To care for a maximum of 80 dogs at a time, an avid animal lover who can’t stand the thought of lonely pets has converted her home into a nursing home.

After facing difficulties finding a home for her elderly Doberman parent, Valerie Reed, 44, founded Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary as a non-profit organization in Hermitage, Missouri, in 2017.

“We couldn’t simply give her away because we had already reached the city’s pet limit,” Valerie recalls. “Despite our efforts, no rescue organization was willing to take her in because of her age.”

Valerie now provides homes for dogs whose owners have moved to nursing homes or are unable to care for them. These dogs often spend time in shelters before finding a home with Valerie and her husband.

According to Valerie, who holds the position of president of the organization, these dogs live with them freely. Moving between two buildings. They have become part of their lives. Get love and care just like family members.

“The rewarding aspect is watching their transformation when they realize they are safe and cherished,” Valerie expressed warmly.

Five new canines are welcomed each week into the shelter while a similar number die peacefully surrounded by love.

Valerie explained their mission: “We aim to help people prepare for end-of-life situations as no one can guarantee what tomorrow will hold.”

We bid farewell to our elders with a mixture of sadness and tenderness. Although it is painful, it is a true honor to love and care for them.

Before starting the shelter in 2017, Valerie spent about 12 years renovating kitchens and running a design business.

After her father died, Valerie had difficulties finding a place to house his Doberman. It was only when a foster home learned of the situation and offered their help that they felt compelled to create this home for the dogs.

Valerie, who genuinely cares, currently employs 17 full-time staff who provide on-site care and around-the-clock attention. The dogs come from shelters or from owners who have died or moved into nursing homes and left them with others to go.

Large dogs are free to explore the five-acre fenced area as they please or just relax on one of the dog beds spread throughout. Each of them receives gifts and toys well.

When it’s time to say goodbye, Valerie and her team make sure the more than 790 dogs pass safely and comfortably. They also create clay prints and paint watercolor portraits of each dog as a lasting memory.

“Our goal is for these dogs to leave this world knowing they are truly loved,” Valerie said. We usually find comfort in each other’s arms and shed tears together. Because they are part of our family, we all have affection for them.

Valerie’s goal is to motivate others to think about what would happen to their pets if something happened to them.

She added that it is important for all of us to plan for the future, not for our partners and children but for our dear pets. Dealing with death is part of life. Aging should be embraced as a blessing.

While we strive to help pets as much as possible, the sheer number and accompanying medical expenses can be overwhelming. Our goal is to raise awareness about our shelter and the urgent need for care.