We all know that pets make great companions for the elderly, and now one animal lover has decided to repay the favour by setting up the UK’s first hospice exclusively for dogs.
Offering treats of steak dinners, trips to the beach, and a McDonald’s supper before they’re inevitably put down, Nicola Coyle set up the Grey Muzzle Canine Hospice Project after seeing the devastation of dogs who have been dumped by their owners.
© The Grey Muzzle Canine Hospice / Facebook
The hospice takes in dogs who are terminally ill or face being put down, often with less than six months to live. They usually come from kennels, vet surgeries or charities, where they risk being put down within seven days if not re-homed.
Once rescued, the dogs live a life of luxury at the hospice, which is located at Ms. Coyle’s home. Each dog is given a ‘bucket list’, which aims to help them celebrate the final stages of life with more extravagant treats than they’d usually expect.
Either from her own pocket or through fundraising, Ms. Coyle spends up to £500 on each dog, with the hope of giving them the best end to their life as possible.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Ms. Coyle said of her project:
“Many have not led a very nice life too, used for breeding or guard dogs, so when they’ve become unwell, they’re not useful any more and left.
The longest I had one is one year, the shortest was two weeks. It’s so rewarding when you can make those times special.
I don’t know when their birthdays are so we throw all of them a birthday party.
They just want to feel loved and safe. I really believe they should get a nice ending.”
© The Grey Muzzle Canine Hospice / Facebook
We think that the Grey Muzzle Canine Hospice Project is a great initiative, and love that older dogs are still getting a chance at life after being neglected by their owners. In fact, we wouldn’t mind a crack at one of those bucket lists…
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