Love Until the End: How Barbara and Tom Give Fospice Dogs Their Golden Chapter

Barbara with Natalie, previous fospice pup

At Silicon Valley Pet Project, our Fospice (Foster Hospice) Program exists for a very simple reason: every animal deserves to experience Love Until the End. Providing comfort to senior dogs with limited time takes a unique kind of heart, and we are endlessly grateful for long-time SVPP fosters Barbara and Tom, who have turned their home into a peaceful sanctuary for our most vulnerable rescue pets.

Known lovingly as "The Ranch," Barbara and Tom’s property offers everything a senior rescue dog could ever dream of—warm sunshine, crisp morning air, sprawling green lawns to explore, and a steady stream of new scents. But beyond the beautiful views, The Ranch holds something even more special: an open lap.

Finding Purpose in an Empty Lap

Barbara’s inspiration to care for animals began early in life after seeing a guide dog and witnessing firsthand how dogs comfort and heal humans. Years later, after Tom suffered strokes that left him with mobility challenges, Barbara noticed something missing.

"I saw an empty lap that needed a dog," Barbara shares. "Older or fospice dogs fit that space best because they appreciate that love."

For Tom, who can no longer chase after a high-energy pet, having a gentle senior dog curl up with him fills a deeply mutual need. "Tom says he likes to have a dog around—he’s a dog guy," Barbara explains. "Having a dog rest on your lap is calming and enjoyable, with lots of love going both ways."

From Teacup Yorkies to Betty White

Every fospice dog leaves a unique footprint on The Ranch. Barbara and Tom affectionately recall Sugar, a feisty teacup Yorkie who took her job as Tom's companion very seriously, trotting proudly alongside his motorized wheelchair wherever he went.

Today, that tradition of unconditional care continues with their newest addition: Betty White, a blind and deaf poodle mix. Though she experiences the world without sight or hearing, Betty White quickly found her way into Tom's open lap, navigating her new surroundings through touch, warmth, and the gentle rhythm of life at The Ranch.

Reframing the "Hardest Part"

When people learn about fospice care, the response is often: "I could never do that—it's just too hard to say goodbye."

Having cared for both human and animal loved ones over the years, Barbara views the experience through a different lens of compassion and faith:

"Loved ones don't have to be alone if someone is willing to stand by while the process unfolds. Barbara and Tom feel strongly that we have to look after our weaker or ill counterparts in this world. If not us, then who? It is a blessing to be allowed to be a part of this process."

For Barbara and Tom, the reward isn't about avoiding grief; it’s about providing dignity. "The most rewarding part is trifold: we gave the dog a nice place to live out their life, we gave them a good quality last chapter, and we saw it through to the end."

A Heartfelt Thanks to Dr. Jeni Goedken & Fond Farewell

Ensuring that our fospice pets experience dignity every step of the way requires a dedicated village. We want to extend a special note of gratitude to Dr. Jeni Goedken of Fond Farewell.

In addition to serving as a trusted veterinary advisor to SVPP, Dr. Jeni generously donates her end-of-life veterinary services to our fospice cases. Her compassionate in-home care allows dogs like Betty White to transition peacefully, surrounded by the warmth, comfort, and familiar laps of their foster families.

Make Love Until The End Possible

Fospice care is only possible because of dedicated fosters like Barbara and Tom, compassionate medical partners like Dr. Jeni, and supporters like you. When SVPP takes in a fospice pet, we cover 100% of their medical care, pain management, specialized food, and comfort needs so our foster parents can focus entirely on giving them love.

Will you help us ensure every senior pet receives Love Until the End?

Every donation to our Fospice Program directly covers medical costs, medications, and end-of-life care for dogs who have nowhere else to turn.