Twilight Dogs

A few years ago I heard of a senior dog sanctuary in the region of France which we now call home. I’ve wanted to visit ever since but circumstances meant I never got around to it, till last Friday. Twilight last weekend celebrated 10 years of existence with a big birthday bash and fundraising party which I was delighted to go and help prepare for with my friend Jill, a Twilight volunteer and supporter.

Located deep in the countryside of south-west France, Twilight is run by British couple Mike and Leeanne Whitley and cares for elderly and sick dogs and those with special needs. In 10 years, over 300 dogs have been loved and cared for by Twilight and at any one time around 25 – 30 live in Mike and Leeanne’s home as cherished family members. There are no kennels at Twilight. In addition, Twilight’s Outreach Programme supports a growing number of Twilight dogs living with volunteers, enabling them to live as regular family dogs, whatever special needs they may have.

On entering the house, many dogs – or ‘puddings’ as Twilight dogs are sweetly called – came forwards to greet and inspect their visitors. Some with obvious issues, all with hearts as big as planets. Like Dobie in his nappy…

…or worried Jacob who’d been tied in a sack and kicked around as a football by kids leaving him with permanent disability but the most endearing nature and soulful eyes…

…or born with no eyes Braille who is a youngster but obviously permanently blind, or gentle giant 14 year old veteran Bono recovering from tumour removal…

…or deaf and blind Brigand who ensures he’s not ignored by blocking every doorway with his large and lovely form, or madam Molly who likes her space and own armchair and who can blame her having lived on the streets…

…or gorgeous Gabana who found it hard getting over the grief of losing her human mum and subsequent upheaval in her world before finding sunshine and sanctuary at Twilight…

…or 15 year old beauty Amber whose life has been hard but now it’s not…

…and then there was almost, but most definitely not quite toothless Didou, who pushed his way into my heart with his sassy, toothy terrierness (I could have snaffled him up easily and brought him back with me to give the girls a run for their money in the cute with attitude walk through life).

Twilight is a place where love is in abundance as well as great need. To run any animal sanctuary takes endless resources and costs are high. When a place is devoted to caring for the oldies and those with medical and special needs, the financial demands are onerous and this work is not for the fainthearted. Thankfully, Mike and Leeanne have bold hearts and Olympian dedication. It’s all consuming and while Twilight is utterly this couple’s project, they do it supported by a devoted team of volunteers and fundraisers.

As I surfaced after several hours of sorting bric-a-brac, putting up gazebos and bunting in readiness for the next day’s party and fundraiser, I was brought to earth sharply by witnessing the reality of what Twilight does daily, as a 14 year old dog was brought in by her owners to be relinquished. As I discretely listened in, pretending not to, I realised again why I’m not up to the tough task of face-to-face rescue work. I’m a flawed individual and felt my judgement rise while fighting to keep back unexpected tears – of anger for the humans and sadness for the dog – as I heard how this gentle soul, who stood looking faintly bewildered had lived most of her life with this couple who now found her to be in the way. These are most certainly my words and not those of Mike or Leeanne, who showed nothing but compassion for the beautiful, elegant old lady who they accepted into their home, knowing they’ll love her for the rest of her life, and where she’ll never be in the way, or an inconvenience.

Never has this line from poet Oliver Wendell Holmes seemed more appropriate…

Love prefers twilight to daylight

You can read more about the work of Twilight on their website HERE

and follow them on social media: Facebook and Twitter

There are various ways to help support the great work done by Twilight, click HERE for some suggestions wherever in the world you are.

If you’d like to read more about the beauty of adopting senior dogs I can recommend these books:

My Old Dog

Unconditional, by my friend, National Geographic photographer Jane Klonsky

I will most definitely be doing more with, and for Twilight in future. I am only sorry it’s taken me a few years to get to meet the puddings!