Even canines with limited life expectancy should have a caring home. Even though younger pups typically take precedence over senior dogs, older canines deserve a permanent home to live out their lives.
However, one woman has committed her life to giving these elderly shelter dogs a loving last home, transforming her home into a sanctuary that now houses 80 senior animals.
A life event reminded Valerie Reid, 44, of Hermitage, Missouri, of the challenges animals face as they age, inspiring her to care for senior dogs.
As her father battled illness, SWNS reported that she struggled to find a home for her father’s aging Doberman. She realized that no other rescue would accept her, and since she had already exceeded the city’s pet limit, she was unable to adopt the puppy.
Valerie explained that because of her age, no rescue would take her home. “We looked everywhere for any rescue that would help.”
Finally, she found a foster home for the Doberman on a farm that specialized in caring for aging dogs. The incident inspired Valerie and opened her eyes; the dog lived in peace for another year and a half in their care.
She shared with SWNS: “It got me thinking about what happens to senior dogs who were once beloved pets.”” I realized there were many pets in need of help. It is a largely ignored aspect of the rescue profession.
Valerie and her husband, Josh, founded Whispering Willows senior dog shelter—a non-profit shelter for senior dogs—in 2017. They bought a 3,000-square-foot home near Hermitage with enough space for hundreds of dogs to die gently and pleasantly.
Dogs older than 12 are welcome. She told Ozarks First: “Sometimes special needs, sometimes hospice.” Sometimes, all they come to us for is a place where they can rest and pass away.
She explained that many of the pets had histories of brutality and neglect, recalling the discovery of Peanut, a dog tied up in the middle of a blistering heat wave.
She told KY3 this: “When they come in, they’re very broken-hearted, emotionally or physically.”
Valerie, on the other hand, claims that her goal is to offer them a feeling of normality and trust, as well as a safe permanent house in which to spend their final days.
“They stay when they arrive. They aren’t compelled to go. This is their permanent home, so they won’t experience any more stress or loss.
“They know they’re safe when they arrive.”
The rescue has grown greatly over the years; SWNS reports that the hospice now shelters 80 canines at a time and employs 17 full-time staff members to care for them.
“The refuge has grown and expanded beyond my greatest aspirations. I enjoy having so many little hearts that reciprocate our love.
Valerie says they’ve cared for 790 pets throughout the years. Due to their advanced age, the dogs frequently pass away—roughly five per week—while the same number find new homes.
Despite the sometimes melancholic nature of her job, Valerie enjoys providing these creatures with a pleasant place to die.
“Our goal is to assist individuals in getting ready for their final moments; none of us can predict the future,” she told Newsweek. We get to say goodbye to our seniors in style and with affection. While loving and caring for children is a privilege, it does ache.