Spring 2018 THE NEW BARKER 87 www.TheNewBarker.com Oftentimes, senior dogs with varying health issues, are owner-surren- dered to kill shelters. Sometimes, the owner can no longer afford to care for the sick dog. Other times, the cold hard truth is that the human just no longer wants to deal with an old sick dog.Thankfully, there are a handful of rescue groups that have pet hospice programs. E.A.R.S. Rescue in Odessa is one such group.Through their Golden E.A.R.S., they pull senior and/or terminally ill dogs and give them a safe, warm place for whatever time they have left. We met two of those dogs during the Cindy’s Pets Strawberry Festival, earlier this year in New Port Richey: Sophie, who is 16 and Wilson who is 15. Sophie was pulled from Polk County Animal Services and Wilson, a Poodle who lost his hair, was pulled from Hillsborough County Animal Services Pet Resource Center. Both dogs were scheduled to be euthanized. Jennifer is the foster volun- teer who dedicates her time to the senior dogs,“My job is to be an advocate for them and their healthcare.They live in my home.” Cindy’s Pets provides pet food to homebound citizens in the Pasco County Meals on Wheels Program. CindysPets.org Love until the end: Florida groups that provide for termi- nally ill and/or senior dogs. Golden E.A.R.S.- Odessa Through E.A.R.S. Animal Rescue & Sanctuary. EARSRescue.org The Old Dog House - Jacksonville. 904.419.7387 TheOldDogHouse.org Senior Paws Sanctuary Southwest Florida SeniorPawsSanctuary.com Vintage Paws Sanctuary - Sarasota 941.921.4355 VintagePaws.org The Roland Senior Dog Rescue and Sanctuary - Melrose RolandRescueGang.com Canine Estates - Palm Harbor 727.412.0558 CanineEstates.com Rugaz Rescue Project Golden Years - New Port Richey. RugazRescue.com new port richey DOGS’ DAY IN DADE CITY - Dade City is known for its antique shops, restaurants and historic architecture.The Edwinola, a 1912 hotel building, is now part of a dog-friendly retirement residence and assisted living facility.Agnes Lamb Park, the site of the annual Dogs Day in Dade City, is just across the street from the Edwinola.There were several rescue groups on-hand with adoptables, vendors like Dog Mania & Cats, Downtown Dade City’s pet boutique extraordinaire. In addition to the Dog Wagon Parade, there was a dog talent contest, costume contest and an ice cream eating contest. Dogs’ Day 2019 will be on March 16.Vendor fee for businesses is $20; for non-profits, it’s only $10. Call 352.424.4972. Photography by Anna Cooke. Angel, a West Highland Terrier, was found wandering the streets as a stray. She now lives at the Edwinola with Virginia, one of the residents.Virginia has Alzheimer’s and Angel helps keep her active and communicative. Abby Avila, a Scottie and the unofficial Dogs’ Day Ambassadog. Rosie, an adoptable from Florida Boxer Rescue. Maize was a breeder dog at a puppy mill. She is now an adoptable from Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue Florida Boxer Rescue FLBR.org Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue FloridaCocker.org dade city Photograph by Anna Cooke