SSNAP Dogs

Senior and Special Needs Advocacy Program (SSNAP)

The Senior and Special Need Advocacy Program (SSNAP) provides for older Dobermans and those with medical or behavioral issues who can be shelter residents for a long time. These dogs are typically overlooked by prospective adopters and SSNAP allows them the care and time needed to find that special someone.

We are careful not to “warehouse” dogs, but feel strongly about providing care for dogs who have good quality of life, both physically and mentally, until such things change or until that special home comes along.

SSNAP dogs often have the added expense of medication, special diet, supplements, training, etc. SSNAP spotlights these dogs with the hope of ultimately finding a permanent home for each one.

SSNAP donations will be used to provide ongoing, supportive care for these wonderful dogs.

How can you participate in SSNAP?

There are several ways in which you can particpate including:

  1. Choose a SSNAP dog and send a monthly contribution for that dog’s care. Since the costs associated can vary greatly from dog to dog and from month to month, we suggest a donation amount that is comfortable for you. Listed below are some examples of care costs.
  2. Designate a one-time donation for a particular dog.
  3. Make a donation to be used for the SSNAP dog that needs it most.

Ongoing costs of a one month supply per dog:

  • $6 heartworm preventative
  • $10 dietary supplements (herbs, garlic, probiotics, bee pollen)
  • $20 thyroid medication
  • $25 keeps one run comfortably cool during the summer
  • $30 Glucosamine and Chondroitin arthritis medication
  • $50 keeps one run toasty warm in the winter
  • $60 special diet

These are common one time expenses:

  • $7 collar and ID tag
  • $25 veterinary wellness check
  • $39 harness
  • $50 orthopedic dog bed
  • $60 thyroid function test
  • $75 dentistry
  • $85 routine senior blood work
  • $100 acupuncture for pain management
  • $174 comprehensive full blood panel
  • $250 cardiac ultrasound
  • $370 abdominal ultrasound

Participants will receive information and a picture of their sponsored dog. Any donations designated for a specific dog, which exceed care costs, will be used to provide for other dogs in the program.

All dogs are available for adoption and our goal is to see each dog find a home. If the dog you have chosen to sponsor is fortunate enough to be adopted, we’ll notify you and tell you the details.

If you would like to participate by sponsoring one of the DRU SSNAP dogs, please click here for a form to fill out and send in. You can also donate to SSNAP online with a check or credit card at the marketplace. Thank you very much for your participation in this special program.

Meet Our SSNAP Dogs

Learn more about how you can make a difference today.