Shep's Place Senior Dog Sanctuary

* Lucy in the Sky * Every dog’s story has a bittersweet chapter at the end, where you have to hold them, give them a kiss, then let them go. Working with older dogs, you know it is inevitable, but that doesn’t make it any easier when the time comes. To keep going, you have to focus on all the good you’ve done for the dog, and the extra life they enjoyed, and how much you touched each other’s lives. Sadly, our sweet girl Lucy has been on a long decline. Dr. Clark at Farview... Vet Hospital has been working with us to alleviate her problems, but Lucy finally reached the point where she could not walk, and even sitting up became a struggle. The vet recommended, and we agreed, that it was time to help her cross over. It’s hard to say goodbye, because we all love Lucy, and we will miss her unique shuffle and wonky grin. But it’s the last compassionate thing we could do for her. Thank you, Lucy, for sharing your sweet soul with us. You will be forever in our hearts. See more

Hi everyone! Here’s an aerial photo of our play yards this last week. We want to Thank You all again for supporting us with our turf fundraiser last year. This has totally made a difference in our dogs lives. As you can see, the brown play yard is what our turf area use to look like. The bottom picture is from this past week. Volunteers hanging out with our seniors. The dry, level environment has made it safer and easier on our dogs with mobility issues. Plus our volunteers can now sit on the ground with our dogs as well. We will forever be grateful for your generosity!

Another beautiful day at Shep’s! Winnie is having fun with a volunteer. She’s a sweetheart! #volunteer #donate #shepsplacesds #dogsofkc #seniordog #kansascity #dogsofinstagram #dogrescue #adoptdontshop

Perks of being a volunteer! #volunteer #donate #shepsplacesds #dogsofkc #seniordog #kansascity #dogsofinstagram #dogrescue #adoptdontshop

Lady is getting some snuggles from our volunteer Julie.

Joe is not amused by this weather! #volunteer #donate #shepsplacesds #dogsofkc #seniordog #kansascity #dogsofinstagram #dogrescue #adoptdontshop

Xena had some visitors yesterday. Windy Hill Dog Haven is the rescue who took her in and got her back to health! They stopped by to say hello and check on Xena. When rescues work together, we can accomplish so much.

* Ora’s New Digs * Our favorite spunky chunky monkey, Ora, has found a family! Her new people are recently married, and (hopefully) energetic enough to keep up with her. She will be an only pet. We’re happy for you, Ora!

Lady usually doesn’t want to be held long. Yesterday she was loving it! She was basking in the sun in our volunteer’s arms. Today is Amazon Prime Day. Please consider shopping Amazon through the Amazon Smile program. Prices are the same and Amazon donates a small percent of your purchase to your chosen charity. Use this link to support us.... https://smile.amazon.com/ch/82-2277153

Fall is in full swing. Joe gets to check out the pumpkins while practicing his manners! *** Photo editing - Joe is on a leash! Leash was edited out!

* Farewell to Shep * It is with great sadness that Shep’s Place announces the passing of our Founding Hound, Shep, at age 12, due to liver cancer. Though you may not know Shep, you are probably familiar with his image from our logo: a chubby, happy saddleback beagle with long, floppy ears and a big smile. Shep was found as a stray in Buckner in the summer of 2016, and brought to Great Plains in Independence. He was a quiet, unassuming dog, the kind people often pass over..., so he spent several months at the shelter with little interest. My wife and I were just becoming interested in old dogs, however, and when we saw his picture, we knew. We brought him home, and soon fell in love with his gentle ways. The thought of this sweet dog languishing in a kennel, overlooked and unloved, made us want to help other dogs in his situation. So thanks to him, the idea of Shep’s Place was born. Outwardly, Shep appeared in every respect to be an ordinary dog. He didn’t do tricks, or run fast, or save people. He was just a friendly, sweet ol’ dawg, who loved food, his people, and a soft bed. And that’s what makes him a perfect symbol for our Sanctuary. Turns out, there are no ordinary dogs. Every dog is amazing, and even an old, neglected one can change your life, if given a second chance. We had four good years with Shep, and they will always be infinitely precious to us. His story has impacted the lives of hundreds of people and animals. He was the ultimate good boy, and we will miss him every day.

Another beautiful fall day at Shep’s! #autumn #donate #volunteer #shepsplacesds #dogsofkc #seniordog #kansascity #dogsofinstagram #dogrescue #adoptdontshop

* Dusty, the Playful Senior * She loves to play hide and seek!

* Welcome our Warrior Princess * Say hello to Xena, our newest resident. She is an 11 (?) year old Spitz mix, and comes to us from Windy Hill Dog Haven, in Green Ridge, MO. A passerby in Deepwater MO saw her being abused by some teenagers, and took her in. She and the awesome ladies at Windy Hill nursed her back to health. Xena is a bit shy, but loves people and being outside. And her ears look like Yoda! She needs kidney care food, but is otherwise very healthy. Welcome Xena!

Well hello there! Ora and Joe are becoming fast friends! #goodmanners #volunteer #shepsplacesds #dogsofkc #seniordog #kansascity #dogsofinstagram #dogrescue #adoptdontshop

Every year VMLY&R allows their employees a day off to serve their communities. This group picked us and we were honored to have them. Along with some much needed deep cleaning and organizing, they got to spend time visiting with the dogs! Thank you for all your hard work!