About HWAH
In 2006, Sher Polvinale and her late husband, Joe, created a senior pet sanctuary in their home in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Sanctuary residents are senior and special needs dogs and cats who have lost their families and homes through no fault of their own. Because of their advanced age and various medical conditions, they have little chance of being adopted.
Once a dog or cat becomes a House with a Heart resident, it has a loving home for life. Our Director Sher devotes herself full-time to caring for the pets and maintaining and improving the Sanctuary.
HWAH is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers who walk, bathe, and care for the residents, as well as clean and maintain the house and two-acre property.
Our Vision:
A world where every senior and special‑needs pet is cherished, protected, and given the chance to live with comfort, dignity, and love.
Our Mission:
The Mission of House with a Heart is to give senior and special‑needs pets the comfort, safety, and love they deserve. With the generosity of our supporters, we offer a peaceful home for the animals who need us most and provide medical grants that help rescue partners welcome vulnerable pets into their programs. We also extend wellness support to low‑income families so beloved companions can stay healthy and remain in the homes where they are cherished. Together, we create second chances, ease suffering, and give every pet we touch a life filled with dignity and hope.
Life at the Sanctuary:
The Sanctuary provides its residents with a life filled with comfort, care, and dignity. They live in a clean, bright, spacious, and welcoming home designed to meet their needs. Located on two beautiful acres, residents enjoy secure outdoor play yards and supervised time in safely fenced, grassy fields.
We are committed to their health and well‑being, offering ongoing wellness screenings and medical care, with veterinary specialists consulted whenever necessary. Residents are nourished with high‑quality food and treats, and individualized diets are provided when needed.
While our current residents are all part of the “pup pack,” The Sanctuary has welcomed many dogs and cats over the years. We remain dedicated to supporting pets of all kinds who need a helping hand through additional programs, including:
- K‑9 & Kitty Medical Miracles Grants
This program assists our Rescue Partners who save senior and special‑needs dogs and cats from shelters or owner surrenders. Grants help offset the cost of essential medical care, increasing these pets’ chances of adoption and helping them find loving forever homes. - Feed Fido & Fluffy
Our HWAH Pet Pantry provides food and supplies to pets in need. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, families and rescues can access critical resources to keep pets fed and cared for.
HWAH depends on the support of volunteers, donors, grants, and wish‑list contributions to carry out our mission of providing a helping hand to senior dogs and cats in need. We are continuously seeking ways to pay it forward in honor of the animals who inspire us every day.
HWAH relies on volunteers, donations, grants, and wish-list gifts to accomplish our primary mission of providing a helping hand for senior dogs and cats in need. We are always looking for ways to “pay it forward” on their behalf.