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.
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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.
Heartbreaking Tragedy: Dad Breaks Silence After Mom and 3 Kids Found Dead
The small town of Wolcottville, Indiana, is still in shock after a terrible tragedy earlier this September.
Rebecca Hughes, who was 32 years old, was found dead along with her three children: 8-year-old Evelyn, 6-year-old Allison, and 5-year-old Amelia.
On September 17, police went to check on Hughes at her home and found her body along with her children’s.
The Indiana State Police sent detectives and crime scene investigators to the home. Police stated that the information and evidence they have shows there is no threat to the public.
While the investigation is still going on, authorities have not yet figured out what caused the tragedy, according to WSBT22. The Noble County Coroner’s Office has not released the cause of death or a toxicology report.
This heartbreaking news has deeply affected the close-knit community of Wolcottville, which has about 1,000 residents. As people learned the names of the family, many gathered to mourn and pay their respects. Main Street was filled with candles and stuffed animals, creating a touching tribute to the lost family.
Local pastor Mike Stanley told WSBT22, “Everybody’s grieving in their own way. If we come together and share that love… there are people here that I don’t know from the community, and I’ve lived here for twenty-some-odd years. But if we share the hurt, we share the burden; it all gets a little lighter for all of us.”
The children’s father, Jonathan Newell, set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs. He also shared a moving statement. “These kids deserve so much more than I can provide for their burials. Rebecca, their mom, took them with her when she passed on 09/17/2024. If you can, everything helps. If you need to be paid back after, I can make payments. I’ll do whatever it takes,” Jonathan wrote.
The community came together to support Jonathan and the children. By the end of the fundraising campaign, he had received an amazing $47,000 in donations. “People who didn’t even know me or my kids started just giving money and sending messages,” Jonathan told ABC57.
On Sunday, September 22, funeral services were held at Hite Funeral Home for the girls, followed by a burial at Swan Cemetery. In another update on September 24, Jonathan wrote, “The funeral was beautiful, and my daughters were laid to rest in peace. Please stop donating now; I appreciate everything, but others need this now. Tomorrow I will start personal thank yous again.”
At this point, no one knows for sure what happened to the girls, as nothing has been made public. However, interviews with Jonathan, the father, and Rebecca’s friends show that Rebecca struggled with mental health issues.
Friend Ashley Gross posted on Facebook, describing Rebecca as “quiet and shy” around strangers but “so funny and bubbly” with friends. She added, “Rebecca did love her kids, and unfortunately, I don’t think anyone was there for her as she was going through something, mentally and emotionally.”
In the wake of the tragedy, Jonathan has shared an important message. He expressed regret for not being more present and hopes others can avoid feeling the same way. “If you are a parent, and you have kids, and you need help, then get it. Because you don’t know when it’s going to be the last time you can,” he pleaded.
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