What do you say when you’re asked to take in a palliative, end-of-life senior?

You say YES. Without hesitation. Without conditions. Just yes.

Meet Jake — almost 16 years old and finally safe.

Seized by the inspectorate, Jake has been in RSPCA Victoria’s care since April, receiving the medical attention he so desperately needed. He’s faced a lot: kidney trauma, liver nodules, a heart murmur, nuclear sclerosis in both eyes, extreme frailty, wobbly legs, and hardly any teeth left. Honestly, his list of conditions was so long we stopped reading halfway through and just fell head over heels for him.

This morning, we collected Jake from the shelter and placed him into the loving arms of foster parents Giulia and Bill, who didn’t flinch for a second before welcoming him home. We’re incredibly grateful to them for giving Jake not just a place to rest—but a place to belong.

Jake has already had something to eat and greeted his new family. He’ll be off to the vet next week to follow up on some post-dental care, but until then, he can settle in and feel the love that’s now his to keep.

However much time Jake has, it will be filled with gentleness, kindness, and the peace he’s always deserved.

Thank you to the RSPCA team—especially Stacey—for trusting us with this little soul. We promise he’ll never be without love again 🩵