Dog Days: Retired from politics, former Catholic legislator now devoted to caring for senior pets

Rescued from a life of uncertainty after his owner’s death, Gabe, a 17-year-old Labrador, discovered solace in the Senior Dog Sanctuary overseen by Ned Carey – a retired member of the Maryland General Assembly and devout Catholic.

“To see him in his life vest, pushing his favorite toy in the pool doing aqua therapy, encapsulates the essence of what we do,” said Carey, who serves as president of the dog sanctuary’s board.

The Anne Arundel County sanctuary operates on a core principle – rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming senior dogs. Even if a furry resident doesn’t find a forever home, the sanctuary ensures it becomes the dog’s haven for the rest of its life.

Gabe’s story reflects the commitment and dedication of the sanctuary to enhancing the lives of its residents.

For Carey, it was a significant transition to go from working with legislative matters to following the daily routines of canine companions.

Ritchie Brooks, chairman of the board of the Senior Dog Sanctuary, played a crucial role in the shelter’s development. Meeting Carey during their service at the Maryland statehouse, Brooks sought support for a bond bill to fund capital improvements for the senior dog sanctuary. It resulted in a $100,000 grant for renovations, a new roof, a turf field and fencing.

Carey’s experience in the general assembly and Brooks’ invitation led him to join the sanctuary’s board after retiring. Guided by the values ingrained in him through his Catholic upbringing, Carey perceives the sanctuary’s mission as a living embodiment of the teachings of South Baltimore’s St. Rose of Lima Parish.      

“These were the kind of values that were instilled in me growing up by my family and church. We’re doing good for the community at large by helping these dogs,” Carey said.

The sanctuary, founded in 2016 by retired Air Force Col. Val Lynch, offers a peaceful setting for its senior residents. Located on ample grounds in Severn, the facility provides onsite medical care to address the health needs of residents. Dogs are housed in bedrooms, and there are walking trails and play areas catering to dogs’ different levels of fitness and mobility.

Lynch’s passion for aiding senior dogs led to the establishment of the sanctuary, which, under his leadership until his passing Sept. 8, 2020, has rescued and cared for 645 dogs domestically and internationally.

Maria Pettineo – a parishioner of St. Mary of the Mills Parish in Laurel, in the Archdiocese of Washington – tells the story of her shih tzu Scooby, who she adopted from the sanctuary. 

Despite initial health challenges, Scooby adapted swiftly.

Pettineo, 61, chose to adopt a senior dog for its sweet temperament and slower pace, teaching her the grace of aging. She reflects on the enriching experience, “Dogs live in the moment and in the present. That’s what they remember and take with them when they pass over.”

A noteworthy initiative, the Seniors 2 Seniors program – supported by an Anne Arundel County grant – aims to keep senior citizens united with their dogs through a food pantry and a planned wellness clinic starting in January. The new food pantry is stocked with pet food for owners who need assistance feeding their animals.

Carey emphasized that the adoption process is inclusive, welcoming anyone to adopt a dog. However, participants in the Seniors 2 Seniors program are required to be 55 years or older and residents of Anne Arundel County.

For Mary Groom, a parishioner of Perpetual Help in Edgewater, the Seniors 2 Seniors program offered a source of assistance. Attending the South County Senior Activity Center, Groom, a proud owner of three dogs and a cat, encountered financial challenges caring for her pets. “The biggest thing is the vet bills,” Groom said.

Many seniors face that challenge, leading to difficult decisions.

The Seniors 2 Seniors program, which Groom discovered through a bulletin board, emerged as a lifeline for her and the rest of the seniors at South County Senior Activity Center. Excited about the free pet food they receive monthly, Groom sees the upcoming wellness clinic as a benefit.

“The program not only alleviates financial burdens but also fosters a sense of community and shared support,” Groom said.

To help supplement the budget, the sanctuary receives financial support from the county and ensures its mission through events and donations. 

The sanctuary also relies on dedicated volunteers to assist with regular care for the dogs and outreach initiatives in the community. Volunteers are instrumental in maintaining the sanctuary’s operations and ensuring the well-being of the senior dogs. Carey notes the sanctuary is always in need of more shelter volunteers, emphasizing their crucial role.

Despite these collaborative efforts, the sanctuary, housing 23 on-site residents, encounters ongoing challenges in care and financial support. While committed to providing a home for life, Carey underscores the sanctuary’s unwavering dedication to addressing the common health issues faced by senior dogs.

Becky Benjamin, the sanctuary’s medical manager and a former veterinarian, highlights prevalent conditions such as joint problems, arthritis, eye diseases and liver disorders, emphasizing the complexities they navigate in ensuring optimal care for the senior dogs.

Health care tips for senior dogs

Dr. Kip Imperato, a veterinarian from the You’ll Never Walk Alone hospital in Canton who volunteers at the Senior Dog Sanctuary, provided insights into the unique needs of caring for senior dogs.

Regular Veterinary Check-ups: Consider twice-a-year exams for senior dogs, focusing on blood draws to monitor kidney
and liver health.

Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight to prevent arthritis and other joint issues. Take your dog on slow 10-minute walks daily.

Specialized Diets: Switch to an age-appropriate diet, possibly lower in calories, or prescription foods based on specific health conditions. Consult with the dog’s veterinarian for a specialized diet.

Pay close attention: Owners should be aware that health situations may change rapidly for
senior dogs.

Dental Care: Prioritize dental hygiene to prevent heart issues. Regular cleaning or feeding dental treats can help. Alternatively, a vet visit for a thorough teeth cleaning, conducted under sedation, or anesthesia, is effective. If you prefer at-home care, using a finger brush or even a piece of gauze can be sufficient.

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