Rescue advocate Carie Broecker has been named one of the top 10 CNN Heroes of 2022. The dog-lover is the co-founder of Peace of Mind Dog Rescue located in Pacific Grove, CA. The rescue is dedicated to helping individuals who can no longer care for their canine companions due to their age or health issues. In 2018, Broecker shared that she was inspired to establish the organization after “taking care of this spaniel Savannah for a woman who was dying of emphysema.” She revealed the woman considered putting down her dog as she was concerned her canine companion would not receive care after she passed away. Broecker, who had over a decade worth of rescue experience, assured that she would “make sure that Savannah is okay.” Shortly after making the promise, she came up with the idea for “this new organization taking care of dogs for people who are dying, going into nursing homes, [and] people who have already passed away.” 

“We provide volunteer assistance, dog walking, and temporary foster care for people who either can’t walk their our dogs because they are elderly or ill or had a surgery or they just need help for the next six weeks,” explained Broecker. 

 While speaking to CNN in 2022, Broecker also noted that the rescue has implemented a “financial assistance program” 

 “Low-income pet guardians – and a lot of senior citizens are in that low-income category – if they have veterinary care that’s needed and they can’t afford it, we have $500 grants each year for people to apply,” explained the dog lover. “And sometimes it’s just an ear infection, sometimes we’re paying because the dog has a broken leg and we’re contributing $500 to that. But that’s how we help to keep people and their animals together.”

 During the CNN interview, she shared that her organization has helped thousands of senior dogs get adopted. The rescue advocate shared why she believed individuals who are looking to adopt should consider taking home an older animal. 

“There are a lot of benefits to adopting a senior dog. They’re typically calmer and have some sort of training,” explained Broecker. “They usually kind of get how life works, and it’s very rewarding for the person. I know it sounds kind of cliché, but I really do feel like they are grateful, and they know what they’ve been through, and there’s a relief once they settle.When they finally just curl up and lay down and just give a sigh, you just feel like, ‘Okay, they just realized they’re home.’”