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Fospice
Pets Lifeline’s Fospice Program gives senior and terminally ill shelter pets the chance to spend their final days in a loving home. We provide everything they need—food, supplies, and medical care—you provide the warmth, comfort, and companionship they deserve.
By opening your home to a Fospice pet, you’re giving them the dignity of love and care in their final chapter.
Interested in becoming a Fospice foster? Contact us to learn more about making a difference in a pet’s life when they need it most.
Dubby’s Second Chance at Comfort and Love
When Dubby first arrived at Pets Lifeline, he was a frail, forgotten soul. Found as a stray with a microchip registered 12 years ago, it was clear he had lived a long life—but he was now alone, sick, and in desperate need of care.
His condition broke our hearts. A large mass on his back, a dull and patchy coat, and daily vomiting and diarrhea left him weak and uncomfortable. Despite switching him to a bland diet, his symptoms persisted. But we weren’t giving up on Dubby.
After lab work revealed the source of his digestive issues, we began treatment with a specialized medication. Within just one week, the transformation began—his digestion improved, and his coat started to shine again. For the first time in a long time, Dubby seemed to feel good.Once he was strong enough, our team performed surgery to neuter him and remove the mass on his back, which was diagnosed as a hemangioma—thankfully, completely excised.
But Dubby’s journey didn’t end there.
A month later, he found a loving fospice home, where he could spend his golden years in peace and comfort. His new caregiver showered him with warmth, routine, and love. For six months, he thrived.
Then came more news—a small rectal mass was discovered during a routine recheck. We acted quickly. Surgery was performed, and the biopsy revealed an apocrine gland carcinoma, a type of cancer. Again, we were fortunate—the mass was removed in full.
Today, Dubby is back in his fospice home, doing wonderfully. He remains on a special diet and visits us every six months for blood work and monitoring. He’s living proof of the love, dedication, and medical care your support makes possible.
Give a Senior Dog Like Dubby the Care They Deserve
Your donation helps provide lifesaving medical care, nutrition, and comfort to animals like Dubby. Without your support, dogs like him would suffer in silence.
Donate or become a Foster today and help us give more senior pets the love and dignity they deserve.
Roger’s Story: A Second Chance in Fospice
Roger arrived at Pets Lifeline on January 9, 2025, as a transfer from Sonoma County Animal Services, along with a senior female poodle. The shelter didn’t have the capacity to care for them, so we gladly welcomed both into our program.
During Roger’s intake exam, we ran routine blood and urine tests to ensure he was healthy enough for neutering. To collect a sterile urine sample, we used an ultrasound machine—and while scanning, we made an unexpected discovery: a mass on his spleen.
Despite this finding, Roger’s bloodwork was perfect, and he remained in stable condition. Given his overall health, we proceeded with his neuter and placed him into our Fospice Program, where senior and terminal pets get to spend their final days in a loving home.
The best part? We found him the perfect fospice caregiver—someone who had previously cared for another senior dog from Pets Lifeline. Even better, she adopted the female poodle Roger arrived with, ensuring the two best friends could stay together.
Now, Roger is enjoying a life filled with love, comfort, and companionship, right where he belongs. ❤️
Mabel’s Story: Finding Comfort in Fospice
Mabel arrived at Pets Lifeline on July 23, 2023, as a transfer from Sonoma County Animal Services. While we weren’t sure of her exact age, we estimated she was over eight years old. With her distinctive prancing gait, she charmed everyone she met.
After her spay surgery, we noticed a concerning change—her graceful prance turned into a staggering walk. Alarmed, we took her to PESCM Specialty and Emergency Hospital, where a neurologist performed an MRI of her spine. The results were heartbreaking: her spine resembled that of a hundred-year-old dog. Surgery wasn’t an option, so we focused on managing her condition with medication and ensuring she had a safe, comfortable home.
Given her fragile spine, Mabel needed a special fospice caretaker—someone who could provide a home without stairs or jumping hazards. She was initially placed with an employee from Sonoma County Animal Services, who ensured she lived safely and comfortably. However, when her caretaker had to move to a no-dogs-allowed residence, Mabel needed another home.
Thankfully, it wasn’t long before we found the perfect match—a previous adopter looking for a small companion dog. Now, Mabel continues to thrive, happily living her golden years with daily medication, lots of love, and the care she deserves. ❤️
Buddy’s Journey: From Loss to Love
When 14-year-old Buddy arrived at Pets Lifeline, he had just lost his owner, and his remaining family members were unable to care for him. Despite his age and the challenges ahead, we knew Buddy deserved a second chance.
During his intake exam, our veterinary team discovered a small mass near his prepuce, severe dental disease, dirty ears, and eye discharge. To help him feel more comfortable, Buddy was placed under anesthesia for a deep ear cleaning, a dental procedure that included multiple extractions, and surgical removal of the mass.
Biopsy results revealed the mass was a hemangiosarcoma, a type of cancer. Due to its sensitive location, the mass was only narrowly removed. Still, Buddy recovered like a champ.
He spent eight months at the shelter, where he received regular care, attention, and love from our staff and volunteers. Eventually, a kind-hearted fospice (foster hospice) caregiver welcomed Buddy into her home by the beach, where he now enjoys his golden years surrounded by a small pack of fellow Chihuahuas.
A few months later, routine lab work showed elevated liver enzymes. An abdominal ultrasound revealed a gallbladder mucocele—a blockage in the cystic duct. We immediately started him on medication, and he’s currently doing well under close veterinary supervision. Buddy continues to receive lab work every three months to monitor his condition and ensure his comfort.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Buddy is living his best life—safe, loved, and supported every step of the way.
Give a Senior Dog the Care They Deserve
Your donation helps provide lifesaving medical care, nutrition, and comfort to Fospice pups. Without your support, senior and terminal dogs would suffer in silence.
Donate or become a Foster today and help us give more senior pets the love and dignity they deserve.