In a heartwarming display of compassion, Valerie Reid, 44, has converted her home into a sanctuary for senior dogs, ensuring they live out their twilight years surrounded by love and care. What began as a personal struggle to find a home for her family’s aging Doberman has blossomed into the Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary, where up to 80 dogs find solace and companionship at any given time. Valerie’s journey began when she faced the difficult task of rehoming her father’s Doberman after his passing. Unable to accommodate the dog due to city pet limits, Valerie encountered numerous roadblocks in finding a rescue willing to take in the aging canine. However, a compassionate foster eventually stepped in, providing a loving home for the Doberman during her final years.
Inspired by this experience, Valerie recognized the need for a sanctuary dedicated to senior dogs who often find themselves without homes due to the passing of their owners or changing life circumstances. Thus, Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary was born, with Valerie and her husband, Josh Reid, relocating to Hermitage to make their vision a reality. Since its inception in 2017, Whispering Willows has become a beacon of hope for senior dogs in need. Employing 17 full-time staff who provide round-the-clock care, the sanctuary offers a warm and loving environment for dogs from all walks of life. Through their dedicated efforts, Valerie and her team have provided comfort and dignity to over 790 dogs as they cross the rainbow bridge, ensuring each one leaves this world knowing they were cherished.
Beyond providing physical care, Whispering Willows aims to raise awareness about the importance of planning for the future, including the care of beloved pets. Valerie hopes that their work will inspire others to consider the well-being of their pets in their end-of-life plans and shed light on the vital need for senior dog care. As they continue their mission, Valerie and her team remain committed to offering compassion, comfort, and love to every senior dog that finds their way to Whispering Willows. Valerie’s dedication to the well-being of senior dogs has not gone unnoticed. The sanctuary has garnered attention and support from animal lovers worldwide, with donations pouring in to support their mission. With each passing day, Valerie’s dream of providing a loving home for senior dogs becomes more of a reality, thanks to the generosity and compassion of supporters who share her vision.
As Whispering Willows continues to grow, Valerie remains focused on her mission of providing a loving and dignified environment for senior dogs in need. Her unwavering dedication serves as a testament to the power of love and compassion, inspiring others to make a difference in the lives of animals who need it most. With each dog that finds refuge at Whispering Willows, Valerie’s legacy of compassion grows stronger, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who encounter her story. As she looks toward the future, Valerie remains hopeful that Whispering Willows will continue to be a beacon of hope for senior dogs in need, providing them with the love, care, and comfort they deserve in their golden years.