Erika and Bailey - A Heartwarming Pets for Life and Gray Muzzle Story

Erika and her dog Bailey have been inseparable since Bailey was just a puppy. “I rescued her when she was a baby when I was living in Georgia,” Erika shared. “She was 3 months old and I was 21. Now I'm 31 and she'll be 10 this year. We basically grew up together.” Over the past year, Pet Community Center—through support from the Grey Muzzle Organization—has been there every step of the way to help Bailey stay healthy and happy.

Since April 2024, when Erika and Bailey became part of our Pets For Life Program, the dog has received care for everything from routine vaccinations and heartworm prevention to treatment for ear infections and a concerning (but treatable) scare that turned out to be an issue a simple dewormer could solve.

In July 2025, Bailey received her three-year rabies vaccine, distemper-parvo, and leptospirosis vaccines—all thanks to the Grey Muzzle Organization. Bailey also tested heartworm-negative and is now protected against the disease for several months to come.

Erika expressed her heartfelt thanks: “You guys have helped us so much! From every appointment to even covering the biopsy when I found her tumor, I couldn't be more thankful for the help that you offer us! The Pets For Life Program is incredible."

Through our Pets for Life program, PCC has served over 1,700 families and 3,500 pets living in the areas of Nashville with some of the lowest income levels and the least accessible veterinary care, pet supplies, and other resources (zip codes 37207, 37208, 37218).