For the love of dogs

My personal Marty’s Place Story

I am a volunteer at Marty’s Place. Two years ago, I had to say goodbye to my soul-dog, Starz, after almost 12 years of unconditional love. While my husband and I always took great care of her and made her our priority, there was something extra special about her elderly years. Getting up at 4 a.m. to clean her bed, wash her blankets, take her outside – it didn’t matter what time or how often, it was an honor to care for her when she needed it most. When she died, I felt like I lost my purpose. Even after two years, I still felt a part of me was missing. I learned about Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary and decided to apply to become a volunteer. The “starz” aligned and I began my journey at Marty’s Place in May of 2024. When I walked in the door for the first time, I was immediately greeted by my volunteer mentor as well as cocker spaniels, Sadie and Bentley. After some pets and belly rubs, I was given a tour of the sanctuary and learned the ins and outs of being a volunteer. I instantly felt the spark come back to my heart and couldn’t wait to return to Marty’s Place.

This was my best girl, Starz.

Marty’s Place Mission

Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary provides a safe, loving and protected environment for senior dogs in need of homes. Marty’s Place is dedicated to providing quality care to all residents and peace of mind to pet caregivers in need, knowing their senior dogs have forever homes. Senior dogs come to Marty’s Place for many reasons, some being relocation or displacement, owners’ medical issues, financial challenges or estate planning provisions. The majority of senior dogs come from pet owners but there are certain instances when they come from a shelter or animal rescue organization. Once at Marty’s Place, dogs have a home for life at the sanctuary, or when possible, in a new adoptive or lifelong foster home.

What it’s like at Marty’s Place

Marty’s Place is truly a home. You can feel the cozy and joyful vibes the minute you walk through the door. And now, we’re going to take you on a sensory tour of Marty’s Place through words and photos…

Sights – When you drive up to Marty’s Place the first thing you’ll notice is the incredibly peaceful surroundings of 25-plus bucolic acres, including wooded walking trails. The blue skies are magnified behind the gorgeous trees. And when you’re there at the golden hour, the sun puts on a magical show as it sets for the night. The resident pups have outdoor activity areas that are fenced in where they can play, exercise or sunbathe. When it’s time for a walk, sometimes the pups just stand in one spot, look up at the sun and take in a deep breath. For the more active dogs, a walk along the wooded trails is a perfect activity. You can physically feel the safety, happiness and gratitude that the resident dogs feel and it’s absolutely beautiful. 

When you enter the sanctuary, you’ll often find your furry friends waiting for you at the door. They know how much love and attention they get from their favorite volunteers and they can’t wait to say hello!

The family room crew waiting for their favorite human friends to say hello!

Once inside, you can see the perfect blend of home-like aspects with special accommodations specific to housing senior dogs. Marty’s Place has individual living spaces for up to 40 dogs. There are several lounges and a family room with a television, couches and beds where the pups can roam, relax, socialize or snooze. The residents also have grooming and bathing areas, as well as a treatment room where they can receive simple medical care.

In addition to the living spaces for the resident pups, the sanctuary has a laundry room, pantry, lots of storage space, offices, and a conference room and lounge space for staff, volunteers and visitors. There is another building on the property that houses an indoor, inground swimming pool and underwater treadmill for therapy and exercise.

Sounds – You will hear lots of happy barks throughout the sanctuary. Most of the barks come from Alvin, who is the resident security guard – unless he’s sleeping on the job. 

Wake up Alvin…you’re on the clock!

The dogs love music which you can hear playing in each of the lounge areas. There are also many conversations and laughter between the dogs and humans.

Smells – You might think, “Lots of dogs means lots of…smells!” What stood out most to me when I started volunteering was how the entire sanctuary smells like clean laundry. It’s always fresh and clean at Marty’s Place!

Vibes – You can feel the love and happiness from the moment you enter the sanctuary and that stays with you long after you leave. As a volunteer, my time at Marty’s Place has brought such joy and fullness to my heart. While I still miss my Starz every day, I feel like a part of her is in each sanctuary pup. To see the residents receive so much care, attention and love is such a great feeling. Marty’s Place staff members and fellow volunteers are some of the best people I’ve met. And of course once you meet the pups, they will find a place in your heart forever. They each have a unique personality and will brighten your life in different ways.

For me, I know Sadie and Bentley will be the first to greet me when I start my volunteer shift. Peanut will make me smile as she snores in her sleep. Henry will get up and come to sniff me while Alvin barks with his cute little tongue hanging out. Coco will nuzzle my hand and let me know she’s not done with getting pets and love until she says she’s done! Pepper will pretend she wants to go for a walk but will take me straight to the lounge so she can hang out with all her furry friends. Every time I leave, I can’t wait to come back.

Gratitude

Personally, I am so grateful I found Marty’s Place. As a volunteer of any organization, the goal is to help others, but it’s Marty’s Place that has helped me. While I will miss Starz for the rest of my life, I feel I am honoring her memory by volunteering with such wonderful dogs and people. 

And Marty’s Place is grateful for all of the support it gets from its volunteers and from YOU, our fellow dog-lovers. Your kindness and generosity make it possible for senior dogs without homes to live in the safe, loving, family-like environment of the sanctuary and receive the physical care and companionship, medical attention, exercise, and affection they need to thrive 365 days a year. 

During the holiday season, please consider donating to Marty’s Place. Here are some of the many ways you can help touch the lives of senior dogs at the sanctuary:

• A monetary donation in the form of a payment plan, online donation or tribute gift: https://martysplace.org/donate/
• Planned giving through a will, trust or financial plan: https://martysplace.org/planned-giving/
• Purchase items on our wish list: https://martysplace.org/wish-list/
• Dog room sponsorship: https://martysplace.org/sponsorship/
• Memorial garden paver: https://martysplace.org/memorial-garden-brick-paver-donation/
• Support Marty’s Place while shopping (clothes, coffee, wine and more!): https://martysplace.org/marketplace/

We understand that not everyone can donate and ask that you help us spread the word about Marty’s Place, which is just as important! We would love it if you would share links to our website and social posts.

• Donation page: https://martysplace.org/donate/
• Website: https://martysplace.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/martysplaceseniordogsanctuary/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martysplaceseniordogsanctuary/

Thank you for all you do to support Marty’s Place Sanctuary for senior dogs. We couldn’t do it without you. Wishing you and your families (both human and fur) a joyous and peaceful holiday season. We look forward to helping even more senior dogs in 2025 and beyond, giving them loving and safe homes for life.