IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR FOUNDER

Val Lynch, Senior Dog Sanctuary founder and Executive Director passed 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. 

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.​

Val with his "favorite" Hotshot. Hotshot had a hard time finding the right family. After learning the pup was terminally ill Val adopted Hotshot himself.