About Tyson’s Place Animal Rescue

Our Mission

Tyson’s Place Animal Rescue’s mission is assisting terminally ill people with finding new families for their pets.

What We Do

Tyson’s Place Animal Rescue believes that pets belong with their people until the very end. Pets are family members, and they can comfort their owners during the final stages of life. However, when individuals can no longer care for their pets due to disability; death; or moving into assisted living, senior housing, or nursing home, we take in those animals.

Our rescue uses foster homes, which means that we arrange for the pet to live in a loving temporary home until someone adopts them permanently.

Why "Tyson's Place"?

The rescue’s founder Jill adopted Tyson, a five-year-old orange tabby cat, from a shelter where he was scheduled for euthanasia. Workers at the shelter had designated him as unadoptable due to his age. Tyson's story symbolizes what our rescue is all about: valuing and respecting both people and pets no matter where they are in their life journey.

A Loving Plan for Your Pet's Future

Your pet has been by your side every step of the way. Now is the time to make sure they are cared for, no matter what happens.

1. Identify a Trusted Caregiver

Who can care for your pet long-term?
Do not assume that family will take your animal. Choose a family member, friend, or neighbor who can commit to your pet's care and make the plan known to this caregiver and your friends and family. If needed, contact a local animal rescue or shelter that can assist with rehoming.
Unsure who to choose? Check out this organization for resources: 2nd Chance 4 Pets https://2ndchance4pets.org/

2. Create a Care Plan

Daily Routines: Write down your pet's feeding schedule, exercise habits, medical needs, and any special routines they love.
Update Veterinary Care: Keep your pet's vet records, medications, and any ongoing treatments up to date. Share this with the future caregiver and let your friends and family know what vet you use.
- If your dog or cat (even your indoor cat) isn't current on veterinary care, they need to go in for an annual exam and vaccinations. We recommend full bloodwork for senior animals. There are great new treatments to help ease arthritis pain in dogs and cats. Animals that are current on veterinary care are easier to rehome when needed and you improve your animal's quality of life.
  - Can't afford veterinary care for your cat or dog?
    - We can help! Are you 60 and over with demonstrated financial need? We have a program to help cover the costs of routine veterinary care.
    - There are low cost veterinary clinics in the area, including CSNIP Wellness Clinic- csnip.org/clinic
Favorite Things: Include their favorite toys, blankets, or activities that bring them comfort.

3. Legal Arrangements

Include your pet in your will: Ensure that your chosen caregiver is named and consider setting aside funds for their care.
- There is a free will option here: 2ndchance4pets.org/freewill
Pet Trust: You may establish a pet trust to provide financial support for your pet's ongoing needs.

4. Have a Conversation

Sit down with your loved ones and chosen caregivers. Talk about your pet's future care and make sure everyone is on the same page.

For Help or More Information:

Tyson's Place Animal Rescue
PO Box 1173
Holland, Ml 49422
tysonsplacerescue.org
facebook.com/TysonsPlaceRescue
tysonsplacerescue@gmail.com
616-730-1122

Why the Paw Print Symbol?

The paw print symbol in the Tyson’s Place logo comes from Lamb Chop, a senior toy poodle that our rescue’s founder Jill took in. At age 16, Lamb Chop was suffering from congestive heart failure, and veterinarians gave him about three months to live. Jill wanted to make sure Lamb Chop spent these last few months in a loving home.

Once in Jill’s care, Lamb Chop was neutered and put on appropriate heart medication, and his condition quickly improved. He eventually lived to be 19 years old. Lamb Chop made an indelible mark on Jill’s heart, just like so many other older rescue animals do for the owners who give them a chance.

What We Believe

We follow three core guiding principles at Tyson’s Place:

Pets and people deserve dignity in their golden years. People should remain with their pets as long as possible. When it’s finally time for a pet to find a new home, the owner should be able to rest easy knowing their pet will be loved and cared for.
We believe in a principle called “Rescue Done Right.” This means addressing both the mental and physical well-being of animals we take in so we can deliver the care they need and find a home that provides a great fit.
The shelter environment can overwhelm any animal, but this is especially true for pets who have just lost their owners. By intervening early, we can place these animals in comfortable and caring foster homes before they end up in stressful shelter environments.