More than 10 years ago Carie Broecker promised her dying friend, Alice, that she would find a home for her dog after she passed. The two bonded years before when Alice adopted Savannah whom Broecker was fostering. Broecker later cared for Savannah while Alice underwent treatments for Emphysema, then brought her for visits when Alice entered hospice.
Alice’s expression of relief that Savannah would be cared for sparked a vision: “I remember it clear as day,” Broecker told CNN. “The whole concept of Peace of Mind Dog Rescue came to me: the name, and that we would take in dogs from senior citizens who were dying.”
Soon thereafter, Broecker teamed up with animal rescue ally, Monica Rua, who also proposed rescuing senior dogs from shelters. When Peace of Mind Dog Rescue was hatched in 2009, seniors of two species realized their dreams. The effort has earned Broecker a nomination for CNN Hero of the Year for 2022.
The group takes in dogs — many of them seniors themselves — from aging humans who can no longer care for them, have entered nursing care facilities or have died. Often, it’s the elder person’s family who contacts the group regarding placement for the dog.
“Often times, the dog can be your last connection to that person,” Broecker said. “You’re giving away a part of that person who was so special to you. So, it can be really hard.”
More often than not, seniors simply need help tending to their pets due to decreased mobility. In these cases, Peace of Mind dispatches volunteers for 30- to 60-minute dog walking sessions.
Having spun an extensive and reliable network with rescues and fosters, the group is able to relieve pressure from overcrowded shelters. Senior dogs pulled from shelters get a full medical workup after which they’re matched with one of 160 foster homes. Potential adopters can see how well an individual dog has adjusted to a new home environment. Full disclosure is made of any prevailing medical issues.
In 2019, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue streamlined medical care for the dogs it took in by opening its own veterinary clinic. Facilities and staff offer a complete examination including heartworm test, senior blood panel and urinalysis. X-rays, ultrasound and biopsy services are also available. The on-site clinic has saved money and time, allowing the group to focus on the business of rescue and expanding their services.
The Helping Paw financial assistance program helps keep disadvantaged pet parents and their pets together. Each year, people can apply for $500 grants for medical care. Many low-income seniors have benefitted.
To date, Peace of Mind has helped 2,000 seniors and found homes for more than 3,000 senior dogs. For Broecker, it’s about honoring the elderly: “In our society, sometimes the elderly, whether that is senior people or senior dogs, get ignored,” Broecker said. “We really want to cherish all of life.”
Other champions of senior dogs have previously received CNN accolades. In 2016, Sherri Franklin, founder of Muttville, was nominated as a CNN Hero for saving senior dogs tagged for euthanasia and finding them forever homes.
You can see the profiles of all 2022 nominees by visiting CNN.com/heroes. The 15th Annual CNN Heroes Tribute airs Sunday, December 11, at 8PM EST on CNN.