Even the dogs that may not have much time left should have a loving home. Even though younger puppies frequently take precedence over older dogs, older dogs should have a permanent home to live out their days.
However, one woman has dedicated her life to providing these elderly shelter dogs with a loving final home, converting her house into a sanctuary that is currently home to 80 senior animals.
The 44-year-old Valerie Reid of Hermitage, Missouri, was motivated to care for elderly dogs after a life event made her aware of the challenges that animals encounter as they age.
As her father battled cancer, SWNS reported that she found it difficult to find a place for her dad’s elderly Doberman. She discovered that no other rescue would take her and that she was already over the city’s pet limit, so she was unable to adopt the dog.
Because of her age, no rescue would take her home, Valerie said, “We looked everywhere for any rescue that would help.”
At last, she managed to find the Doberman a foster home on a farm that took special care of elderly dogs. The dog had a happy ending and lived in peace for an additional year and a half in their care; Valerie found inspiration from the experience that opened her eyes.
She told SWNS, “It got me thinking about what happens to senior dogs who were once beloved pets.” “I became aware of how many dogs there were in need of assistance… It is a genuinely overlooked area in the rescue industry.
Thus, in 2017, Whispering Willows elderly Dog Sanctuary—a non-profit sanctuary for elderly dogs—was established by Valerie and her spouse, Josh. They purchased a 3,000 square foot house near Hermitage, which provided ample space for dozens of canines to pass away peacefully and comfortably.
Dogs older than 12 are accepted. She said to Ozarks First, “Sometimes special needs, sometimes hospice.” “On sometimes, all they come to us for is a place to lay their head and die.”
She clarified that a large number of the dogs had histories of cruelty and neglect, citing the discovery of Peanut, a dog, chained up amid a scorching heat wave.
She said to KY3, “When they come in, they’re very broken-hearted, emotionally or physically.”
Valerie, however, states that her intention is to provide them with a sense of normalcy and trust, as well as a secure permanent residence in which to live out their last days.
“They stay once they arrive. They’re not required to go. Since this is their permanent home, they won’t experience any more stress or loss.
“They know they’re safe when they arrive.”
Over the years, the rescue has expanded significantly; according to SWNS, the hospice currently houses 80 dogs at a time and employs 17 full-time staff members to care for the dogs.
“The sanctuary really grew and expanded beyond my wildest expectations. I adore having so many tiny hearts that reciprocate our love.
According to Valerie, over the years, they have taken care of 790 pets. Because of their advanced age, the dogs frequently die—roughly five of them perish each week, while the same number are adopted.
Valerie takes delight in providing these creatures with a nice environment to pass away, even if her profession can be depressing at times.
“Our goal is to assist individuals in getting ready for their final moments; none of us can predict the future,” she stated to SWNS. We get to bid our seniors farewell in style and with affection. While loving and caring for children is an honor, it hurts nonetheless.
Mick Jagger and Bianca’s Divorce in 1978: A look back after 46 years
Co-founding the band alongside Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, and Keith Richards, Jagger has seen many changes over the years. With Watts passing away in 2021 and Jones no longer with the band, the current lineup includes Jagger, Richards, and bassist Ronnie Wood, 76. They continue to tour and recently released “Hackney Diamonds”, their first album of new material in 18 years, featuring collaborations with stars like Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Lady Gaga.
Over the past six decades, Jagger’s fame has kept his personal life in the limelight, especially with his eight children. His eldest daughter, Karis, was born in 1969, and his youngest, Deveraux, was born in December 2016.
Mick married Bianca Pérez-Mora Macías in 1971 in a star-studded ceremony in Saint-Tropez. They welcomed their daughter, Jade, who is now 52 and known for her work in interior and jewelry design. Bianca became a socialite and was often in the news, notably for a legendary story about arriving at her birthday party on a white horse at Studio 54. She later clarified that it was a surprise orchestrated by Steve Rubell, co-founder of the club, inspired by a photo of her on a horse in Nicaragua.
While both Jagger and Bianca had affairs during their marriage, it ultimately led to their separation. Bianca filed for divorce after Mick briefly dated model Jerry Hall. Their divorce was finalized in 1978, with Bianca receiving a settlement of $1.2 million, as reported by New York Magazine. Reflecting on the split, she expressed to The Guardian that it felt like a failure, stating: “I was brought up Catholic, to believe that marriage is for life. And we failed”.
After her marriage ended, Bianca shifted her focus from partying to activism, championing the rights of vulnerable individuals through Amnesty International. Her efforts earned her the Right Livelihood Award, often referred to as the “alternative Nobel Prize”, in 2004 for using her fame to advocate for those in need.
Today, Mick Jagger is in a committed relationship with American choreographer Melanie Hamrick, 36. They have been together for a decade and share a son. Are you aware of Bianca Jagger’s remarkable humanitarian efforts? Share your thoughts in the comments! Feel free to pass this article along to anyone interested in where these rock legends are now!
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