In this heartwarming episode, Jasmin and Mariann welcome Sherri Franklin, founder and executive director of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a groundbreaking organization that has saved over 13,000 senior dogs since 2007. What began with just 27 dogs in Sherri’s kitchen has transformed into a revolutionary cage-free shelter in San Francisco that now rescues more than 27 dogs every week. Through Sherri’s compassionate vision, Muttville has reimagined what animal sheltering can be – creating a welcoming community space where both dogs and humans thrive.

This episode explores:

How Muttville’s innovative cage-free shelter model creates a positive environment that encourages adoption and community engagement
The special programs created for senior citizens and children, including the popular “Cuddle Club” that brings joy to isolated elderly individuals
Why senior dogs make wonderful companions and the misconceptions that often prevent them from finding homes
The importance of vegan advocacy within animal rescue organizations, with Muttville leading by example through vegan events and education
Practical solutions for common senior dog health issues, including the organization’s hospice program that provides palliative care support

ABOUT OUR GUESTS

Sherri Franklin is the founder and executive director of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, a groundbreaking organization that has saved over 13,000 senior dogs since 2007. A longtime vegan who hasn’t eaten meat for more than 40 years, Sherri pioneered one of the first animal welfare organizations to establish a meat-free policy in its bylaws, with all Muttville events now featuring exclusively vegan offerings. Her innovative approach created America’s first cage-free senior dog shelter, which has become an internationally recognized model hosting visitors from as far as Osaka and Istanbul. Sherri’s compassionate work earned her recognition as a CNN Hero in 2016, transforming the concept of animal shelters into community centers that bring together people and senior dogs to foster joy and connection.

We are thrilled to expand the accessibility of our podcast by offering written transcripts of the interviews! Click here to read this episode's interview.

_____________________________________________

Thank you for listening to the Our Hen House podcast! If you enjoy our podcasts, believe in our mission to effectively mainstream the movement to end the exploitation of animals, find community and solace in our shows and resources, and would like to show your support for vegan indie media, please make a donation today. Our Hen House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so it’s tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us create quality content!

Subscribe to our show on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcatcher, and don’t forget to leave a 5-star review!

Check out Our Hen House’s other podcasts: The Animal Law Podcast, The Teaching Jasmin How to Cook Vegan Podcast, and the Antiracism in Animal Advocacy Audio Series.

The Our Hen House theme song is written and performed by Michael Harren.

Adding Court Mandated Services to your Practice – Interview

Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

Introduction

The AI-powered Podcast Player