Senior pooches should never be overlooked and deserve a chance to experience the warmth of a loving home during their remaining years. While it’s natural for people to prefer more youthful fur babies, each pup is deserving of unconditional love regardless of age. All dogs have an undeniable right to spend their twilight days in comfort and joy with someone who loves them!
In her mission to give love and a final home for senior shelter dogs, one woman turned her house into an 80-pet sanctuary; providing comfort and care in their twilight years.
After a personal experience that opened her eyes to the challenges pets confront late in life, Valerie Reid – a 44-year-old from Hermitage, Missouri – felt compelled to provide care for senior dogs.
Desperately searching for a suitable home for her dad’s aging Doberman, SWNS reported that she faced an obstacle as the city had already reached its pet limit. Unfortunately, her attempts to find another rescue center were unsuccessful and she was left with no other option.
Valerie reminisced that they searched everywhere for any kind of help, but due to her age, none were willing to adopt her.
After much effort, Valerie was finally able to find a forever home for the Doberman: a farm devoted entirely to providing care and support for senior dogs. It was an exceptionally fulfilling experience; both she and the dog’s life were changed as he went on to live out his last year and a half in comfort at their new place of solace. The journey inspired Valerie deeply — proving that difficult things can be conquered if you work hard enough!
As she shared with SWNS, it all started when she began considering the fate of senior dogs that were once dearly loved. This is what opened her eyes to the copious amounts of pups in need and just how overlooked they are by society’s rescue efforts.
In 2017, Valerie and her husband Josh opened their own non-profit sanctuary exclusively for senior dogs: the Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary. They purchased a large 3,000-square-foot property in Hermitage with more than enough room to accommodate dozens of aging canines who could spend their waning days in comfort and peace.
According to the founder of this shelter, they accept dogs aged 12 and over, including any special or hospice needs. They want these pooches to experience a safe place where they can rest comfortably before saying their last goodbye.
She informed us that most of the dogs had endured a history of abuse and neglect; Peanut, for instance, was discovered on an extraordinarily hot day while chained up.
“So many of these individuals come to us feeling despondent and damaged, both psychologically as well as physically,” she shared with KY3.
Valerie’s ambition is to give the animals a sense of comfort and stability, providing them with a secure home for their final days.
When these animals arrive here, they stay. This is their permanent residence; no more relocation or loss for them. When they come in, our furry friends can trust that this place of refuge will keep them safe and secure forevermore.
Over the years, the hospice has seen a huge expansion – now boasting 17 full-time staff members to care for 80 canine residents! As reported by SWNS, this rescue continues to grow and provides an invaluable service in the community.
As the sanctuary grew, so did my dreams. Now, we are blessed with a special family of sweet little hearts who share our love in return.
Over the years, Valerie and her team have compassionately looked after 790 dogs. Unfortunately, since most of these pups are old-timers, fatalities occur frequently – a heartbreaking five per week on average – but that’s when new furry faces arrive to take their place.
Valerie finds joy in providing these pups with a warm, comforting home for the remainder of their days.
Through her vision, she aims to help people ready for what will come at the end of life as none of us can be sure about tomorrow. With that goal in mind, we have been able to give our seniors a fitting farewell amidst love and comfort even when it hurts us so much. It is an immense honor to express care and affection toward those who need it most!
With compassion, Valerie has opened her home and arms to senior dogs who are in desperate need of love. She is a beacon of hope for these animals that would otherwise have no one else to care for them during their twilight years. We are grateful for people like her who offer comfort and joy when it’s most needed.
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