Imagine coming home from a long, hard day of school. All you want to do is curl up with your dogs, but you can’t. Your dogs are gone, and your mother has some bad news.
Jennifer Hummel will never forget the day her terminally-ill mother took their three dogs to a local shelter. Her mother knew that with her failing health, her daughters would be unable to care for their beloved pets. It was a devastating time for the family. No one wanted to get rid of the pets, but the family had little choice. In retrospect, Jenn is certain the dogs were euthanized due to their age.
Situations like these are all too common. When an elderly person’s health takes a turn for the worse and assisted living is the only choice, dogs are almost never welcome. Often the dogs are in their golden years as well, and the time and money to care for them is not something family members are willing to take on. Most of our shelters are stressed and the care and maintenance of a sick or elderly pet is too much for them to handle.
Jennifer Hummel, now owner of ACE Pet Resort, a popular choice for traveling Sarasota pet lovers, has just received Non-Profit 501(c)3 status for Vintage Paws Sanctuary.
“We’ve taken in a dozen or more dogs that are 9 years or older, and they’ve lived an additional three or more very happy years with us,” Jennifer explains. “Our focus on only senior dogs or those with special needs. With our highly trained staff, and specific schedule we are often able to improve the health and quality of life for these dogs.”
ACE Pet Resort’s large team and 9-acre property ensures that they get plenty of sunshine, exercise and love. While some Vintage Paws residents are available for adoption, Jennifer knows that most will be residents at the sanctuary for the rest of their lives. “After all, that’s the point. The older ones have given their all to their owners. We just want to give back to them.” Jenn said.
The new Vintage Paws Memorial Garden has just been completed at Ace Pet Resort offering a quiet little sanctuary on the property. Feel free to stop by and take moment to remember your pet. 
Customizable memorial bricks are available for commemorating your own furry friend, and will help those in the care of Vintage Paws. A nice tribute.
You can help Vintage Paws Sanctuary by visiting their website at www.VintagePaws.org. You’ll find information about their four-footed residents, opportunities for to donate funds for veterinary care, volunteer your time toward their recreation, or buy Vintage Paws gear.
Here are just a few of the beloved Vintage Paws pets. [nggallery id=67]