Meet Valerie Reid, an incredible woman whose passion for elderly pets led her to transform her home into a unique haven, Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary, in Missouri. Valerie’s mission is to ensure that no elderly dog ever has to face the end of life alone.

Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary is a lifetime hospice that provides love and care to senior dogs in their final years. Unlike many other pet sanctuaries, these dogs are not fostered, adopted, or confined to kennels. They become part of Valerie’s family and remain with her until they pass away, surrounded by love and comfort.

Elderly dogs find their way to Whispering Willows for various reasons, such as abandonment, the loss of their human companions, owners transitioning to nursing homes, or court-ordered separations. Despite their challenging pasts, these senior dogs display an unwavering zest for life, a quality Valerie deeply appreciates.

Valerie highlights the remarkable forgiving nature of elderly dogs, explaining how they continue to love despite past traumas, abuse, neglect, or the loss of their owners. Her inspiration for establishing the sanctuary came from a personal experience. After her father’s battle with cancer, his loyal Doberman pinscher was left without a home. Valerie couldn’t take in her father’s beloved pet due to caregiving responsibilities but managed to find a loving foster family for the dog.

This experience prompted Valerie to create a place where other pets and families could find the same kind of care and support. She describes the heartwarming scene of arriving at work each day, greeted by the wagging tails of her 68 canine companions, whose happiness is unmatched.

While some of the senior dogs spend only a short time at the sanctuary, sometimes just days or weeks, Valerie finds immense meaning in providing them with comfort during their final moments. She credits the dogs with teaching her resilience and determination, emphasizing that the sanctuary is a place of both heartache and happiness, where love and joy prevail despite life’s challenges.