“Fospice,” which is short for “foster hospice,” was created after a group was inspired by one dog’s resilience.
AUSTIN, Texas — When Opie the dog came into Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), Laryssa Parker and Jessica Borda could not have imagined the impact she would make.
Opie was brought in through another shelter during February’s winter storm, according to Parker.
“She was really sick and really skinny,” said Parker.
It was a sickness they soon learned was terminal. Opie was diagnosed with cancer and given eight weeks to live, but the diagnosis didn’t stop Parker, Borda and two other volunteers at APA!. It led the team to rally behind Opie until her final days.
“She ended up living eight months,” said Parker.
It was Opie’s story that sparked an idea. Parker noticed more hospice dogs were emerging, and that only meant they needed the right care. They all came up with a “fospice,” which is short for “foster hospice,” for all the dogs that come in with terminal illnesses.
“We always hope that the last memories they have is of something really loving and something really wonderful rather than something really sad. That’s what makes us feel better when we do it,” said Parker.
It’s a task Borda said she understands not everyone is up for.
“If people just give it a chance and they know going into it that their time might be short or longer than we thought it was going to be, you can go in with a different perspective and be able to to work through some of those those sad moments,” said Borda.
The program, which now has up to 10 volunteers, is currently helping four dogs.
Borda and Parker said anyone is welcome to volunteer, and while their focus at the moment is the dogs with terminal illnesses, they also encourage people to not overlook the senior dogs.
“We’re definitely focused on the seniors that we have in our care and making sure that they’re getting the care that they need and then trying to catch them sooner,” said Borda.
Although the team only started this year, they hope more dogs can get the love and care they need, even if it’s just for a short time.
If you would like to donate to APA! or volunteer for “fospice,” you can visit the APA! website.
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