Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
- The Golden Bark Foundation rescues senior dogs in Utah using foster homes.
- Founded in 2022 by Seth Schilling the foundation focuses on dogs over 7.
- Funding relies on donations, grants, and an annual gala to support medical needs.
OGDEN — When Seth Schilling and her partner adopted their first senior dog in 2015, they never imagined the life-changing path Sadie, the 13-year-old Schnauzer, had in store for them.
"We realized how beautiful it was to give her that retirement home that she didn't have anymore because her family had passed on," Schilling said. "And after she passed away, we immediately adopted our second senior, and realized, there is a need for this, and as far as I know, there isn't just a senior-based rescue in Utah."
That prompted the couple to start the Golden Bark Foundation in 2022.
Pet adoption is crucial to saving thousands of animals who are lost or surrendered each year. Utah has nearly 60 animal shelters working to rehome these pets. However, senior animals are often overlooked, typically due to concerns about medical costs and shorter life spans. The Golden Bark Foundation is working to change that.
The Golden Bark Foundation, based in Ogden, doesn't have a physical shelter. Instead, it relies on a network of foster homes across Utah to care for dogs age 7 and older — animals often overlooked in traditional shelters.
The foundation relies on a network of foster homes across Utah to care for the dogs.
"Seniors are usually the last ones to get adopted, or occasionally, first ones listed for euthanasia list, because they come with so many health issues for their age," Schilling explains. "We focus on them because we feel like they deserve a second chance, and they deserve to live in a beautiful retirement home, just like every other dog."
The foundation relies on donations and foster families because it lacks a physical facility. They find dogs by pulling them from shelters across the state. The primary focus is to get the older dogs out of shelters and into homes where they can relax.
"They've already been through so much. And if we can get them out and into a calm environment, it really helps their stress levels," Schilling said.
Once the foundation takes in a dog, it takes care of all the dog's medical needs. According to Schilling, 70% to 80% of the dogs they take in at the rescue require immediate dental work.
By taking care of the dog's medical needs, the rescue removes a major barrier for potential adopters.
Despite the foundation's efforts, compared to other shelters, it does take longer for dogs to get adopted — a couple of months to over a year. On average, the rescue adopts out 20 dogs a year.
Currently, the rescue is one space away from being at full capacity. Schilling explains, "But as dogs get adopted, that opens space for new dogs, so we have two adoptions coming up in the next week. That's two dogs that we can pull from the shelters."
For dogs with terminal illnesses or severe medical needs, the foundation offers a hospice program. "Our hospice fosters are aware that it comes with a little bit of heartbreak, more than maybe just adopting a dog out, because you have to say goodbye," Schilling says. "When the dog passes, we cover the cremation, and we give the remains back to the foster families if they choose to keep them. That's something that we do as a 'thank you' for everything that they've done for the dog."
Running the rescue is a passion for Schilling, who works full-time as a real estate agent and leads a team of volunteers who juggle their own jobs and families while caring for the dogs.
Funding comes from private donations, grants, and an annual gala. "The first quarter is always really rough for us, just because donations are super down," Schilling admits. "But as summer picks up, we do a lot of vendor events. … Every single dollar counts, especially for senior vet care."
Despite the challenges the rescue faces in finding homes for their fluffy senior friends, Schilling has nothing but gratitude for Utah communities. She said, "They are just amazing; people in Utah love their animals, and the people that we've been able to meet because of this organization … it's incredible. They love the mission, and they love what we do, and they love seeing all the cute dogs we post."
