Brittany Kelley
DRIPPING SPRINGS — Lizzy’s Animal Hospice has been offering second chances to senior and terminally ill dogs since 2012.
The program began after Lizzy, a chained dog, was saved by founder and president Karen Cole.
“She just came to us and we weren’t sure if she was going to live for two years, two weeks [or] two months. She was so matted with hair [that] every time she stood up, she would fall over,” explained Cole. “I had been with a rescue already and that’s when I decided to do the senior thing and she prompted it.”
She explained that Lizzy was taken to the vet and after receiving the care she needed, lived for two more years as a funny and happy dog.
“I thought, ‘This is fabulous. This dog, who didn’t have a chance, [made it]. It didn’t take much. It took time; it took love [and] it look a little bit of money and she was just the best dog,” Cole recalled. “I was like, ‘This is the reason I’m here.’”
In addition to Lizzy, Cole shared that every time she went to shelters, she noticed that senior dogs were often overlooked by potential adopters, simply because of their age. So, after researching pet hospices, she realized that there were nearly none available in Central Texas at the time, pushing her to begin Lizzy’s Animal Hospice.
“The hospice part is that we typically won’t do surgery just to help this dog live longer, if it’s not going to benefit them. So, our goal is to make them comfortable and ensure that they know they’re loved and taken care of. Then, if we have to make an end of life decision on their behalf in their best interest, we absolutely do,” said the founder.
Although the initial goal of the rescue was to save senior and terminally ill animals, eventually, it became an opportunity to rescue more dogs by adopting them out, as well. Cole said that this can sometimes be difficult, as many adopters are uncertain about taking home an older dog.
The misconception about senior dogs, she said, is that they have no life to give anymore, but many are still energetic even at 10 years old, and still enjoy walks and relaxing with their owners.
There are also other concerns that come along, Cole continued, as even those that would enjoy a more laid back lifestyle with an older dog are concerned about the expenses, but this is where Lizzy’s comes in.
Cole stated that when a dog is saved from a shelter, they visit the vet within the first week to ensure that any potential medical procedures — surgery, mass removal, dental works, etc. — are completed before moving on to their forever home.
Despite these hesitations, she shared that she has had great success with placing dogs from her rescue, with many being older individuals.
Cole shared that space and funds are limited, so not every dog can be saved, but that the best way the community can support Lizzy’s is to donate to provide aid for veterinary visits and surgery, as well as volunteering to be fosters.
“Fostering helps because we are a foster-based organization. We don't have a shelter environment. Our dogs are in homes, so the more fosters we have, the more dogs we can get out,” she explained. “It is difficult to find fosters, especially for seniors. There’s still that fear that the dog is old. [They] don’t want to see the dog die … and a lot of people just can’t do it.”
Placing dogs can also be hard because temporary fosters are not the best scenario for the dogs, as by the time they are comfortable, they are uprooted and moved to another home. This only stresses the dog out and makes for an unstable environment.
For more information on donations or foster opportunities, visit www.lizzyshospice.com.
“Those dogs, this is their last chance. I am their last chance,” Cole said. “So, our goal is, when they leave, they know they were loved, that they were cared for, that somebody took the time and said, ‘Hey, you’re worth it.’”
