Why Dante’s Den operates as a dog sanctuary

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Marsha Panuce addressed a question she says she is frequently asked: why Dante’s Den operates as a sanctuary instead of a rescue.Panuce said people are drawn to puppies, and owners enjoy training a young dog and watching it become their best friend. She said dogs eventually reach an age, which she said can be anything over eight years old, when medical problems begin and the dog slows down.Panuce said owners then begin to consider what will happen to their dog when they are no longer around. She said that is when a sanctuary becomes necessary.Dante’s Den has operated as a sanctuary for more than 15 years, according to Panuce.Panuce said Dante’s Den offers a program called Lifetime Care. She said the program is meant to prevent a dog from being left alone in a home if something happens to its owner, or from being abandoned by the person who considered themselves the dog’s best friend.Panuce said Dante’s Den can be viewed as assisted living or a hospice situation