VOLUNTEER

Join our volunteer team, it's very rewarding.​

REMEMBERING Val

Join us on FaceBook Live Jan. 16th at Noon EDT to celebrate the life of our founder Val Lynch.

MEET Pete

Read our "Take Me Home" spotlight and see all of our adoptable dogs.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR FOUNDER

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Val Lynch, Senior Dog Sanctuary founder and Executive Director on September 8, 2020. Val, a retired Air Force Colonel, founded SDS in 2015 with a passion for helping old dogs in need. Since then, the Sanctuary, under Val’s dedicated leadership, has rescued 645 dogs both in the United States and internationally. In 2018, Val was recognized by the Daily Record as one of Maryland’s most admired CEO’s for his work with SDS. 

Val was intimately involved with the day to day operations of SDS and showed every dog who came through the Sanctuary doors that they were loved and valued. He helped countless dogs to find a loving last home. In fact, Val even became the final home for one of his favorite dogs, Hot Shot, when it became clear that Hottie’s time was near and an adoptive family had not been found. Val made sure his friend Hot Shot left this world with a family of his own. 
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While the loss of our hero, Val, is devastating, we know that his legacy is lasting and because of him, senior dogs now have a place to feel safe until their forever home is found. There is an Indian proverb that says that at the gates of heaven stands every animal that a person has encountered in their life-time. The animals, based on what they know of this person, decide which humans may cross through the gates of Heaven. We can only imagine all the joyous barks when Val arrived at those gates. If you are able and feel so moved, Val’s family asks that you consider a donation to Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland in Val’s memory.​

EASY WAYS TO HELP

We have a few easy ways you can support the Sanctuary even if you are not able to volunteer in person!

Newsletter

Read and then Share our monthly newsletter.

SHOP

Shop on AmazonSmile and/or send items to the Sanctuary via our Amazon Wish List.

donate

Make a one time or recurring donation.

ADOPTION PARTNERSHIPS

Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland is a proud adoption partner of Pets for Patriots and Pets for the Elderly. These organizations help cover the costs of adoption fees for qualified adopters.

about sds

Providing a permanent safe haven for senior dogs who are unable to be cared for by their owners, who are abandoned or abused, or face euthanasia.