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Tom Pappas was seeking a new passion project after sending his daughters through school. His lifelong love of dogs has been parlayed into a way to love and care for senior dogs. Often neglected and passed over in shelters for younger options, Pappas’ project, Dirty Paws Agape Haven, has a goal to provide a safe and happy place where older dogs can live out the rest of their lives in peace.
Lightbulb Moment
Pappas knew he wanted to create a haven for older dogs when he met and rescued his first senior dog, Walter. Rescuing the senior chihuahua from Heritage Farms Animal Rescue, Pappas had that lightbulb moment. “ He (Walter) had a safe and loving home at one point and then he was stressed and confused. It got me thinking, how many other dogs are like this?”
With the encouragement of his three daughters and with a plan to acquire land, Pappas bought property in Ottawa Lake and erected a building to house senior rescue dogs. The first rescue dog to live in the Haven was Megan, who came from Detroit in May, 2020. Megan blazed the trail for Pappas to learn the needs of senior dogs. “Our concept was great but we didn’t fully know what we were doing in the beginning. She (Megan) showed us what she wanted and needed on a day to day basis. She paved
the way.”
The Haven
The Haven has grown, now offering a barn that houses large senior dogs and a cabin to house the small dogs. Pappas notes the importance of Dirty Paws as a true haven for the dogs — once they arrive they will be taken care of forth rest of threir lives. “We do not adopt out. Most of these dogs have been transferred back and forth or sitting unadoptable in other rescues or abused/neglected. Our goal is for this to be their home.”
There have been many joys for Pappas as he and his family have gone through this process and grown the Haven to what it is today. But undoubtedly the best part for Pappas has been watching the transformation of these senior dogs. “The transformation is magical, to watch scared, homeless shelter strays blossom into loving, caring members of the pack is truly amazing.”
Dirty Paws Agape Haven has a dedicated volunteer staff that visit daily to help keep things clean and to look after the needs of the dogs. The Haven has developed a relationship with local rescues and shelters. Pappas explains, “We have a network of people from those shelters who will check in and see if there’s space available.”
How to Help
As a forever home for these dogs, Pappas has kept the property private and free from visitors. However, community engagement is still very important and the best possible way for community members to help is through donation. “Donations can be made through our website or we have a Chewy wish list for things like toys, food and blankets.” Any gift or contribution to help these dogs live their best new life is worthwhile, indeed. More information and donation information can be found at: dirtypawsagapehaven.dog
https://www.dirtypawsagapehaven.dog/
