Every dog that comes into Nicola Coyle’s care is treated to a steak dinner and a trip to the beach. For all of the dogs it’s one of the last things they’ll be able to enjoy.
That’s because Nicola runs The Grey Muzzle Canine Hospice Project, where she provides end of life care to dogs that are expected to live six months or less.
“It can be an utterly heartbreaking job,” she told the Nottingham Post. “But I just can’t bear the thought of them spending their final moments without the love they deserve.”
Prior to operating a hospice for dogs out of her home in Mansfield, England, Nicola worked at a dog rescue and was a nurse. Once she retired, she wanted to help animals during the final days of their lives.
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All of the dogs Nicola cares for come from kennels, according to ABC News, and are typically scheduled to be put down if they don’t find a new home.
At any given time there are two or three dogs in her home, while the others that she rescues live in a foster home.
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“If they’re well enough, we take them for a day at the seaside, they get fish and chips on the beach and ice cream,” she said. “We’ll also take them down to the local pub – it’s really dog friendly, and they’ll get a steak dinner too.”
Nicola spends approximately £500 per dog in order to make them feel loved during their final days. She’ll even throw them a birthday party.
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“Many have not led a very nice life too, used for breeding or guard dogs, so when they’ve become unwell, they’re not useful any more and left,” Nicola said. “They just want to feel loved and safe. I really believe they should get a nice ending.”
Bless Nicola for giving these animals the love they deserve during the end of their lives. They are lucky to have someone like her care for them.
Share this on Facebook to thank Nicola for all that she does for these poor babies.
