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.
Why Baggage Handlers Advise Against Tying Anything to Your Suitcase
Have you ever tied a bright ribbon to your luggage handle to make it easier to spot? You might want to reconsider after hearing this surprising advice!
Many travelers personalize their suitcases with ribbons, tags, or stickers to avoid mix-ups at busy airports, but John, a baggage handler at Dublin Airport, suggests these well-intended decorations may cause more problems than they solve.
It’s understandable why you’d want to make your luggage stand out. After all, nothing’s more frustrating than searching through a sea of identical bags at baggage claim. Some even go as far as attaching cameras like GoPros to track their luggage. But according to John, tying a ribbon to your suitcase might not be as helpful as it seems.
John explains, “If someone attaches a ribbon to their bag, it could interfere with the automated scanning process at baggage claim. If the bag can’t be automatically scanned and requires manual handling, there’s a chance it might not make it onto your flight.”
In other words, a simple ribbon could cause your bag to be overlooked, which is definitely not a risk worth taking. John also advises travelers to remove any old travel stickers from their luggage. Expired stickers can confuse the scanners, potentially causing delays or misplacing your bag. Even though those travel stickers might hold sentimental value, it’s best to part with them for smoother travels.
John also shared a practical tip: always place your suitcase with the wheels facing up when you’re checking it in. This helps prevent damage to the wheels, keeping your suitcase in better condition.
And here’s one for travelers with a sweet tooth: avoid packing marzipan. While it may seem harmless, marzipan’s density is similar to certain explosives, which can trigger a detailed inspection. This could cause delays and even risk you missing your flight—all because of a little almond paste!
So, while it might be tempting to add a personal touch to your luggage or pack some sweet treats, it’s best to leave ribbons and marzipan at home to ensure a hassle-free trip.
Stick to these tips, and you’ll be on your way to a smoother, more stress-free journey!
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