forever loved
hospice foster program
In the spring of 2015, Secondhand Hounds started to receive multiple requests for elderly, un-adoptable dogs in shelters. Unfortunately, our program is adoption-based, and that is how we guarantee the survival of our program. But, we could not let these senior and terminally-ill dogs live out their final days in a cold, lonely shelter. So, we started the Forever Loved Hospice Program.
This program relies on hospice foster homes to open their hearts to dogs who will not ever leave. They will not be able to find a wonderful adoptive family, they will not watch their foster dog transform into a healthy pet, they will never say “see you later,” but rather “goodbye.” As you can imagine, it takes a very selfless, compassionate, and strong foster to do this. Essentially, they are taking these dogs in as their own, and loving them fiercely until it is their time to pass.
A little goes a long way with these amazing animals. Sponsor a hospice animal for a week for $50, two weeks for $100 or a month for $200. We do our absolute best to ensure our hospice fosters cross the rainbow bridge peacefully, and many times this means keeping them at home with their doting foster families. You can provide this comfort by sponsoring an in-home euthanasia for $425. All donations, no matter the size, keep these incredible animals comfortable.
Please consider donating using the form below, or send cash or checks to our office at 5959 Baker Road, Suite 390, Minnetonka, MN 55345
Hospice Foster Animals currently in our program
Barney -10 y/o
Barney is a gentle soul. He loves to spend time wandering around the yard and sometimes refuses to come back in. Barney had severe dental disease and is missing part of his lower jaw bone because of it. He recently had his dental surgery and is now a toothless-wonder. I will miss how silly he looked with his canines flaring out, but now instead his cute little tongue is usually sticking out, and he isn't in pain. Barney may be a toothless wonder but he still loves to eat! Having no teeth and missing part of your jawbone, makes it a little challenging, but he gets the job done. He currently is on canned food while his mouth heals, but he will go back on a mix of dry and canned soon .
Blueberry - 8 y/o
Blueberry's future is uncertain, and his past is a mystery, but what we do know is that Blue loves everyone he meets. Dogs, cats, people. His tail is always wagging, so you'd never know he's had multiple tumors removed.
Birdie - 7 y/o
Birdie is loving life with her forever family!
Carhartt- 10 y/o
Carhartt is a Secondhand Hounds hospice foster who has energy galore even though his back legs sometimes fail him. He's 74 pounds of love and enthusiasm for life!
Bernard - 14 y/o
Bernard loves all the good things in life- Snoozes, snuggles, scratches and snacks! His favorite hobby is walking laps around our house; we love to hear the "tap, tap, scoot" of his peg-leg walk as he moves and grooves. He is thankful to his vet staff, who care for is potpourri of ailments and give him lots of treats at his visits!
Cole - 4 y/o
Cole arrived from Missouri in June, 2023 and was placed into our Hospice program to receive comfort care for what was suspected to be a cancerous nasal tumor. Imagine our surprise when the Vet found a rock instead! She removed the rock and proceeded with cleaning his teeth. Post-surgery, Cole got an infection. Cole sneezes kibble and whatever he eats out his nose. How is that possible?? He's been to multiple specialists and undergone countless tests to try and figure out what's going on. As of late November, 2023, Cole continues to be a medical mystery. He is otherwise a very happy, healthy, bouncy 4-year old dog and we refuse to give up on him. We hope he will graduate from the hospice program after we get his medical needs figured out!
Diego Pawtoya -12 y/o
Hello my name is Diego Pawtoya and I'm from Texas. That means I LOVE taking naps in the sun. I also love rolling around in the yard and scratching my back on tree trunks like a bear. I spend most of my day taking naps (and snoring sweetly), chewing on soft toys and asking my foster parents for pets. In fact, when they forget to keep petting me, I like to tap them with my paw to remind them I'd like them to keep going. I especially love it when they give me belly rubs. I'm a very sweet & quiet dog. My foster parents completely adore me. I would love a quiet loving home to live out my last chapter. Ideally one without a lot of stairs. I've been working on my stamina but I struggle with a full flight of stairs and prefer not to do them at all.
Edwardo - 10 y/o
Edwardo was found as a stray in Kentucky before he joined SHH. He fit right in when he joined his foster family in MN. He's so easy going, snuggly, and polite with all humans and dogs (cats, not so much 😆). His favorite activities are eating, snuggling, and sleeping in bed with Mom and dad. He LOVES bedtime.
Etta James - 8 y/o
Etta loves to be outdoors, exploring and sniffing and taking walks. She loves fetch and tug o war with soft toys. She's great on car rides and she seems like she just loves adventure, exploring, and finding new things.
Ezekiel - 14 y/o
Ezekiel aka Zeke is a spunky and spry 14 years young Chihuahua who has quickly taken over the hearts of everyone he meets. He loves to follow his humans around the house or snooze away the day while burrowed under blankets. He has the cutest little hopping bark when he wants attention or to get up on the couch. He is living a well deserved, spoiled life for the remainder of his days.
Grandma Faith - 17 y/o
My name is Grandma Faith, but my foster parents call me Grannie for short. I'm a very petite older gal who was found as a stray in Minneapolis. Thankfully a nice person found me and I made my way to the hospice program with Secondhand Hounds to live out the rest of my years with my foster family that adores me and see the amazing vetting team to help with my medical needs. Now I spend most of my day curled up in a chair by the window to nap in the sun and watch all the outdoor critters from the comfort of my home. If I am not sitting in my favorite chair or bed, I'm laying in my foster dad's lap purring the day away.
Hooch - 9 y/o
Hooch came to the hospice program after his human mama passed away. Mostly, Hooch can be found snoozing the day away in a spot no farther than approximately 10 feet from his foster mom and/or dad but every once in a while, he likes to galumph around the fenced yard a little bit and then flop down and roll in the grass while he groans with pleasure. He loves his dog food, doesn't really care too much about toys or extra treats and every once in a while likes to chew on a nice dog chew for a couple minutes. Hooch is so happy to be loved and included in a family for the remainder of his days.
Lucy - 12 y/o
(bonded with Pudgy Lou)
A bonded pair of sweetness, Lucy is the old wise one and Pudgy Lou is her constant companion. They were very much loved by their former owner and we are making sure they continue to feel that love during this difficult life changes.
Prudence - 12 y/o
Prudence came to MN as a stray from KY. She is an oldie who has some medical issues that is getting her amazing care and comfort from our Secondhand Hounds Veterinary Center. She has limited vision, limited mobility and she has a tumor under her chin. Despite not having teeth, she eats well. She is now loving and living the Wheelie live with her forever foster mom who lovingly now calls her Lycan.
Sammie - 8 y/o
Sammie's SHH story begins when she was surrendered to Minneapolis Animal Care and Control (MACC) from a local owner. Sammie has Diabetes and we are working to manage that. Sammie loves snuggles and pets, meal time with her puzzle bowls, chicken chunks and frozen bone broth biscuit treats in her kong toys, meandering around the yard, smelling all the smells, visiting doggie and people friends, car ride adventures and barking at the front door. By far what Sammie loves the most is being loved and I am very happy to report that she is.
Flash - 12 y/o
Flash is a chill, sweet little chick. She loves to snooze, go for walks, explore in the yard, go for car rides, and see new people. Every once in a while, she gets to have another foster pup in our household. After a day or two of trying to figure out the newcomer, she settles in with her new buddy. She has to keep her foster mom in view at all times, and be in the same room always! But when there's another foster dog in our house, she seems to enjoy having one more thing to keep track of. She loves to be standing or lying right next to her friend. Being a cattle dog, of course she wants to make sure no one ever wanders too far from the group!
Harold -10 y/o
Harold is loving life with her forever family!
Julia Goolia - 10y/o
Julia Goolia is the sweetest, calmest, and quietest girl. She's 10 years old and in typical Chihuahua fashion, she loves to burrow under the covers! She spends her days snoozing and snuggling, and curiously exploring all the comfy beds and places to sleep.
Mini Cooper - 4 y/o
Cooper was rescued as a stray in Virginia, and is one of only 30 dogs worldwide living with Short Spine Syndrome. His adventures are chronicled on his Facebook Page - Short on Spine, Big on Love!
Ripp - 6 mos.
Ripp is loving life with his forever family!
Sal - 17 y/o
Sal is loving life with his forever family!
Franklin- 14 y/o
Franklin is a spunky, sweet, full of young energy grandpa. He loves his big plush toys - his teddy, lamb, and moose are at the top of his list! He's slow moving but still loves to explore the yard and take his time to enjoy all the smells. He gets excited when his humans return and it warms the heart to see him trying to wiggle his butt in fast excitement - then falls over because his balance isn't the best. Every day Franklin is eating more and more and its helping him gain his lost weight and muscle. Like every Lab out there, he LOVES his food! Franklin sure isn't letting any of his many medical issues hold him back from living his best life, and we aren't either! Lots of love, head pats, ear and butt scratches, and many treats happening every day for our sweet grandpa Franklin!
Harry -16 y/0
At 16 years young, Harry is just the king of gentlemen Poms! He thoroughly enjoys casual strolls around the neighborhood to smell all the smells and get all the love from the neighborhood kids he can get, and catching up with the neighbor dogs, Stanley and Harvey. When his social calendar is quiet, he very much enjoys a nap on any surface that is soft and cool - with all that hair, he gets warm! He will enjoy MN winters for sure! That being said, he will sit with patience for his daily brushings and fur maintenance but he’s just as eager to be done with those. :). He brings so much love and light to those who are around him, we are all so lucky to get a chance to meet him!
Lillian - 15 y/o
Lillian is a 15 year old sweet 4 pound Yorkie who was an owner surrender to a shelter in KY. She was covered in matts and severely underweight. Though she has anemia, multiple mammary masses, kidney disease, and a few other medial issues, she still loves to cuddle, eat, and sleep in cozy places. Since she has no body mass, she often uses potty pads and loves her cozy den beds. She will have endless food, cuddles, and love for however long she chooses. She is now living her last chapter as a part of our family forever.
Ninja - 10 y/o
Meet Ninja, our love, and he's a true food enthusiast. He's a connoisseur of flavors, his heart wrapped around the joy of a good meal. Ninja has lung cancer, heart worm and a hole in his mouth. Even with that, his love for food prevails! Those sweet eyes tell tales of a gentle soul, one that appreciates the simple pleasures of life, with eating ranking high on his list. What makes him even more special is his newfound comfort in sharing the bed, a testament to the trust he's developed. As Ninja continues in his twilight years, we share so many warm embraces of love, every delightful meal, smile at every circle dance, and cherish the presence of our new best furry friend who has truly found a place in their hearts.
Ruby - 11 y/o
Ruby is the sweetest and goofiest old lady at 11 years wise. She loves going for walks and yelling at the squirrels. When she gets really excited she will grab a toy and then roll around on it. But she will also never turn down a chance to sleep on the couch. Ruby gets to come to school with me a few times a week and loves getting to say hi to her friends and relax while I study and attend classes. She likes to spend her days busy, but she is still a huge fan of naps!
Sasha - 7 y/o
Sasha is a Shih Tzu who is living with her forever hospice family!
Sophia - 13 y/o
Sophia is a 13-year old young Min Pin. She may be a hospice pup, but don't let that fool you, she is a feisty little gal. She has a number of health issues that the great vet team at SHH are working to treat, but she has a fighting spirit and doesn't let much get her down. Her foster mom says that her family feels complete with me as a part of it, and my rescue brother and sister seem to agree. The three of them love to lounge around with mom in the living room. She likes to follow her mom around and she says she loves to hear the little "click, click, click" of my nails on the wood floor. She also says that being a hospice foster is super rewarding because everyone (human or animal) needs a little extra help sometimes.
Tigerlily - 5 y/o
Hi! My name is Lily and I'm the sweetest, squishiest pittie you'll ever meet! When I first arrived at SHH, everyone knew I was sick, but we just didn't know how sick until we learned the masses were mast cell tumors. Because of how quick the cancer spread and that I'll likely have a very short life span, I officially became a hospice foster. But even though everyone calls me a hospice foster, mom and dad always tell me I'm the happiest girl! I have doggy siblings , I get to go to work with mom everyday and I have so many people that love me! My mom and dad made me a bucket list where I get to do really fun stuff that I've never done before, and so far I've just been loving life.
Tina Turner - 4 y/o
Tina Turner is spunky, sassy, bossy and amazingly sweet. Unfortunately she has an untreatable heart condition, and a knee condition that we cannot operate on due to her heart. We're giving her the best life possible, for as long as possible.
Tippy - 11 y/o
Tippy is the sweetest girl! She is blind, but she quickly learned to navigate the house and find all the best beds and blankets to sleep in. She loves to snuggle in and take naps., especially where she can find sunshine. Tilly sometimes tries to snuggle in with her senior foster brother, when he allows it! Recently, she has even played a couple times with her foster sister! She loves being outdoors on a nice day, either exploring the yard or lying down and enjoying the breeze. She is a friend to everyone and just enjoys being part of the family!
Trixie Lady- 14 y/o
Trixie Lady may be 14 years old but she doesn’t show it! She has loved being outside from the moment she arrived in Minnesota from Kentucky in December. When there was snow she made snow angels. Now that the snow is gone she’s out hunting for chipmunks whenever she can. Inside she is happy to be wherever anyone else is.
Vivy Ann - 7 y/o
Vivy Ann has come so far since the day she arrived. She no longer looks like a naked-mole rat and she is quite beautiful. We knew Vivy was a Chinese Crested, but now we have discovered she is a Powder Puff Chinese Crested! Vivy has gained a lot of weight, and is at her ideal weight. We are still struggling to get her diabetes under control so she can have her dental surgery. Vivy is the the Queen of Everything and quite a character. She loves to give kisses and her favorite place in the whole world is someone's lap. If you sit down, she will immediately climb up and snuggle in. Vivy is loving life now!
Wendy - 4 y/o
Wendy was rescued from living on the streets of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and after many training attempts and medications, it was decided she would live her life with her foster family as a behavioral hospice. She has dental issues and is on prescription diet for allergies, along with anxiety medication. Wendy is being pampered and is loved immensely by her forever family and doggie siblings!
In Memoriam
Those who have comfortably crossed the rainbow bridge with compassion thanks to your support. Until we meet again.
