I heard about Grey Muzzle rescue on Orcas Island several years ago, and I was scheduled to visit it a few years ago, but I had to cancel due to a snowstorm, and I never made another appointment to see it.

After watching this video from TalkItUpTV about the rescue and its founders Thayne and Chris Hamilton, I’m kicking myself for missing the opportunity to see this amazing rescue.

After Chris died in 2013, Thayne carried on her dream of rescuing older dogs and continues to run the Grey Muzzle.

Here’s one thing on the video that best explains the intense dedication they shared for their dogs – after suffering from a serious illness, Chris signed a Do Not Resuscitate order so doctors could not try to revive her if her heart stopped. The reason? She didn’t want to run up excessive hospital bills they couldn’t pay. They would not only lose their home, but more importantly, they would lose their dogs too.