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.
Doctor discusses the dangers of kissing someone who passed away and the health risks it can create
When we lose someone close, we feel overwhelmed. Sadness and grief settle in our heart and the thought of never seeing that person again can be unbearable.
However, despite these feelings and the urge to kiss the person whom we lost, a doctor from Moldova, Dr. Viktor Ivanovik, shares the risks associated with kissing someone deceased. His video, in which he discusses this highly sensitive topic, has caused a widespread discussion and debate on social media.
According to him, around nine hours after someone dies, the body starts to decompose, a natural process during which bacteria from the decomposing tissues start to surface.
These bacteria can pose health risks to individuals who come into contact with the body, particularly through kissing.
He says he’s perfectly aware that this practice is seen as a final farewell and sort of respect towards the deceased person, but he believes people should be aware of the risk they put themselves into by unknowingly expose themselves to harmful pathogens.
As expected, people’s opinions were divided.
“I kissed my father and would do it again, no matter the risk! He is my father!” one person commented. Others, however, appreciated his advice and wrote they would reconsider their decision of kissing someone who has died as a final goodbye no matter the emotional connection they had with the deceased.
Dr. Ivanovik emphasized the issue of one’s sense of smell being affected if kissing someone who passed away.
The body’s decomposition can produce an unpleasant odor that might remain in one’s memory longer than expected. Some people report a significant change in their sense of smell and taste after such an act, adding another layer of complexity to the already emotional farewell experience.
“Honestly, I don’t think anyone can resist not kissing their parent on the hand or forehead one last time. I kissed my father’s hand for the last time,” a follower commented.
What are your thoughts on this?
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