Hospice Care
What is Hospice Fostering?
Hospice fostering provides a home and care for dogs who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in a shelter or other desperate situation, without family, in their most urgent time. These dogs usually are very old or very ill, and do not have long to live. We look to provide these dogs with the comfort and love of a home in their final days, as well as give them the medical care they need.
Taking in end of life dogs you must be selfless, strong, and able to overcome the pain you will feel. You must think about the dog, not yourself. This can be emotionally taxing but in the end it is always worth it to be able to enrich the lives of these deserving animals.
Please consider donating to us so we may continue to care for these animals, who otherwise would be left to die alone and abandoned.
Winnie
Winnie lived most of her life outside until we stepped in. She’s going blind & deaf, was extremely obese, and was in rough shape, being 13-years old when we rescued her. An 86 yr old man was her owner and did love her, but the neglect really shows. He could hardly care for himself let alone the dogs. Within her time with us, she showed improvements in some areas- such as losing weight and mobility- but struggled in others. It became clear that Winnie was a hospice case for us- we are just looking to give Winnie her best life for whatever time she has left.
We do everything we can to enrich Winnie’s life and give her the most joy while we can. Winnie is enjoying her days with canine companions and playing with toys as well! She also has found her voice and isn't shy to let us know when she needs something!
Buddy
We had taken in Buddy from a senior man who was taken away by ambulance never to see his dogs again. We also took in his siblings, Jackson and Miss Mikki Minaj, who have both been adopted. In the time we have had him it has become very clear that Buddy has a brain tumor/lesion that is causing him to seizure. We have him on several meds to help minimize the frequency. Buddy happens to be the sweetest, most gentle Cocker Spaniel. We are sad to announce that he is now a hospice rescue. He has attached himself very well to his foster mom & loves her dearly.
We all love you Buddy & will be by your side until the end!
Coraline
In memory
Coraline was rescued in early October when she was found wandering alone on the streets of Detroit. Upon arrival she was a shell of a dog, almost zombie-like. We thought things would improve for her once she knew she was safe, but it was very apparent in time that severe damage was done. She was extremely dejected, and never seem to turn a corner. On top of that, she had many health problems, including mammory tumors, dental disease, a heart condition, mobility & neurological ailments, and her vision and hearing was failing as well. Coraline’s lack of trust in people was very apparent and she was very hard to handle. We tried our best to erase probably a lifetime of abuse, but it wasn’t possible. Coraline lived the last few months of her life with comfortable beds, good food, pain meds and a caregiver who loved her despite how hard it was to love her.
We will continue to save dogs like Coraline, even though it’s devastating. Every dog, even the broken ones deserve to feel kindness in their lives.
RIP Coraline, your life mattered
Marge
In Memory
We rescued sweet Marge from Detroit. She was in absolute horrific condition, basically dying before our eyes. It was painful to see her in such state of despair. Marge had a rough road. She had severe pneumonia, pyometra, and a heart condition. After conquering that, Marge’s severe dental disease needed to be addressed with a dental surgery, however her mandible was fractured and a few days after her gum tissue went necrotic.
Ultimately, multiple surgeries could not correct the neglect she endured. Her little body just could not fight any longer. We are sorry someone neglected you so badly Marge. We truly loved you when no one else did.
Rescuing dogs that have been so severely mistreated is hard on so many levels. We will never forget the day we came to her rescue & will continue to fight for her happiness.
Bob Ross
In memory
Bob Ross was a pretty miraculous guy. Despite being abandoned, deaf, blind, and in liver failure, Bob Ross always kept his spark! He has a lot of sass, especially during his Freedom Ride from the shelter to his Hospice Foster home. Amazingly, he figured out the layout of his new home quickly and acclimated to the house routines with ease. Bob Ross was a family man with a house full of doggy siblings and a loving mother who adored him.
Bob Ross was resilient, sweet, and full of pertinacity. He will be missed dearly but we are so grateful for the full life he was able to live.
Cherry
In Memory
Cherry was dumped, unkept, half-bald, stinky, and ending up waiting for her demise. Her foster mother provided her with basic medical care, a specialized diet, and love which transformed her into one of the most beautiful labs you’ve ever seen! Unfortunately, shortly after we rescued her, we discovered that she has three cancerous masses in her lungs. Cherry’s foster mom looked her in the eyes and promised her “I’ll be your mom until the very end”.
Cherry wanted nothing more than to be loved. She was incredibly affectionate, loving, and had a beautiful soul. We were blessed to have her with us when we did.
Richard
In memory
Richard was an extremely special dog. He came to us from a bad situation in October 2019, at three years old he had only ever been kept in an outside kennel. He was disabled with many medical conditions, including hip dysplasia, flat feet, an enlarged heart, and more. He had so many medical challenges that it eventually took his life away at six years old.
Anyone who ever knew Richard knew what a zest for life this extraordinarily happy dog had. He had the biggest heart of gold. Ricky loved everyone & everything, nothing ever seemed to break his spirit. He touched many peoples lives in many ways. We will never forget what you have taught us Richard… Despite what happens to you in life or what challenges you must face, keep you’re head held high & appreciate everyday! We love you sweet boy & will never forget all your goofiness & charm. Fly high Richard!
Gracie & Elizabeth
In Memory
Gracie & Elizabeth were two charming ladies that left a huge impact on us all. Once very loved by their senior owner, they were discarded by family after she could no longer remember them due to dementia. These golden girls were the sweetest things and definitely didn’t deserve this in the end stages of their lives.
Unfortunately, as it comes with age, they both had health issues. Elizabeth had kidney disease & was deaf. Gracie had a cancerous mass in her nose that was inoperable. The two also suffered pneumonia at a point and we had to nurse them back to health. These issues never stopped them from bringing their caregivers joy and sunshine every day! Elizabeth was charismatic, spunky, and full of joy. Gracie brought so much joy to our lives with her demanding, enthusiastic personality.
The two were incredibly bonded, nearly inseparable. Unfortunately, in August 2021, we lost Gracie as her cancer had progressed to a point where she was no longer able to have a quality of life. Elizabeth found comfort and love in her foster family until we had to say goodbye in late December 2021.
We never could have been able to provide these girls with such wonderful lives without the support of our community, as we had raised hundreds of dollars to ensure they could live the rest of their days in comfort and happiness. They are reunited now over the rainbow bridge!