Older, abandoned dogs can face an uphill battle finding a loving home, but one Winnipeg rescue is making sure their final chapter is filled with care, compassion and love.

Nicole McLeary got involved with Before the Bridge Senior K9 Rescue after her own senior dog passed away.

"I just decided that I wanted to get involved in fostering. And I signed up, and the rest is history," said McLeary. "I've been here five years now. I'm enjoying it so much and making a difference. Nothing compares to it."

Giving senior dogs a second chance

At Before the Bridge Senior K9 Rescue, they take on the sickest, most medically complex, behaviourally complex, old, forgotten and abandoned dogs and give them exactly what they need to get them ready for their new homes.

"We send them off on their last chapter, and they spend their days in loving homes just as they deserve," said McLeary.

For many, the thought of rescuing a dog, let alone a senior dog, can be overwhelming, but McLeary says so much can come out of it. 

"I've fostered over 20 dogs probably in the last five years, and I have yet to see one of them have all these flaws that you don't want," said McLeary. "They're relaxed, they don't eat the couch, they don't need like a 10-mile walk. They're just happy to hang out with you on the couch, binge-watch Netflix with you, and accompany you to the backyard to pick a couple of weeds."

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She says it's just like having a little old companion who wants to spend their days with you.

"You're the light of their life. And it's just, it's just so unbelievably rewarding. It really is," said McLeary. "Every dog that I've taken in, I have a little story from each of them, and they all hold a little peace in my heart, and it's just seeing them take off and go to their new home; there's nothing like it. There really isn't."

A small white dog, one of the many up for adoption at Before the Bridge

More than fostering

McLeary says fostering isn't the only way people can make a difference. The rescue also relies on volunteers, transporters, donations and people willing to simply spread the word.

"If you can't foster, volunteer. If you can't volunteer, donate. If you can't donate, just share," said McLeary.

She says there are plenty of behind-the-scenes jobs that help keep the rescue running, from transporting dogs to picking up donations.

"You don't have to actually be directly involved with fostering to help make a difference," said McLeary. "There's lots of moving parts in a rescue, and we need a lot of people to keep it moving."

One of the many dogs up for adoption at Before the Bridge Rescue

Yard sale raising money for vet bills

To help with the veterinary costs related to the rescue, they have a yard sale planned for next month.

The event is set for September 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 79 Dunitz Drive in North Kildonan.

The sale will feature dog-related items the rescue has accumulated over the years, along with some cat items, treats and drinks. Some of the rescue's permanent foster dogs will also be there for a kissing booth.

The goal is to raise money to help with the rescue's ongoing veterinary bills while giving people another way to support senior dogs in need.