Woman Creates Pet Hospice in Her Home, Lovingly Cares for 80 Senior Dogs
In a heartwarming tale of compassion and dedication, meet Valerie Reid, a remarkable woman who turned her home into a hospice to care for senior dogs in need. Faced with the challenge of finding a new home for her father’s elderly Doberman, Valerie was struck by the sad reality that many senior dogs end up in shelters due to their owners’ changing circumstances. Determined to make a difference, she, along with her husband Josh, transformed their lives and established the Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary in Hermitage, Missouri. This sanctuary now lovingly tends to up to 80 dogs at a time, providing them with the care and love they deserve during their golden years.
The touching journey of Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary began in 2017 when Valerie Reid’s father found it challenging to care for his beloved aging Doberman. Unable to accommodate the senior dog themselves and struggling to find a suitable rescue, Valerie and her husband Josh realized the gravity of the situation faced by numerous elderly pets and their owners.
Driven by a profound desire to help senior dogs in need, Valerie and Josh made a life-changing decision. They uprooted their lives and moved to Hermitage, Missouri, where they established a 3,000-square-foot house with an additional 1,700-square-foot outbuilding dedicated to the care of these elderly canines. With the support of a local veterinarian, they brought their dream to life, officially inaugurating the Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary on July 19, 2017.
Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary provides a safe haven for elderly dogs whose owners have passed away or moved into retirement homes. Additionally, the sanctuary welcomes dogs who have spent far too long in shelters, giving them a chance to find love and companionship during their twilight years.
What started as a humble endeavor quickly blossomed into something much larger than Valerie could have imagined. The sanctuary has grown into a non-profit organization, supported by 17 dedicated staff members who work tirelessly around the clock to care for the dogs. The dogs are treated as part of the family, living openly with Valerie and her team and enjoying the companionship they deserve.
Valerie Reid’s selfless act of creating Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary has become a beacon of hope for elderly dogs in need. Her compassionate approach and unwavering commitment have provided a loving home for up to 80 senior dogs at any given time. As a forgotten segment of the rescue world, these dogs now have a chance to experience love, care, and happiness in their later years. Valerie’s story serves as a reminder that there are always good-hearted individuals willing to go above and beyond to make the world a better place for our furry friends.
