A mum who couldn’t bear the thought of old dogs dying alone has turned her home into a hospice – and now looks after up to 80 pooches at once.
Valerie Reid, 44, started the non-profit Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary after she struggled to find a home for her family’s ageing Doberman.
She now takes in dogs who have spent a long time in a shelter, whose owners have passed away or have moved into a retirement facility.
Valerie, the charity’s president, said: “The dogs live with us openly and go between the two buildings. Anywhere we go they go and they are treated as part of the family.
“The best part is the transformation they go to when they know that they are safe and loved.”
About five dogs are taken in each week, with the same number of deaths.
“Our vision is to help people prepare for end of life, none of us are guaranteed tomorrow,” said Valerie.
“We get to send our seniors off in comfort and love. Yes, it hurts but it is an honour to love and care for them.”
(Image: © Valerie Reid /…
