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.
ONE OF PATRICK DEMPSEY’S TWIN SONS WAS CALLED “HIS CLONE” AND “THE NEXT MCDREAMY” AFTER THEY WALKED THE RED CARPET WITH HIM.
Recently, the actor Patrick Dempsey, who was once named the sexiest man alive and is now 57 years old, walked the red carpet with his wife and kids. They were all dressed up for the premiere of the movie Ferrari. Everyone looked really stylish, but one of Patrick’s 16-year-old twin sons, Darby, caught everyone’s attention.
What got people talking was how much Darby looks like his dad. Fans couldn’t believe the resemblance. One person said Darby looked like a clone of his dad. Another fan said he could be the next “McDreamy,” referring to a character his dad played on Grey’s Anatomy.
The truth is that good looks run in the Demspey family.
Patrick and his wife Jillian had their first child, a daughter named Talula, in 2002. Then a few years later, they welcomed twin boys, Darby and Sullivan, who are now 16 years old.
Patrick has talked about being a dad to three kids, saying that having a bigger family actually made things easier for him and his wife.
“In 2008, the Grey’s Anatomy actor said, “I love having a big family. I think it’s easier, oddly, in some ways, having three children as opposed to one. And it’s been great for my relationship with my wife and our life and everything.”
As his kids became teenagers, Patrick said things got tougher. Raising teens needs a lot of energy.
“They want their independence, which is normal,” he told People magazine in 2023. “They need to figure out how they fit into the world, make mistakes, and learn from them. As a parent, you need to be there for them through it all.”
After being a runner-up for years, Patrick was finally named “Sexiest Man Alive.”
“I’m glad it’s happening at this point in my life. It’s nice to have the recognition,” the actor said.
Asked how his children would react, McDreamy said they would probably tease him.
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