Old dogs have something to wag about this summer, as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and dogs at PAWS Atlanta are among the winners.

PAWS Atlanta in Decatur is one of 90 animal welfare groups chosen from 370 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs. The winning groups received $848,000 in grants to help save or improve the lives of at-risk old dogs in their communities.

“This grant will help us provide senior dogs, like 8-year-old Dexter, with the critical veterinary care he needs so he’ll be ready to go to a loving home,” said Joe Labriola, Executive Director of PAWS Atlanta. “No one is more grateful or loving than an older dog, and we’re looking forward to helping more senior dogs get the second chance they all deserve.”

Over the past 15 years, the national nonprofit Grey Muzzle Organization has provided more than $4.6 million in grants to support its vision of “a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid.”

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re delighted to help deserving organizations like PAWS Atlanta make a difference in the lives of dogs and people in their communities,” Grey Muzzle’s Executive Director Lisa Lunghofer said. “Many senior dogs in the Atlanta area are enjoying their golden years in loving homes thanks to the wonderful work of PAWS Atlanta.”

PAWS Atlanta is Georgia’s oldest no-kill animal shelter, and for over 57 years they have cared for at-risk animals in need and entrusted them into loving families. Their mission is “to build a community of caring, by people helping pets and pets helping people.” PAWS Atlanta’s programs include pet adoption and foster services, Public Vaccine Clinics, and a pet food bank for pet parents going through hard times. www.pawsatlanta.org

The national nonprofit The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other nonprofit groups nationwide. For details, please visit www.greymuzzle.org