Chaucee Stillman has a passion and a vision to bring unwanted senior dogs the care and love they deserve after their years of giving unconditional love to their humans. At present Stillman is the sole employee of the non-profit organization she started in December of 2022. Her inspiration for starting this rescue for senior dogs has been the eight years she has given to being a foster home for senior dogs.
Stillman’s organization is a foster-based rescue, with no public shelter or facility, that is based out of her home in Coal Creek Canyon. She feels that senior dogs are often the most overlooked at shelters and the first to be euthanized. A Grey Muzzle Organization survey found that 20% of dogs homed last year were seniors. (Grey Muzzle Society, 2022) This is up from American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (www.aspca.org) and Chewy.com which both state that 5% of dogs that find homes after being in a shelter are senior dogs. Due to these dogs’ years of experience being human companions, Stillman thinks that they make the best pets. Her dream is to operate this senior dog rescue that has extra emphasis on hospice care.
CSDRH is 100% volunteer run and all animals are placed in foster homes. This type of environment is healthier for senior dogs as it is a less stressful environment affording less chance of exposure to disease for the animals. These dogs can then decompress and return to a more normal life. Stillman’s favorite part of what she does is “seeing dogs get back the sparkle in their eyes and the pep in their step.” When the dog realizes they are in a good place a transformation occurs in their eyes, their body language and their behavior. These dogs show their gratitude with love for their caretakers.
“The moment when they leave the shelter and come home to a soft blanket, a cozy bed, and a delicious meal is an honor to be a part of,” Stillman says.
The organization is 100% funded through donations. Business sponsorship is available and more information on how to help can be found on the website at https:// coseniordogrescue.org/partner/.
Stillman’s background started as a wedding photographer. After that she worked at a marketing agency managing social media and photography. Westco Digital was started by her in 2016, it is her own marketing and web design business.
For CSDRH, the biggest need currently is foster homes and fundraising. A way to help if you are not able to do either is to follow on social media and like/comment/ share the posts. There are volunteer positions such as grant writing, adoption coordination and partnership manager as well.
For information on how to help email info@coloradoseniordogrescue.org.
