Michele and Jeff always had a deep love for animals, strong bonds between souls. Years before opening Monkey’s House they fostered dogs for local shelters. Michele was an RN and comfortable with animal’s medical needs. This was music to the shelter director’s ears; the Allen’s fosters were not your average dogs, but those with challenging medical conditions.

One such foster was Goldie, a senior golden retriever. Emaciated with a large tumor in her abdomen, they hoped Michele would help her gain weight before surgery. Nothing seemed to work. Their assumption was correct, the diagnosis was cancer, Goldie had weeks to live. Michele turned to Jeff and said “We have to adopt Goldie. She’s not going to heaven without a family.” When the time was right Goldie Allen was gently assisted to Rainbow Bridge. Since Goldie, no dog they ever cared for left for the Rainbow Bridge without first becoming an Allen.

Fostering Goldie in 2011 was a real wake-up, they realized there were little to no resources for homeless dogs with terminal diagnoses. A couple of years later, when fostering Monkey, it was reinforced. He came to them for end-of-life care with congestive heart failure. They were told, “he only has a month to live, enjoy what little time he has left.” The Allens adopted Monkey, got him diagnosed, and a treatment plan was put in place. He was their world and lived a zestful seventeen months.

During their time with Monkey, they discussed starting a dog hospice. Dogs nearing the end of life need a loving home. The support of a community was needed to help them save and care for more dogs.

In 2015 Monkey’s House Dog Hospice & Sanctuary was founded in honor of Monkey. They like to say their sanctuary is “Where Dogs Go To Live!”, and so true. Over 160 homeless hospice dogs have joined their family since inception. With over 100K followers on social media, supporters fall in love with the dogs while receiving guidance, inspiration, and most importantly - how to live those “little moments” with their dogs.

When asked what the future looks like at Monkey’s House, they responded “Carrying a bright torch, strolling along the beach with twenty-plus dogs. Teaching by example and showing the life, love, and joy to be found in palliative and hospice care.”