Muttville’s Fospice program shares the love

By: DogTrekker Staff

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

At Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, they sometimes take in elderly pooches who, for one reason or another, have a short life expectancy. Maybe an ultimately terminal medical condition, or maybe just reaching the twilight stage after many years. Often, though, these canine elders are having a perfectly fine time right now, and are looking for a bit more fun, adventure, and/or snuggles before they leave us.

Muttville founder and recent Top 10 CNN Hero Sherri Franklin thought those dogs deserved a safe and happy landing too, and launched Muttville’s Fospice (Foster/Hospice) Program, driven by the belief that their days may be few but they might as well be great. Muttville covers palliative vet care and other expenses; fosters bring the love.

Franklin says, “When we started the Fospice program, we didn’t expect too much interest from people who’d take a terminal dog home, but we get about two to three new fospice applications a week now! What I hear from these big-hearted people is how rewarding it is to give an older animal a happy last chapter.