to Navigate Around Her Home.
A friend of mine recently got a tripod cat, who had lost one of his hind legs in a car accident. Honestly, you would never know the difference. That cat is more of a daredevil than my own, four-legged ones. He leaps around her house, balancing on bannisters and traversing high ledges. Animals can be extremely adaptive to limb differences and other disabilities, and soon find ways to work around their limitation.
Take this calico kitty, who has twisted forelegs, and has devised the coolest way of getting around her home.
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Videos
At least a few of them like the snow! 😋
A precious little Peanut. 🥹
The pups took advantage of the nice weather in Maryland today. 60 degrees and sunny! 🌞🥰
Ciroc in the beginning was like “what the heck!!” 😂
Piper and her buddies (watch for Monroe) are so cute & happy playing, makes me smile.
From April 7, 2023
From May of 2024 - BFF Mulligan wants to eat off of the table...
Our foster boy, Dino, is very tired from helping Santa deliver presents all night! 🎁🎅🥰
#SweetDreams #GoodNight #HugsAndHope
Wishing everyone a night full of sweet dreams and warm cuddles!!!
Stay WARM!!!
Happy Holidays!!!!
Hugs and HOPE - sher and the HWAH Gang
It was SOO COLD today, but at least we had sun! Half the kids wanted to run around outside and the other half wanted to stay snuggled in their nice warm bed. 😅 do your pups like to go out in the cold or would they rather stay in??
Such happy boys! Cancer won’t stop them from enjoying a yummy bone! 🍖🥰
Time for zoomies!! The weather has been yucky these past few days and it feels good to finally get some energy out!! 🥰
Bobbi! Such a handsome boy, isn’t he?! 🥰 Mid Atlantic Scottish Terrier Education and Rescue - Master
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.
We are now embarking on a new way to help Senior and Special needs dogs – by providing necessary medical care to make them adoptable from the shelters and get them into their local rescue or a new forever home.
Often when a rescue group goes to a shelter, they only look for young healthy dogs, even though many people are now considering a Senior or Special needs dog when looking to adopt. Our goal is to make that first step as easy as possible.
HWAH relies on volunteers, donations, grants and wish list gifts to accomplish our primary mission of providing quality care for senior dogs and cats.
