Allentown Sanctuary gives senior dogs a comfort home in their golden years
In Allentown, what used to be a tree farm, is now taking in dogs whose owners can no longer care for them
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Marty's place Senior Dog Sanctuary provides long-life care for dogs who age 7 and older to spend the rest of their golden years.
In Allentown, what used to be a tree farm, is now taking in dogs whose owners can no longer care for them.
"When a dog comes to us, we make a commitment to them that they will either have a home for us here at the sanctuary long term, or where we can, we will attempt to place them in new homes," said founder and director Doreen Jakubcak.
She started the non-profit in 2015 after adopting a dog named Marty. Ten years later, the sanctuary is home to dozens of dogs who enjoy individual rooms, open spaces to play and swim, and even medical care and physical therapy.
The dogs arrive at Marty's Place for various reasons.
"The owner passes away, owners transitioning to long term care, relocation," Jakubcak explained.
Marty's Place has launched multiple programs including a lifelong foster program.
"We found that there are people very willing to welcome an older dog into their home, but there was a reluctance based on the perceived or actual financial expense associated with them, so we wanted to alleviate that concern," she said. "So through our lifelong foster program, we retain ownership, but a dog stays in a sanctuary for its remaining years, and we pay most of the expenses."
