Chartwell Resident Aims To Bring Joy To Senior Dogs

Barbara Stavac isn’t out to teach an old dog new tricks, but she does her best to provide joy and companionship to senior canines.

Stavac has been volunteering for about four years at the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland in Severn. The sanctuary provides a haven for senior dogs whose owners can no longer care for them as well as those that have been abandoned, abused or face euthanasia.

The Chartwell resident worked for Anne Arundel County Public Schools teaching middle and high school before retiring and taking on a position as an adjunct faculty member at Anne Arundel Community College.

Once Stavac moved on from educating children and young adults, she turned her attention to caring for those with four legs.

“I wanted to volunteer in some way, and I love dogs,” said Stavac, who is originally from Glen Burnie but has lived in Severna Park for 40 years.

One of the things that drew Stavac to the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland is its mission of rehabilitating senior dogs, when required, and ultimately rehoming them. Even if the animals aren’t placed with a new owner, the canine residents have a space that is comfortable and safe to live out their life.

The three acres that make up the sanctuary feature a nature walking trail, dubbed Happy Tails Trail, as well as agility courses, an on-site medical suite, a firepit area, sun lounging spots and plenty of room inside a large house complete with dog beds and toys. In the on-site kitchen, the facility even makes many of the dogs’ treats, such as yogurt pops, chicken soup, and dehydrated fruits and vegetables.

“Dogs are treated with respect and the staff is wonderful,” Stavac said. “They have the best interests of the dogs at heart.”

Stavac, who owns a pair of senior dogs herself, volunteers weekly at the sanctuary and spends 90 minutes a visit playing with the pooches or just sometimes petting them while they’re napping.

“I think dogs are so appreciative of the attention that they get,” Stavac said. “I feel better when I leave here because I know that they enjoyed being with me.”

Christine Sandberg, executive director of Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland, said she’s grateful to volunteers whose partnership allows them to bring the promise of sanctuary and forever to the dogs.

“We are so grateful Barbara chose to volunteer her time here at our sanctuary,” Sandberg said. “She has made a meaningful impact on our residents here, her calm compassion lulls restless dogs into peaceful slumbers, and her gentle encouragement coaxes the stubborn pups into strolls in the sunshine so they get the physical activity they need to stay healthy.”

Stavac said one of the toughest situations that she sees is when owners will give up an older dog in order to get a new puppy.

“That doesn’t really sit well with me. I just think they deserve the respect that they should get,” Stavac said. “If they’re part of your life, they’re part of your life.

Becoming such a familiar face at the sanctuary has also brought out a range of emotions in Stavac.

Pete was a treeing walker coonhound who participated in the facility’s doggie fashion show a couple of years ago.

“I just remember him walking down the runway, and he was just so happy," Stavac said.

Pete, who was adopted from the sanctuary and then brought back, ultimately lived his final days at the facility.

“I just cried my eyes out, because you get attached,” Stavac said. “But sometimes you get attached to dogs that are adopted, and as long as you know they’re going to a good place, it’s a joyful time.”

Stavac said she likes to think of herself as a “natural nurturer” and feels she gets almost as much joy out of volunteering as the senior dogs that she provides attention and care to.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to know that you come in and you make somebody happy, even if it’s a dog,” Stavac said. “The bottom line is I just love dogs.”

Heidler Plumbing is a proud sponsor of Volunteer of the Month. To nominate a volunteer, email spvnews@severnaparkvoice.com.