The joys of fostering older dogs
By Madeleine Devost
“He’s as happy as a clam!”
These were Diane Rice’s words after deciding to adopt Rebel (“Reb”) – a senior dog she had been fostering for two months through the Humane Society of Loudoun County (HSLC).
I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Diane, one of HSLC’s board members and foster parents. Over the past few years, Diane has fostered seven dogs 8 years old and up, two of them with HSLC. She offered some insight on how rewarding it is to foster and adopt senior dogs.
Diane and her husband, Mike, began to take in older dogs as they grew older themselves. Although senior animals sometimes come with health problems, HSLC covers all necessary medical expenses when fostering, including spaying and neutering. They found joy in giving these dogs the best lives they could for as long as possible.
Reb doing his best impression of a taco– with help from his cave bed.
Rebel was rescued from an abusive household in which he was neglected and threatened by his owners. The Rices offered a safe and caring home where he could heal both emotionally and physically. They didn’t change his name which is important when taking in older dogs as it helps them to adjust more readily to their new environment.
After just a few weeks, they decided that Reb belonged with them for whatever time he had left. We can only imagine how thankful he was for their care.
One of Diane’s fondest memories of Rebel was when he would burrow under the blankets and towels in the house. Taking this cue to heart, she bought him a cave bed. Late one night, Rebel was sleeping peacefully in his new bed and it looked like he was wrapped up in a taco shell!
Recently, Reb passed away with Diane and Mike by his side. Diane shared the sad news on Facebook:
This dear little old man left us tonight for the Rainbow Bridge. Rebel was 14 and the sweetest Beagle ever. Although he had only been with us for a little over a year, we enjoyed every day of our time together. He was a real Momma’s boy and LOVED belly rubs and food food food! We will miss him so very much!
You can’t change a senior dog’s past. But, you can give them the care they deserve in their golden years. In return, they will reward you with boundless affection, devotion and love.