Donate

✩

Donate ✩

Make a difference

This is the dream.
A peaceful sanctuary where senior dogs can live out their days in comfort and love.

With your help, we can make it real.

Be Part of Something Amazing!

At Friends of Felix Senior Dog Rescue and Sanctuary, your generosity gives senior dogs a second chance at love, safety, and peace. Many of our residents come to us after being abandoned or surrendered in their final years — and because of donors like you, they never have to feel alone again.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps provide food, medical care, cozy beds, and the comfort of knowing they are cherished.
Because when you donate, you're not just giving — you're saving lives.

🙏 Thank you for being part of their journey.

Every donor is a part of the Friends of Felix family. Your generosity helps us create a sanctuary where senior dogs can spend their golden years safe, comfortable, and surrounded by love. To honor your kindness, we’ve created donor tiers with special perks — small tokens of our gratitude for the big difference you’re making. No matter the level, every gift helps lay another brick in this forever home.

Tier 1: Small but Mighty Donors ($10-25)

  • Recognition on our “Founding Friends” website page

  • Exclusive “sneak peek” photos of rescue/sanctuary progress

Tier 2: Treat Givers

($26-50)

  • Everything above, plus:

  • Sticker pack or vinyl sticker

  • Handwritten thank-you card

Tier 4: Golden Hearts

($101-250)

  • Everything above, plus:

  • Early donor-exclusive pin or patch

  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes video

Tier 3: Comfort Providers

($51-100)

  • Everything above, plus:

  • Limited Edition merch item

  • Printed photo of one of our residents or founding animals with their “paw-tograph”

Tier 5: Legacy Builders

($250+)

  • Everything above, plus:

  • Founding Paw Wall Recognition

  • A personal invitation to our private Founding Friends open house event

Please Note: donor perks may take a little time to reach you, but we promise they’re on their way with love and gratitude!

Why give?

Prevalence in Shelters

  • Senior dogs make up about 10% of the total dog population waiting to be adopted in U.S. shelters. 5

  • The proportion of senior dogs in some rescues has risen, with reports of 25% of dogs served being seniors, up from 18% in previous years. 6

Adoption and Length of Stay

  • Senior dogs face significantly lower adoption rates compared to younger dogs. One study found a senior dog adoption rate of 25%, versus 60% for younger dogs. 6

  • Data from Petfinder.com shows senior cats and dogs spend nearly four times as long in shelters as younger animals, and 28% of shelters report seniors are the hardest animals to adopt out. 8

Euthanasia Rates

  • Senior dogs are at higher risk of euthanasia. In a survey of five open-admission shelters in South Carolina, 50% of senior dogs were euthanized—two and a half times the typical euthanasia rate for all dogs at those shelter. 6

Trends and Contributing Factors

  • There is a growing trend in the intake of senior dogs, attributed partly to the aging human population and more owners being unable to care for their pets due to health or life changes. 6

  • The number of "super seniors" (dogs over 10 years old) being surrendered or found as strays is increasing in several regions. 6

Fozzie’s Story. Our director adopted Fozzie from her local shelter while volunteering. Abandoned at 15+ years old, Olivia gave Fozzie a second chance at a pain-free life filled with love and adventures. Together for just 8 months, Fozzie made Olivia realize that she needed to turn her passion for caring for discarded senior dogs into something more.

Giving FAQs

  • Great question! We are building up a medical reserve fund so we are able to provide for our first dogs.

    Senior dogs have unique needs and often need extensive vet care to get them healthy and ready for adoption. This includes dental cleanings, vaccinations, possibly spay/neuter. Not to mention other age-related conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, and more!

  • Donations help provide veterinary care, food, medication, and a safe, loving environment for senior dogs in our sanctuary.

  • Yes! Our 501(c)3 status is pending as of 6/14/25. Once we receive confirmation from the IRS we will update our website.

    Your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive a receipt for your records when you donate through GiveButter.

  • Absolutely! Monthly donations provide steady support and help us plan ahead for the ongoing care of our senior dogs.

  • Yes, and we’d be honored. You can dedicate your gift during checkout and even request a card be sent to notify someone of your tribute in the comments section.

  • Yes, we gladly accept gently used supplies, unopened pet food, and other useful items. Please visit the link to our Wishlist or contact us to arrange drop off.

  • Yes, once we are open for intakes! Sponsorships help cover medical and daily care for a specific senior dog or sanctuary resident. We’ll send you updates and photos of your sponsored pup.

  • We welcome volunteers and supporters! Visit our Get Involved page to learn about fostering, helping with events, or spreading the word.