Editorial: ?Nursing home for dogs' provides wonderful home

The collection of senior dogs at Promise 4 Paws rescue near Missouri Valley is a sight to behold, still full of life, if not a step or two slower than they used to be.

The nonprofit organization is nestled in a neighborhood in unincorporated California Junction - a town of roughly 80 people in rural Harrison County - and offers a big backyard for roaming, sniffing and playing. A group of shelter volunteers started the organization in 2011 before purchasing the sanctuary property in 2015.

Promise 4 Paws is a wonderful organization providing a safe, fun home for aging dogs. The organization doesn't work to place the senior canines in a new home, but instead provides a place for them to live out the rest of their lives.

"Kind of a nursing home for dogs," said Tiffany Barrett, who cofounded the rescue with Cathy Grave.

Barrett noted many of the dogs that end up at Promise 4 Paws are surrendered because of extenuating circumstances, not because the owners didn't want them.

"This is not a sad place," she said. "They don't get this old without being really well taken care of."

Previous owners keep up to date on their former dogs via the group's Facebook page, while some give monthly donations and visit the sanctuary.

"One of the things we're really proud about is we can be that resource for people who really love their dog and don't want to take it to a shelter," Barrett said. "They can bring the dog here knowing it's staying with us and knowing it's going to be loved."

Barrett said the rescue relies on grants, donations and fundraising. The total cost of operation is about $3,500 per month, which includes about $2,400 per month for vet visits and medication for the senior canines. Barrett mentioned that the annual charitable giving event Omaha Gives, and the corresponding Pottawattamie Gives, is coming up soon on May 23.

It is an important funding source for Promise 4 Paws.

We often encourage philanthropy in this space, always with a caveat: if you can give. Here again we ask you to consider supporting a wonderful cause.

The Pottawattamie Gives website can be found at omahagives.org/pottawattamie. In addition, Promise 4 Paws has a wish list of needed items on its website - promise4pawsdogrescue.com.

And if you aren't able to give monetarily - or even if you can - you might be interested in volunteering with Promise 4 Paws.

Promise 4 Paws is run by volunteers, with someone at the house with the dogs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On a Friday afternoon, volunteer Echo Smith was a few hours into a shift that would last until noon on Saturday. The group is always looking for additional volunteers.

They're currently at full capacity at 24 dogs, but the rescue does have a waiting list. The residents range in age from 9 to 20 years old, with Max the oldest at 20.

"For many of them, this is their last home. This is a home environment, not a shelter environment," said volunteer Terri Gach-Mils. "We're thankful they have a place to thrive."

We are too. We commend everyone at Promise 4 Paws on a job well done, and when the giving season comes, we hope those who are able will consider the rescue.