A very ill and abandoned senior dog hit the jackpot when a family took her in to spend the last of her days in happiness and abundance.
Kayla is a 13-year old chow mix who was found wandering the harsh streets of Brooklyn, New York in October of last year. When found, she was taken to the Brooklyn Animal Care Center.
Unfortunately, the veterinary examination determined that Kayla was in very bad health, and this facility was not equipped to help a dog like her.
Volunteers contacted a New York City animal rescue called Animal Haven. An additional veterinary exam determined that Kayla suffered from oral cancer, kidney disease, and an antibiotic-resistant skin bacteria called MRSA.
According to that vet, Kayla had only 3-6 months of life left to live.
That was one year ago.
Angels to the Rescue
Animal Haven reached out to Foster Dogs, Inc., a fospice program. A fospice (foster-hospice) is a home where an animal can go to live out the remainder of their days in peace and comfort.
Foster Dogs Inc reached out to Jillian Conigliaro, who had just lost her 15-year old dog Chloe Anne to heart cancer. Though the pain of her loss was still fresh, Conigliaro took one look at Kayla in the shelter and knew she had to take the dog home with her.
In November of last year, the Conigliaros took Kayla into their home. There, she gained two human parents, 5 human siblings, and a host of animal siblings (permanent and foster).
Conigliaro reports that Kayla seemed to never have been inside before coming into this warm and welcoming home. She didn’t seem to know what a bed was!
Conigliaro reports that Kayla loves having her own space, and even loves standing outside in the rain. But unlike her previous days, Kayla now has a rain coat to protect her from the elements and to look fabulous in.
A New Life for Kayla
Kayla joined the home and immediately started medical treatment. But the next order of business for the family was to create a bucket list for her.
One item on that list was to attend Coney Island’s animal day, where pets are permitted to ride the Wonder Wheel for free.
Photo: Instagram/KaylaTheFospiceDog
Kayla showed fear that day. In fact, she was nothing but curious and happy the entire day.
The Conigliaros discovered that Kayla’s favorite activity is the beach. She LOVES the beach, and during the summer months was frequently found there with her other canine siblings.
Photo: Instagram/KaylaTheFospiceDog
Kayla loves spending as much time outside enjoying the sites as inside enjoying the cozy comforts of a loving home.
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A short list of Kayla’s favorite pastimes includes laying in front of fans, sticking her head out of car windows, snuggling with toys, and following Conigliaro around “like a Velcro dog.”
Kayla is obviously very grateful to her fospice mom for taking her in and showing her how loved and treasured she truly is.
Love Makes Life Longer
Kayla has far surpassed the life expectancy given to her last year. Conigliaro plans on having a 1-year anniversary party to celebrate Kayla’s life with the family, and to raise funds for other animals in fospice.
Not only has Kayla survived this long, but her health has actually improved since she moved in with this awesome and loving family.
Despite having cancer in her mouth, Kayla has a huge appetite for food, and loves to eat.
In fact, she loves food so much that she can open the refrigerator and the cabinet with the treats in it!
Support from Around the World
Kayla has an Instagram that (to date) over 5,000 people follow, and they support Kayla’s wonderful life by sending her toys and anything else she might need. Animal Haven sponsors Kayla’s medical treatment.
Photo: Instagram/KaylaTheFospiceDog
Conigliaro reports that Kayla’s Instagram followers and Animal Haven have provided enough support and sponsorship to give Kayla a life that dogs can’t even dream of.
Conigliaro was devastated after the loss of Chloe Anne. Most people may think that taking in dogs with short life expectancies would be too painful, because it would mean enduring death frequently.
But Conigliaro reports that her experience being a fospice mom is nothing but heart-healing.
The happiness of knowing a dog is spending their last days loved and with a family far outweighs the sadness of their death. Being a fospice parent is one of the most selfless things a person could do.
Look how much happiness it can bring to the world.
If you would like to donate to this fospice program or get more information on how to be a fospice parent yourself, please visit Foster Dogs NYC’s website here.
