White Whiskers Open House introduces many to new facility

White Whiskers Senior Dog Sanctuary was open to the public last weekend, displaying the work already completed to make the facility on Lewis Road a haven for older dogs without a home.

Those attending had an opportunity to see the work already completed at the former home to Newstead Memorial VFW Post 3180.  While the sanctuary is still under construction, those gathered we able to catch a vision of what will be in the near future.

There was live music, refreshments, vendors, a pet food drive and a bottles and cans collection.

In a brief ceremony each day, individuals whose regard for animals and dedication to finding them loving homes inspired Polla Milligan, Founder/Manager, White Whiskers Senior Dog Sanctuary, to do what she can to do the same.  Recognized was the late Mary Alloy, described as an incredible pet advocate, as well as Milligan’s veterinarians for over 30 years, the late Dr. Susan Persico and the “wonderful” Dr. Ed Latson.

Thanked were contractors, Valerie and Ryan Szymanek, as well as Board members and volunteers with the Sanctuary.

After opening, first project planned by the Sanctuary is to partner with the VA Hospital in Buffalo to bring some of the vets in Hospice out to the sanctuary to spend a few hours with us.  “They will be treated like the VIP’s they are, and we will do all we can to show them how grateful we are for their service!” Milligan said.  She noted that there will be opportunities for children to read to the dogs and a variety of classes as well.

“I am lining up pups to meet with. They must be able to get along with all other dogs and people of all ages. Because we are a free-roaming facility, this will be critical!”  Milligan said.  “We are also going to ask they be spayed/ neutered and up to date on shots. This is important because all of our finances have so far gone into the rebuilding and so, until we can raise more money, we will not be able to afford to offer this care right away.”

Still needed is a volunteer kitchen and funds to build a covered outdoor patio to provide a place for visitors to sit in the shade and watch the “pups” run through doggie pools ad chase tennis balls.

Milligan set up the non-profit to build a senior dog sanctuary the day after she retired as Development Director of the Niagara County SPCA.  She had witnessed a number of old dogs coming into the shelter that did not get adopted and ending up dying there, so she decided to do something about it.

Since buying the VFW Post for the Sanctuary, it has been gutted, asbestos removed, and layers of roofing replaced as construction transformed it into a space welcoming to the needs of the dogs who will live there.

“Dogs will be free roaming. There are no kennels. The public can come in and sit on a sofa with six dogs. It will be open to anyone, especially those who are anxious, depressed or lonely,” Milligan said.  She noted that in a time when there is so much that seems to divide us, the Sanctuary will be a place people can come together and get along.