Family Creates a Special Welcome Station in Their Yard So Their Hospice Dog Can Enjoy Visiting Pups
When a beloved dog enters hospice care, every happy moment becomes that much more meaningful, and Kermit's family is doing everything they can to make his remaining days as joyful as possible. While he doesn't get out for walks like he used to, he still loves seeing and especially smelling other dogs.
So, they came up with a beautiful idea. They created a special welcome station in their front yard, inviting passing pups to stop by for a drink, a treat, or even a potty break while Kermit watched from the window. When Nutmeg's mom heard about it, she realized they lived within walking distance and knew she had to take her deaf Pit Bull to become Kermit's newest friend. The heartwarming gesture has viewers smiling, and we have a feeling it's making Kermit's days a little brighter, too.
@nutmegthedeafdog Somewhere behind that window is a very good boy, and we came to clock in for our visit. #seniordogs#dogsoftiktok#rva#pittie#alldogsaregooddogs
Waiting Room - Phoebe Bridgers
Nutmeg's mom shared, "Somewhere behind that window is a very good boy, and we came to clock in for our visit." We hope Kermit was looking out the window while Nutmeg was there, so he knows he has a friend thinking about him.
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How to Keep a Hospice Dog Happy and Engaged During Their Final Days
Hospice care isn't just about managing pain; it's also about keeping your pet's quality of life. For many dogs, that means continuing to enjoy the simple things they love most, like spending time with their family, relaxing outside, and sniffing familiar scents. That's one reason so many people loved the idea of Kermit's welcome station; it helps an aging dog stay connected to the world around him from the comfort of home.
Angel's Paws, which provides hospice care for pets, suggests several gentle enrichment activities for dogs in their final days. These include scent games, such as placing kibble in front of them to sniff or offering a sniff-and-nudge toy. You can also recreate a favorite memory, like sitting together under a favorite tree in the yard, offer a comforting sensory item such as a T-shirt with your scent, or take them on a short "walk" in a wagon or carrier if they can no longer walk on their own.
Our favorite suggestion is to set aside daily "connection time." Sit quietly with your dog, gently hold or lean against them, speak softly, and simply be present. In the end, it's often these small moments of love that mean the most.
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This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 6:00 PM.