Valerie Reid’s Incredible Mission: Transforming Her Home into a Sanctuary for Aging Dogs
Valerie Reid, an extraordinary woman with an unyielding love for animals, has turned her home into a haven for needy elderly dogs.
The Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary, a non-profit organization in Missouri, is home to up to 80 senior pups at any given time.
The inception of this sanctuary dates back to 2017, when Valerie faced the heartbreaking reality of not being able to find a home for her father’s elderly Doberman. “My husband and I were at our city’s pet limit and could not take her.
We looked everywhere for any rescue that would help, and due to her age, none would home her,” she recounted.
Valerie’s compassionate heart couldn’t bear the thought of these aging dogs spending their final days alone.
Thus, the sanctuary was born, offering a loving refuge for elderly dogs whose owners have passed away or can no longer care for them.
At Whispering Willows, the dogs aren’t just residents but cherished family members. “The dogs live with us openly and go between the two buildings. Anywhere we go, they go and are treated as part of the family,” Valerie emphasized.
Witnessing the transformation in these dogs as they realize they’re safe and loved is the most rewarding part for Valerie. “The best part is the transformation they go through when they know they are safe and loved,” she shared.
With a vision to help people prepare for the end of life, Valerie and her husband Josh made the courageous decision to move from their home in Kansas City to Hermitage, Missouri, to dedicate themselves fully to the sanctuary.
Their new home, spanning 3,000 square feet and a 1,700 square foot outbuilding, provides ample space for the dogs to roam and play.
“The sanctuary truly evolved and became bigger and bigger than I had even thought. I love having so many little hearts that love us back,” Valerie expressed.
What started as a small initiative has become a full-fledged operation with 17 full-time staff offering round-the-clock care for the 80 dogs at the sanctuary.
Since its inception, Whispering Willows has provided comfort to over 790 dogs as they transition into their next lives.
Valerie’s ultimate goal is simple yet profound: to ensure that every dog that leaves this earth does so, knowing they were cherished.
“Our goal is for them to leave this earth knowing they were cherished. We hold each other and usually cry together. They are family members, and we all love them,” she stated.
But Valerie’s mission doesn’t end with caring for these senior dogs. She hopes to raise awareness about the importance of senior pet care and the need for more sanctuaries like Whispering Willows.
“We help as many senior dogs as possible but are overwhelmed with the quantity and medical expenses.
We hope to raise awareness of the great need for senior care and understanding of our sanctuary,” she explained.
Through her unwavering dedication and boundless love, Valerie Reid is not only changing the lives of these elderly dogs but also inspiring others to recognize the value of every life, regardless of age or circumstance.
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