High School Senior Helps Senior Dogs Shine
A volunteer with local animal shelters and rescue groups, Helena “Laney” Drakulich, a rising senior in Livingston, NJ, says she “always sees senior dogs overlooked because people want puppies they view as younger and cuter.” But, Laney, pictured here with her 14-year-old dog, Millie, strongly believes, “Senior dogs are the best, and all dogs are cute!”
So, when she decided to pursue the Girl Scout Gold Award, a project to make the world a better place, comparable to the Boy Scouts of America’s Eagle Scout honor, it was only natural that she chose to focus on the cause closest to her heart. “In my research about overcrowded shelters, I found out that senior dogs—age seven and older—are abandoned or surrendered more than other pets because people don’t want to take care of them or are unable to,” she said.
“What makes Laney special is the passion she shows for these older dogs,” said Alexandra Tuorto, Vice President of Rosemarie’s Rescue Ranch, where Laney has been a volunteer for the past two years. “I work with many volunteers who are partial to puppies. But she marches to her own drum and has a mission to make a difference for those animals who may not have as long a life to live, but she wants it to be one they treasure.” Alexandra noted that Laney works alongside other volunteers at monthly adoption events where she socializes animals, holds their leashes and comforts them. She also volunteers at the group’s resale shop, helping to raise funds to support the care of rescued dogs.
Since her project proposal was approved by the Girl Scouts of the USA last February, she began working to create educational flyers about the benefits of adopting older dogs, one for anyone and another targeted to senior citizens, who she thinks are an especially good match for senior dogs. “Senior dogs are much less work than younger dogs. They are already trained and know how to behave. They also have less energy, so don’t need as much playtime or to be taken on walks as much,” she explained. “Yet many senior people aren’t aware of the benefits of adopting senior dogs, including waived adoption fees, and how they can provide emotional support, if needed.”
Working with several local animal welfare groups, she plans to personalize the flyers with photos of adoptable senior dogs and distribute them at adoption and other pet-related events. In November, she also plans to do a workshop on senior-to-senior adoption at the Livingston Senior Community Center and hold a Senior Dog Adoption Awareness Day at her school.
In doing research for her Gold Award project, Laney reached out to Lisa Lunghofer, Executive Director of The Grey Muzzle Organization, to learn more about efforts to help save senior dogs nationwide. After talking with Laney and reviewing the flyers she created, Lisa told her: “You should be so proud of yourself! Thank you for helping to shine a bright light on senior dogs who need a second chance. We can’t wait to share your great work and love for older pups.”
The Gold Award is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA, earned by only 5.4% of eligible Girl Scouts. Laney plans to submit her project report for approval in January 2025, after completing 80 hours of work.
“It’s so heartwarming to find a young person who is truly committed to our mission of creating a world where every senior dog thrives and no old dog dies alone and afraid,” Lisa said.
--By Barbara Castleman, volunteer writer and media relations manager for The Grey Muzzle Organization
