When Howard and I met Yoda and later Grogu, we never thought they would live as long – and as well – as they did. Yoda stayed with us for over eight years after being given a prognosis of only a few months. Grogu also had a grim prognosis, so Howard and I decided not to adopt him but to keep him close and love him for the rest of his life. He wasn’t supposed to live more than a few weeks, yet we spent 10 months with this sweet and happy little Persian! I think Yoda and Grogu felt so much love and joy that they just didn’t want to go! More TLC magic.
We were so lucky to have them in our lives and we think of them every day, grateful to have been able to help give them so much love and care during their final days/months. The ending wasn’t easy and you’re never ready for it, but I will always treasure the unconditional love and appreciation I felt because of this very special relationship.
Over the years, I’ve taken in several host families knowing that we weren’t going to spend a lot of time together. In the world of animal rescue, this situation is called Fospice, a combination of foster care and palliative care. At the North Shore Animal League America, we recently introduced the Comfort Pet Palliative Care Program for people in the New York metropolitan area who place elderly or terminally ill pets in foster homes, covering medical expenses through our Pet Health Centers.
How heartbreaking to think of those animals sitting in a shelter at the bottom. Yes, Fospice care is hard work, but it is also beyond rewarding and deeply beautiful. And honestly, the connection that develops is indescribable. I gave love and care to my Fospice animals, and in return they taught me lessons about resilience, acceptance and treasuring every moment, lessons I will never forget. . So if you live in the New York area and would like to learn more about what is perhaps the ultimate TLC experience, please contact (email protected) If you live elsewhere, please check with your local relief organization to see if they offer a Fospice program. You will never regret it.
August is also special because on August 1, the whole country celebrated DOGust 1st, the universal birthday for all shelter dogs, a party “invented” by my clever colleagues at Animal League America. August is also famous for being the Summer dog dayswho if you remember July’s blog has to do with celestial constellations, not hot pups.
Not so long ago, while thinking about the Dog Days of Summer, I read the story of a sweet Pittie named Vanessa who spent 11 years in a shelter in Louisiana where she was neglected year after year after a heartbreaking year. In July, with a gray muzzle and so sweet, she finally found her forever home. So in his honor, and for all the Pittie mixes that deserve a lot of attention, here are three great dogs from the North Shore Animal League adoption center in Port Washington, New York that would love to be brought home and spoiled. rotten!