The Canine Hospice

For humans, when they need palliative care, there is a hospice. Having had a relative spend his final few weeks in such a place in the UK, I realised that far from being a depressing, miserable plac,e it was a really cheerful, happy home where the incredible Macmillan nurses made the patients final time feel as good as it can possibly be, however, there is an issue here that we all need to address. In the event of our inability to care for our pet, what arrangements have we made for them to be looked after if and when we are incapable or have passed away?

In the state of Missouri, USA, there is a hospice for dogs that cares for 60 to 80 of our furry friends at any one time.

It was started by Valerie Reid, who realised when her father died, leaving his Doberman behin,d that there was no facility available for elderly dogs, she herself couldn’t take the elderly dog due restrictions on the number of pets that were permitted where she resided but fortunately, a lady offered to take the senior dog so he could see out his days peacefully. This inspired Valerie to create Whispering Willows, which provides end-of-life hospice care for elderly dogs with a short time to live, ensuring their final days are painless, stress-free, and spent in a loving environment.

Bearing in mind that with this number of dogs, the passing is a frequent occurrence, bringing a degree of sadness to all involved, but this is tempered by the knowledge that those who have passed have known only peace and tranquillity at the end.

Who comes to Whispering Willows

They all come with a variety of histories, the most common being the owner’s passing or hospitalisation.

Some have been abandoned, which is very common with elderly pets, as owners either can’t pay or won’t pay for the treatment and medication required for a geriatric dog.

A small number are the result of a court order requiring the animal to be removed from an unsuitable environment, or, in some cases, to save them from cruelty. Sadly, some have to be removed from homes where the owners have emotional and or suicidal issues.

The only stipulation is that the entrant must be over 12 years of age or have a terminal diagnosis.

The surprising thing about this canine hospice is the total absence of cages; there is literally no confinement. Dozens of dogs are free to wander and do as they please. Naturally, with so many pensioners in one place, the most widely practised activity is sleeping. Comfy beds are everywhere, and walking into the room, it’s wall-to-wall beds. In fact, it’s difficult to even see the floor. The property is an area of some five acres, all of which is secured by fencing. Two interesting rules apply. Once a dog has been accepted into WWSDS, they are there for the rest of their life; they are never put up for adoption. They will see out their days in this senior canine utopia. Another rule is that there is no visiting from previous owners or family members, as it is considered too upsetting and confusing.

Life at the sanctuary

The obvious problem facing the staff is that any new resident must be able to fit into the regime, let’s face it, not many have ever had to cohabit with up to 80 other dogs!! They learn very quickly that they have to share, something that many have not had to do in their lives and certainly not with this incredible number.

Naturally, every conceivable ailment will affect the seniors, everything from mobility, deafness, blindness, chronic heart disease, failing kidneys, bad teeth or (lack of any). You name it, they have got it!!

Breakfast is served from 6 in the morning, and after that, the residents are free to do their own thing.

Everything from Chihuahuas to Great Danes appears to live together in perfect harmony. The care provided to the seniors at Whispering Willows is such that many who arrived with only a short time to live have made such incredible progress regarding their health that they have recovered to the stage where they continue to live out their lives as pensioners.

A veterinary surgeon visits weekly to check on their welfare and provide all necessary medications. Surgical procedures and nursing care, if required, are carried out at the veterinary clinic

If and when the quality of life is diminished, then the veterinary surgeon administers the final medication.

According to Whispering Willows, thousands have spent their final time at the hospice, some for only a few weeks, some even days, but every one of them has departed this world “having love whispered until their final breath.”