Dogs & Cats Forever’s Fospice Program is a heartfelt initiative that provides care in a loving home for geriatric shelter pets and those who are chronically or terminally ill. Many of these animals are former house pets who, due to their conditions, are often deemed unadoptable by others.

Meridian: The Inspiration Behind Fospice

Meridian’s story embodies the spirit of the Fospice Program. A beautiful tortoiseshell calico, Meridian arrived at the shelter suffering from a life-threatening uterine infection. She was treated, spayed, and eventually placed up for adoption. After waiting 1.5 years, a family finally expressed interest in adopting her. However, a vet check before her adoption revealed a large mammary mass, which the vet believed would return even if removed. Heartbreakingly, this news prevented her adoption.

Determined to give Meridian the love she deserved, a dedicated volunteer, Andrea, brought her home after her procedure. Meridian, once aloof at the shelter, flourished in a home setting. She explored, ate to her heart’s content, and even grew affectionate, sitting in Andrea’s lap and allowing herself to be held. Six weeks later, Meridian stopped eating and struggled to walk. A vet visit revealed the cancer had likely spread to her spinal cord or brain. Though her time was short, thanks to Andrea, Meridian spent her final weeks in a loving home, free from stress and surrounded by care.

Meridian’s story inspires us to invite others to open their hearts and homes to animals who deserve love, dignity, and peace in their final days.

Why Fospice Matters

For many animals in need of Fospice care, their last days, months, or even years are spent waiting for a home that never comes. The comfort, reduced stress, and joy that Fospice provides are immeasurable. Those who open their homes to Fospice pets often find the experience deeply rewarding, knowing they’ve given an incredible gift to an animal in need.

While these pets are unaware their time is limited, they do know the love and happiness they feel every day in a caring home. By welcoming a Fospice pet, you enrich their life and yours in immeasurable ways.

Requirements to Be a Fospice Parent

• Must be at least 25 years old.
• Must have access to a car and be willing to transport the animal in emergencies to a designated vet or the shelter.
• Must provide basic supplies such as food, cat litter, and treats.
• Must be able to spend quality time with the animal.
• Your home environment should meet the needs of the animal.

What the Shelter Provides

• Medications, medical supplies, and prescription food if needed.
• Coordination and payment for veterinary visits.

As a Fospice parent, your role is to provide a quiet, loving environment for your pet’s final days. The rescue organization retains legal guardianship of the animal and, in consultation with a veterinarian, will make decisions regarding the pet’s quality of life and when it is time to say goodbye.

Please consider selecting a pet from our Fospice Program. Your short-term commitment can transform the final chapter of an animal’s life—and leave a lasting impact on your own.