Young at Heart Pet Rescue

A Sanctuary of the Heart

When Young At Heart was founded in April of 2005, one of the group’s long term goals was to raise enough money to someday have a physical sanctuary. A place where older dogs and cats that are too far along in life or have too many medical needs can live out their years being loved, happy, and safe. Imagine a 15 year old dog or a 17 year old cat, once given up by their family with no hope of ever making it out of a pound alive, living out their golden years in a place full of love and laughter, with room to roam and stretch, where ear scratches and belly rubs know no bounds. This place, this Sanctuary, is one that Young At Heart is constantly working towards. In December of 2012, the organization purchased 8 acres in unincorporated Woodstock, IL in which to build a future facility just for senior dogs and cats. It will take a mighty effort on the part of our volunteers and supporters to raise the funds to build a state-of-the-art facility with senior pets needs in mind, but the dedication that drives Young at Heart will ensure it comes to fruition.

Until the facility becomes a reality, Young At Heart has created “A Sanctuary of the Heart”, a sanctuary program where foster families with enormous hearts agree to take on the lifetime care commitment of one of our pets that is happy and has many months or years left, but may not be considered “adoptable” by many people. These dogs and cats receive all the medical care, love, and attention they need for the rest of their lives, cared for by their Sanctuary Homes, and financially supported by Young At Heart.

The dogs and cats in our sanctuary program have been rescued from pounds and shelters with the intention of being adopted out, but medical issues have prevented them from becoming fully adoptable. SANCTUARY HOMES ARE NOT AVAILABLE FOR DOGS AND CATS FROM OUTSIDE YOUNG AT HEART’S ADOPTION PROGRAM.

With a BIG HEART, you can help us build an adoption center and sanctuary designed exclusively for senior pets!

The Future Home of Young at Heart

12.12.12

Dear Friends,

I am so incredibly excited to announce that the future for homeless senior pets just became a whole lot brighter!

Young at Heart Pet Rescue has officially purchased 8 acres of beautiful land in unincorporated Woodstock, just minutes from downtown Crystal Lake. These 8 acres will eventually become home to a serene oasis for senior dogs and cats in need of rescue – an adoption center, sanctuary and grounds designed specifically for senior pets aged 7 years and older.

A capital campaign is in the near future. If you are interested in donating in-kind donations, naming opportunities, have other inquiries regarding the property, would like to donate to this campaign, please email Executive Director, Dawn Kemper, at dkemper@yahpetrescue.com or call 847-529-2025.

Meet Our Sanctuary Residents!