Meet Our Hospice Seniors and Sanctuary Seniors
What is a Sanctuary Senior?
A sanctuary senior is a dog who is very advanced in age, receiving hospice care, or has special needs or a disability that require special care.
What Is Hospice Care?
Senior dog hospice care is ongoing palliative care for senior dogs with high medical needs, a disability, or medical needs that are unresolvable or terminal.
Senior dogs in our hospice program receive all of the veterinary care they need while living in a comfy home with a hospice foster who loves them like their own until the end of their days.
Meet Our Sanctuary Seniors
Gary
Gary came to us in June of 2023 after his owner passed away. After a thorough examination at our vet, it was determined that Gary had grade 4 luxating patellas in both of his back legs. We consulted with an orthopedic surgeon, and they concluded that due to his age, undergoing such a hard surgery and recovery was not in his best interest at this time. Gary is doing well on pain management medications, and we are committed to helping him live a pain-free life. We will continue to accommodate his disability with regular checkups and consults with our vets.
You can make a tax-deductible donation to Gary’s ongoing care via the link below!
Max
Bio coming soon!
Sponsor Our Hospice Dogs!
Rainbow Bridge Seniors
Dino
Dino was a 17-year-old Border Collie / Lab mix who found herself at the shelter after her owner passed away, whom she had been with since she was 8 weeks old. Our consolation is that they are reunited once again. Dino was our very first hospice dog at CSDRH and she’ll forever hold a special spot in our hearts.
On her last day, Dino had her favorite meal of chicken breast and was acting playful with her foster mom – dancing in the kitchen and romping around in the yard. We’re glad she had all good days up until the end.
Corre libra, dulce Dino. We are honored to have cared for you in your final days. Say hi to your papa for us ❤️
Coney
Sweet, easy-going Coney came to our rescue after his owner passed away. Coney had some complicated dental issues and some typical old dog problems. He was with us for almost 6 months before passing in his foster mom’s arms. During his time with us, he enjoyed living life in the Colorado mountains and frolicking on a four-acre farm. We love you Coney, run free!
Dolly
Sweet Dolly came to us from a shelter partner. Upon examination, we found some masses in her gallbladder, and after consulting with our vet, it was determined that the best mode of treatment would be palliative care.
Dolly surprised us all and lived over a year in her hospice home, a four-acre ranch in the mountains. We love you, Dolly! It was an honor to care for you in your last year. Run free <3
About Our Hospice Program
What is Hospice Care For Senior Dogs?
Senior dog hospice care is ongoing palliative care for senior dogs who have medical needs that are not resolvable.
Senior dogs in our hospice program receive all of the veterinary care they need while living in a comfy home with a hospice foster who loves them like their own until the end of their days.
How is a Dog Determined to be Hospice?
Senior dogs are considered candidates for hospice care when they have an incurable illness or a terminal diagnosis, are high-needs medical dogs, require care that would be too great a burden on an adopter, or show signs of cognitive decline, such as dementia. The determination of hospice status is made in consultation with a veterinarian, who evaluates the dog’s overall health and quality of life. Together, we develop a care plan tailored to their unique needs, ensuring they receive the best possible comfort and support moving forward.
How is a Dog Determined to be a Sanctuary Senior?
Sanctuary seniors are super-seniors who have lived the hard life and now deserve a home full of love, soft beds, and all the treats. These seniors typically have mobility issues, incontinent issues, or behavioral issues that make them hard to place in adoptive homes. To ensure they receive the best care and have a steady home for the remainder of their says, these super-seniors having a loving sanctuary home with their foster parent here at CSDRH.
What Level of Care Do Hospice Dogs Receive?
Hospice care is the most expensive part of our rescue. Often dogs come to us with complicated medical needs, and poor health and need a full workup to determine a treatment plan moving forward.
Hospice Care Expenses Can Look Like:
- Full Dental Extractions
- Orthopedic Rehab
- Subcutaneous Fluids
- Diabetes Management
- Handicap or Disability Management
- Specialty Diet Dog Food
- Bloodwork
- Diagnostics
- Cancer Care
- Heart Failure Care
- Grooming
- Weight Loss + Joint Supplements
- Surgery
- Ultrasounds
- X-Rays
- and more!