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.
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.
Legendary Actress Loni Anderson: Forever Beautiful at 78
A Star That Lives On Beyond Time
Loni rose to stardom in the late 1970s when she played the sexy and intelligent Jennifer. She won three Grammys for the program, which followed the highs and lows of a made-up Ohio radio station.
According to Loni, “I think women liked that I embodied both sexiness and intelligence.” “There weren’t many women in comedy in 1978 who could pull off the two seamlessly.”
Early Mistakes and Unwavering Willpower
Loni found it difficult to get beyond the obstacles in her way when she first became famous. The first girl in the school had to endure stares and remarks, so it wasn’t always easy to wear a bra. However, Loni demonstrated that nothing could stand in her way.
She never turned back after making her acting debut in 1966. She continued to solidify her reputation as a legendary actress by making cameos in a number of TV series and motion pictures. Her appearance in a bikini poster, which was crucial to her landing the Jennifer role on WKRP, is one of her most memorable moments.
Loni grinned and said, “I posed for that poster because my grandchildren would see it one day.” And I’ll be happy to inform them that’s just how I came across. You received exactly what you saw.
Overcoming Personal Challenges
Loni’s personal life wasn’t always glamorous, even though she was well-known on television. She experienced highs and lows in her four marriages, the most well-known being to actor Burt Reynolds. After six years of marriage, their dramatic and widely publicized divorce was tainted by derogatory comments and accusations. But in the end, Loni showed incredible strength by admitting the difficulties she had. She was honest about the allegations of physical abuse and unpaid child support.
When Burt passed away in 2018, Loni paid her respects, which says volumes about her personality. She knew how he affected her life and their son Quinton’s. This reveals her ability to be forgiving and kind.
Increasing in Years But Not in Grace
Loni Anderson, who is 78 years old, exudes beauty. She credits maintaining a healthy lifestyle with frequent exercise and a balanced diet for her youthful appearance. She strives to redefine the boundaries of age and confronts the notion of what a grandma should look like with unyielding tenacity.
Loni said, “I never thought I wanted to be the traditional, sensible-shoe-wearing, rocking-chair-wearing grandma.” “We need to shift people’s perceptions of what grandmothers can be because they don’t fit that stereotype!”
A Life Overflowing with Inspiration and Love
Not only does Loni have a positive attitude on life, but she also surrounds herself with the proper people. In 2008, she tied the knot with guitarist Bob Flick, her true love. These days, they are content grandparents raising a lovely family. It’s always a pleasure to be with Loni Anderson, who never fails to uplift us with her optimistic outlook on life despite hardships like learning that her daughter has multiple sclerosis. She tells us that real beauty comes from the inside out and that age is just a number.
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