Senior Dog Rescue Champions: A Conversation with Sherri Franklin of Muttville

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.

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