Maine (WABI) – Palliative and hospice care comes in all forms- including services for our pets.
A nonprofit with roots in Maine is working to give older dogs comfort and care as they prepare to pass over the rainbow bridge.
Joy Hollowell joins us with part two of her special report.
”We do have a special set of people who are willing to take in very old, very sick animals,” says Old Dogs New Digs volunteer Sam Malsch. “It means that animal can be in a home, can get the medical attention that they need, can get the extra hands on love that they need. And then can cross over in the loving arms of someone that they are used to. It’s really an invaluable thing.”
Any animal that is at least seven years old, is considered senior in the eyes of Old Dogs New Digs.
“So there are lots of seniors who still have a lot to give,” says Malsch.
Initially the nonprofit, which started in Maine, only focused on dogs. But in the 10 years since they started, the group now helps senior cats and other special needs animals.
“We have actually also helped one senior rat,” says Malsch, smiling.
Sadie and Silvia Hartt are foster parents to Buddy and Zach.
“Zach is 12, Buddy is 8,” says Sadie.
Both dogs have medical issues that require constant care.
“Unfortunately their previous owner could no longer care for them,” explains Said.
They ended up at a shelter, which can be an extremely stressful environment for senior animals.
“And being a bonded pair, Zach being older, they really didn’t have high chances for adoption.”
The Hartt sisters didn’t hestitate to foster the two. Several years ago, they adopted a senior dog after Sadie spotted her on the Old Dogs New Digs website.
“She had allergies, she had arthritis. But once I met her, I just like- Oh my god, I need this dog,” says Sadie, gushing.
Silvia wasn’t as convinced.
“I actually was a little mad at Sadie at first,” Silvia says laughing. “Because I was thinking, well how long are we going to have this dog? And what if I get attached and she’s going to pass away.”
But Stella, as they named her, turned out to be a lifeline.
“She had so much love to give, recalls Silvia. “I was having some pretty severe depression and no matter what, she was there for me. It was like- I don’t even care if I have this dog for a month. To feel that love, it’s so worth it.”
Stella passed away nearly two years ago. With both sisters in college, they decided fostering senior animals was better suited for their busy lifestyles.
“I feel like Stella was supposed to be in our life for a reason,” says Sadie. “And I feel called to help out these guys.”
“And while they do have special needs, it is part of them,” adds her sister Silva. “It’s what makes them so lovely.”
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And we are happy to report that Zach and Buddy were adopted in April.
We should note- Old Dogs New Digs also works with animal owners who may have fallen on tough times, like suddenly losing their housing. It’s called the Safe Keeps program.
For more information on any of the programs that the non profit offers, click here.
They also have a Facebook page.
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