The What
Friends of Felix is more than a rescue—it's a promise.
We provide senior dogs with a sanctuary where safety, comfort, and dignity aren't just goals—they’re guarantees.
What we’re building is a place where grey muzzles are cherished, old bones are nurtured, and every dog is treated like family for as long as they need us. Some will find adoptive homes; others will live out their golden years in ours.
Every soft bed, vet visit, and tail wag is part of “The What.” This is where compassion lives—and where forgotten dogs are remembered, loved, and truly seen.
The Why
I wasn’t ready for Felix.
He pushed every limit I had—and still, I loved him completely.
He never made it to his golden years. Bladder cancer took him before he could grow old. But he’s why I’m doing this.
This sanctuary is for Felix…
And for Gotti, Kay, Eddy, Fozzie, Red, Toothless Ricky, Molly, and Chui—the dogs whose gray faces I kissed goodnight, whose final years I have been lucky enough to be part of.
It’s also for the dogs I couldn’t save. The ones I still dream about. The ones who never got to know what safety felt like.
Friends of Felix is my promise:
That no old dog will be forgotten. That love doesn’t end when they slow down. That someone will show up for them—even at the end.
This work is born from heartbreak, but built with love.
Every dog we take in is a tribute. Every tail wag is a small piece of healing.
Because this is what love does—it keeps going.
The Where
We have closed on our Sanctuary property!
But there is still so much work to be done.
We envision a peaceful, secure space designed just for senior dogs. A place where they can roam safely, nap in the sunshine, and live out their golden years surrounded by love and dignity.
Our organization is focused on preparing—building the foundation, raising the funds, and designing a space that meets the unique needs of aging dogs.
This will not be a foster-based rescue. Friends of Felix will be a true sanctuary—one location, carefully staffed and intentionally created to provide lifelong care for dogs who deserve nothing less.
With your support, “the where” isn’t a matter of if—only when.
The Who - Meet the Team
Olivia Wilhelm - Founder/President
Kay
Eddy
Alani
Lord Mackerel
Zelda
Our timeline isn’t a single date — it’s a journey.
Every brick, bed, and blade of grass will be funded by people like you.
Here’s our path:
Step 1: Finalize nonprofit status
Step 2: Fundraise for Food and Medical Needs
Step 3: Secure Property Location
Step 4: Welcome our first senior residents 🐾
With enough community support, these steps can happen faster than we ever dreamed.
The When
FAQs
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We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and providing lifelong sanctuary to senior dogs who have been abandoned, neglected, or surrendered. Our mission is to give them the love, dignity, and comfort they deserve in their golden years.
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Senior dogs are often overlooked in shelters due to age or medical needs. We believe every dog deserves to live out their final years feeling safe, valued, and loved — and we’re here to make that happen.
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We are based in Oswego County, where we plan to open and operate a peaceful sanctuary designed to meet the unique needs of senior dogs.
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Some of our dogs are adoptable, while others will remain in our care permanently due to medical or emotional needs. When a dog is ready for adoption, we look for forever homes that understand and embrace senior pet care.
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We are funded entirely by donations, sponsorships, and occasional grants. Every dollar goes directly toward the care, feeding, housing, and medical needs of our senior residents.
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Yes, we hope to collaborate with shelters and other rescues to help senior dogs who are at risk or in need of specialized care.
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There are many ways to get involved! You can donate, sponsor a dog, volunteer your time, or help us spread the word on social media! Visit our Get Involved page for more details.
Contact us
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!