Last Chance Hotel has rehomed hundreds of dogs over the years...

...so many of which were literally on their ‘last chance’. But not all dogs (or cats!) that come into rescue find a new adoptive sofa to snooze on… these are our ‘lifers’, remaining in loving ‘rest of life’ foster homes, often because of a medical or behavioural issue. All these animals remain under our care; major veterinary treatment, and in some cases, food, is majority funded by LCH.
​
 Hover and/or click each individual photo to read their full story. 

​Donations towards the care of our Lifers are warmly welcomed.

Click to go to our donations page

---

Henry came into rescue from the pound in late 2017, just 3 years old, and severely disabled. A super friendly, chatty lad, Henry made himself at home with foster dad Andrew and family. Assessed by our vet and then taken to Somerset for an MRI, the results were not good, - firstly his back, and also maybe some brain damage. The vet thought he may have been hit quite hard on the head… The decision was taken to make the remainder of Henry’s life as enjoyable and pain free as possible and shower him with the love and affection he deserves. Andrew says “So now we have this crazy, lovable dog, several teeth missing and chatty as anything, loving life to the best of his ability, wrapping my wife and I around his little finger, taking up most of the sofa and the bed”

April was found in a bush after being hit by a car. She had a broken pelvis. Her owner was found but surrendered April to LCH for rehab and she has been with our 'crazy cat lady' Louisa ever since.

Squid was born in April 2019 with badly deformed back legs and 26 toes (a normal cat has 18). Sadly his mummy cat rejected him, most likely due to his deformities. Luckily for Squid, his owner decided to hand rear him herself. His legs were gently massaged and then splinted and are now as near to “normal” as they can be. Due to his extra toes he may well need two of his inner thumbs removed later on in life as the claws on these toes will not get any natural wear and can grow into his pads. Also due to his deformities at birth he is highly likely to get arthritis as he ages so will need ongoing vet care to manage any pain. For this reason it was decided that he will stay within LCH under the care of our cat lady Louisa to ensure that he receives any medical treatment necessary.

Mia came into rescue with pups. She was very nervous as her previous situation was one of domestic abuse. Mia has a cancer diagnosis and is in end of life foster with Andrew, along with Henry Staffie.

Robert was a stray a lady had been feeding; his owner couldn't be found. His benefactor had to go into hospital so LCH took him in. He had dreadful teeth and a horrific flea infestation and flea allergy.

Daisy was 7 when she came into end of life foster with Cheryl in November ’21, having been living in a car with her previous owner. She initially had difficulty walking due to an old injury and rheumatism in a back leg, but has built up her strength and now enjoys two good walks a day, leg and weather permitting. Daisy also likes snuggles with her mum, who says ‘she certainly has me under her paws.’

Frederick was hit by a car and had surgery up country after being signed over to the vets. He came to LCH to recover & had follow up surgery. He suffers with bad teeth as his jaw was broken and now his teeth are slightly out of alignment so needs regular dentals.

Roo arrived just before Christmas 2018, pulled from the pound by LCH founder Sam at around 12 weeks old. He had a significant heart murmur and a very severe chest infection; he went into foster with Michelle and was treated for the infection which thankfully worked. At three years old was given a clean bill of health for his heart. Michelle says ‘He is such a good boy…he is emotionally intelligent, so gentle with every animal and human he meets, he walks slowly beside the older dogs to keep them company and brings them his toys when they stop to rest. He is brilliant with every cat he meets and has lived with guinea pigs and was a bit scared of them! He is just pure love.’

Steven is a Tri-Paw. He was surrendered to LCH after being hit by car and needing leg amputation.

Sassy came under our wing in late 2021 as a surrender. She went into foster with Susan, her age unknown but estimated to be around 3 years. Sassy has a difficult skin condition which needs daily medication, even after attempts to reduce her drug intake.

Oscar was found with his owner who had passed away some days earlier. He came into foster with Louisa and never left. He’s old now and suffers with arthritis which he is on regular meds for, and also on muscle relaxants as he is prone to bladder blockages.

Rosie came under our wing in October 2022 as her very poorly mum was unable to look after her. The family advertised for another home for Rosie, and LCH supporter Natasha persuaded them to contact us. This little sweetie has been with Natasha and Philip and their two good boys ever since. She was 2.5Kg overweight and urgently needed a dental. Rosie had a lot of teeth removed and now gets stuck into her daily dental sticks with gusto.

Ruby is a Tri Paw. She was surrendered to LCH after being run over and needing surgery to remove her leg and broken tooth.

Sammy’s loving owner passed away and he and his brother were taken on by an acquaintance, later to be surrendered to LCH as their new owner was struggling to meet their needs. Sammy went into end of life foster with Sue in November 2022, who says ‘He is so laid back. He must have had a very good previous home. I am so glad to have him, he has filled a void in my life.’

David was a stray and came into care with a huge haematoma on his ear and lots of scabs over his body. David never smiles, despite having many admirers, and a poem written about him.

15 year old Coco came into the care of LCH after his poorly owner was admitted to hospital. Coco went into in a fab LCH foster home for a while where he shed some excess weight and subsequently found his new forever home with Richard and family. Richard says ‘He is a much loved member of our chocolate pack of labs, running after rabbits, snoozing in the sunshine and pinching the best spot on the settee!’

Dexter’s owner couldn’t cope with him due to health issues so he was signed over to us - being so beautiful we fell in love with him so he stayed in the LCH foster pack.

Muffin came under our wing in late 2022 when his loving owner passed away and he and his brother were taken on by an acquaintance, later surrendered to LCH as their new owner was struggling to meet their needs. Muffin went into foster with Michelle and her pack; he had a damaged eye which had to be removed. Muffin settled in well with his new family and is a happy little soul living a wonderful life.

Tony Boots was surrendered back to LCH having been previously adopted, because the neighbours were complaining that he was stealing their cat's food.

Bosun was born in 2022 with a cleft palate and harelip and was taken under our wing at the tender age of one hour as his backyard breeder didn’t want him. He was hand-raised by our wonderful volunteer Debra, thriving under her expert care. At six weeks, Bosun moved in with LCH trustee Theresa. She says ‘Of all the dogs we have had Bosun is one of the most loving, gentle dogs we have been blessed to own. He adores our granddaughter as she does him.’ Bosun has gone through the exemption process and is now required to wear a muzzle and lead in public through no fault of his own. This beautiful, cuddly boy is safe with LCH for life.

Scrawny Sean originally came on temporary foster whilst his owner was homeless, he stayed 5 months & then went back. Sadly circumstances changed again for his owner and he has now become a permanent LCH resident.

Mogg is LCH Crazy Cat Lady Louisa’s own cat and came under LCH’s wing when she had an issue with her eye, and after antibiotic treatment she underwent extensive surgery to her eye which cleared the problem. She’s enjoying her older years as matriarch of the LCH Cat Family.

Betty was surrendered to LCH in Autumn 2023, a blind pup, the runt of the litter. One of our amazing fosterers, Michelle, took her in and Betty wheedled her way into Michelle’s heart in no time. Betty has not been held back by her handicap, and lives life to the full with her new family.

Maisey came to LCH with her three 4 week old kittens after being found in a hedge by a dog warden - no microchip and no owner came forward. The kittens went on to new homes after being neutered/chipped/vaccinated and Maisey stayed as a lifer.

Lovely Foxy came under our wing the summer of 2023 aged 14 years. Her spine started to fuse early 2023 and she requires daily medication for relief from pain and inflammation. She has periodical vet check ups to ensure she is as happy as she can be and that the medication meets her needs. She may walk with a wiggle now and do some interesting signatures when she needs to relieve herself, but despite her being in her twilight years she still loves her walks. She is full of fun, is feisty and smart and knows what she wants and how to get it! And she most definitely makes sure she gets lots of cuddles and just loves being a daddy’s girl.

Finn came into our care in March 2024 when we were contacted by our vets Cornish Paws to see if we could help this beautiful boy whose elderly owner was struggling with some issues caring for her much loved pet. Finn is settled in a wonderful end of life foster home with other rough collies, where his arthritis is being managed, and a weight loss program is helping his mobility.

Ena Sharples arrived in September 2019 at the age of 5 and went straight into foster with LCH team member Lisa. Ena’s list of ailments was long… virtually blind as a result of scar tissue from an untreated infection, struggling for breath due to a collapsing larynx, and such bad teeth that they all had to be removed. Ena was a breeder’s money making machine, cast aside when she became a financial liability. Today, Ena is a different dog. She enjoys of 3-4 hour treks with Lisa and the rest of the Chambers’ pack, having lost a load of weight and regained her waistline. She remains on medication for her dry eyes, but still carries a lifelong potential risk of her larynx fully collapsing, which is fatal.

Dear Tilly is 15 years old and her owner is too poorly to give her much loved dog the care she needs. Tilly is in 'rest of life' foster with Wendy, who has looked after so many of our oldies.

Albie went into foster with the Reed family in Feb 2025. He had a number of behavioural issues, most of which were overcome, but some fears were too ingrained for him to be put out for adoption, so his loving foster family decided to become his 'rest of life' foster family.

Lyla came into our care aged 15.5 under very sad circumstances. This much loved girl was in need of a quiet home to spend her remaining days, where she would be equally loved and cared for. Lyla is in a wonderful ‘rest of life’ foster home in the far west of Cornwall.

Roxy had been in and out of temporary foster for some time, but her owner then decided that their lifestyle wasn’t suitable for an elderly dog. This gorgeous girl is now under our care for life.

Oldies Jake and Alfie found themselves living in their owner’s car when the family became homeless. A bonded pair, they originally came in for temporary foster, but this is now permanent. Jake has been experiencing some health issues and requires ongoing veterinary treatment. These lovely old boys are comfortable for life now.

Bobby’s owner passed away and no family members were able to take him. He has joined Tilly in the care of Wendy, one of our amazing fosterers.

---

 Rainbow Bridge

TOBY. This sweet boy came into end of life foster with Paul in November 2017. Toby had various age related problems, lumps and bumps which were removed by our vet. Many very kind and generous people donated towards Toby's vet bill, and he was able to enjoy some more time with his lovely dad. Fly high, little Toby. X

SKY...This beautiful girl came into rescue in March 2018. Her previous owner had taken her to have her PTS, but thankfully the vet contacted us, and she went into emergency foster. Not only was she very obese, but she was shut down with fear, and it was hard to get her to eat. This little soul had very likely been used for breeding....Shortly after her rescue, Sky moved in with her new family who adored her. They took time with her, got her weight down, and spoiled her, just a little... Sky had four very happy years with her loving family. RIP Sky. X

TAZ was abandoned at the pound by his owners at the age of 13. This lovely, gentle boy was due to be put to sleep unless a rescue took him. First time LCH fosterers Rachel and her dad stepped in and he was brought to Cornwall. Taz had sores and scabs from flea reactive dermatitis, but with the right diet and vet treatment, he recovered all his fur and had no more skin problems. Rachel says ‘Children would approach Tazzy Bear because of his size and fluffiness. They would throw their arms around him and hug him and he was patient and calm while we talked to them about him and Last Chance Hotel.’ Five months after Taz came under LCH’s wing, a large tumour was found on his stomach and he was helped on his way to Rainbow Bridge. Despite being with them for only a short while, Taz inspired Rachel and her dad to continue fostering. Fly high, gentle Tazzy Bear.

Stunning Duke came from a family home; he was over 12 when he was surrendered to LCH. He was partially blind and his hearing was poor, and according to his previous owners couldn’t walk or do much other than lie in the corner and bark. Rachel and her dad took him in as an end of life foster, expecting to say their goodbyes within a couple of weeks. But under their loving care this boy flourished, and he lived another two happy years with them, enjoying slow walks and even climbing the stairs every bedtime. Rachel says ‘We took the time to give him eye drops and help him into the car or off of the bed, and he seemed determined to keep living and spend as much time with us as he could muster.’ TLC and a lot of patience gave this boy dignity in his remaining years. Duke journeyed to Rainbow Bridge following several successive seizures which left him unable to move properly. Sleep well, handsome Duke.

Spud's story, as told by his fab fosterer: At the beginning of June 2017 I picked up my new foster dog Spud. He well and truly lived up to his name, he was a very large yellow Labrador with lots of lumps and bumps and looked liked a potato with paws. He had been diagnosed with cancerous lumps and needed an end-of-life foster home. On that journey home I knew he was a very special boy! Last Chance Hotel gave him every chance they could and the lumps and bumps were removed where possible, ear infections treated and he started his reluctant diet! It was a slow and steady journey but he lost a third of his body weight and was enjoying life again! He slotted in perfectly with the Labrador pack and spent three and a half years with me making friends and melting hearts wherever he went. Unfortunately, at age 13, the cancer took over again and it was time to make that decision and let him go peacefully over the rainbow bridge, but not before he scoffed a whole tin of sardines!

Saffy came into the care of LCH in December 2016. She was very poorly and in need of mammary surgery. Carolyn and Des took her into their home and hearts and gave her lots of love and cuddles; this sweet girl had Des wound round her paw from day one! Sadly, Saffy also had a heart condition, and she left for Rainbow Bridge a month later.

Kane came from the pound. He was a boxer cross, aged 9 years. He had a lovely temperament, and although he was a quiet boy, he taught his fosterers’ own dogs to be respectful of bigger dogs. Kane needed major surgery, but sadly did not recover and slowly went downhill. On the advice of our vets, he gently ambled off to the Rainbow Bridge.

Squeak was found as a stray in October 2018 and ended up in the pound. Within a couple of hours of posting her up on our Facebook page, a fab end of life foster home had been secured for her, and she travelled down to Cornwall a few days later. Fosterers Wendy and John took her on sight unseen. Wendy says ‘What a lovely happy girl she turned out to be, not fazed by anything at all. We took her to the Christmas Dog Show and she won first for Best Rescue, so proud!’ LCH secured funding for Squeak from the Cairn Terrier Rescue Fund, and we are grateful for their unstinting support. Squeak lived life to the full with Wendy and John, making her way to the Rainbow Bridge in September 2020.

Benji came into rescue in autumn of 2021 after his human mum had passed away in hospital. He went into emergency foster with Pam and her husband and two other rescue dogs. Benji needed full dental work and a few lumps and bumps removed and was then given a reasonable bill of health at the age of 13. He stayed on with Pam and family as a much loved ‘LCH Lifer’.

FREDDIE... From loneliness to love…. Michelle Douglas, one of our fabulous ‘end of life’ fosterers, tells her own story…. "Freddie... at 13 he was put into kennels because after 10 years with a family he was being left alone so much he became destructive... they put him in the pound... He came to me with a broken heart and a smashed back tooth...he had anxiety attacks that would come at night.. I didn’t leave his side for over a year as panic would set in if I even left the room.. he wasn’t used to living with other dogs and some made him grumpy! 
So many rescue dogs don’t have issues, but I am not sure if he had ever properly been loved, and the isolation he had suffered had broken him. He came to adore his dog family and his life... he was my constant friend, a loving, faithful, intelligent soul.. working through things together made our relationship intense and wonderful. 
So many dogs are dumped.. old and young.. please help them, please adopt.. they need you xxx” Thank you Michelle for taking Freddie into your heart and home, and giving him the life he deserved.

WHIZZY Not all of our Lifers are elderly souls with health issues, - some remain in our care due to psychological damage from their previous life. We are fortunate in having experienced and patient fosterers who will do whatever it takes to make these dogs feel safe and loved. Whizzy came into rescue in October 2016, and went straight into foster with LCH volunteer Quinn. It quickly became apparent he had no trust in humans due to past abuse. It was also obvious that this boy was not able to be rehomed due to his issues. So, he remained with Quinn as an end of life foster. She says "It took a long time and a lot of work for him to realise he could trust me, but I loved him with all my heart, he was such a character. He loved his tennis balls.”

Rosie came under our wing in Jan 2022 aged 14 after her owner passed away. Rosie was a nervous girl, but settled with fosterer Wendy and enjoyed almost 2 more years of companionship. Her ashes now rest with beloved owner.