We love our hospice adopters and fosters!

We are so in awe of the fosters and adopters that have stepped up to give the hospice dogs that come through Bonaparte's Retreat a forever home.


We know it takes an extra measure of patience, time, and care to give these sweet pups end of life care, and we have had so many fosters and adopters who have stepped up to accept that challenge-and have been greatly rewarded for it. Giving that end of life love and a safe space to land to these rescue dogs is such a special gift and one that we know can be difficult, especially when it is time to say goodbye, but is so meaningful to both the dog and the foster and adopter.


Sometimes we pull dogs from the shelter knowing that we are only going to have them for a short time, and sometimes we pull them having no idea that they have a large medical diagnosis that moves them in to a more hospice diagnosis and we find that out as we go through the vetting process. We will do everything we can for a dog, but sometimes their bodies are tired, and the medical weight is more than they can bear. In those cases, we give them the same love and commitment and palliative care that you would give them in your own home, and lovingly transition them when the appropriate time comes-just as you would at home. We have had many fosters that have made the decision to keep them in their homes through end of life, and we have had adopters who have stepped up to adopt a dog and give it their forever home-for as long as that is. Either way, all of the hospice dogs that come through Bonaparte's Retreat are always surrounded by love at the end. And their sweet faces and souls forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Songs to Save Them All

June 1, 2021
See Emmylou perform on the Songs To Save Them All Concert... Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025. A pioneer in the no-kill movement, Best Friends has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to around 625,000. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Working collaboratively with a network of more than 3,300 animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to Save Them All. https://bestfriends.org/

THANK YOU for your GENEROUS SUPPORT!

By info • June 10, 2020
A few words from our fearless leader and founder, Emmylou Harris . . . "Thank you to all, who I know dug down deep for Bonaparte's Retreat this year. We are SO grateful for your support." Because of YOU , Bonaparte's Retreat raised OVER $9,500! YOUR generosity enables us to serve our senior and medically needy dogs as well as the overlooked and neglected dogs—all of whom we work so hard to rescue, nurture back to health, and place in furever homes. Hosted by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee , The Big Payback helps nonprofit organizations – just like us – raise funds and bring awareness to pressing needs in our community. With the recent disasters in our region – the tornadoes, COVID-19, and the unfolding economic downturn – this year, your generous gifts mean even more . For more information, contact us or visit www.TheBigPayback.org . Thank YOU for your support!

Diego Has a New Backyard

By • December 23, 2019
Amazing volunteer Jane recently lost her own adopted dog, Ginger. When she was ready, she offered to give Diego a few days in her own home. We soon realized that Diego wasn't coming back to us and had found his long-awaited forever home with Jane. With a big back yard for running and playing fetch, a sofa for snuggling, and a whole house full of places to lie down while mom crochets or makes jewelry, Diego couldn't have found a more loving and perfect home. Smart boy that he is, Diego returns the favor by letting Jane know when it's time to take a break. He'll pick up something. bring it to her, and grab her attention as if to say, "hey there, time for a break and some Diego time." It works like a charm every time. Who rescued who? We believe "Jane + Diego" are meant to be.

Darla and the House of Zoomies

By • December 23, 2019
Darla loves her new home. New mom Patti took time off from work for Darla’s first couple of weeks to devote to quality bonding time. And even though Patti wasn't sure she was ready to adopt again having lost another dog not so long ago, when a co-worker showed her a photograph of Darla, Patti knew she had to meet her. Darla is an expert at the “zoomies!” She runs from room to room, down the hall, from window to window, chasing squirrels and cats from the comfort of her own home. And when Patti returns from work each day, the two of them take walks, Darla gets lots of belly rubs, and at bedtime, it’s time for snuggles with mom. There is no better gift than a forever home.

Banjo is Singing Howl-e-Luja

By info • December 16, 2019
Sweet young Banjo had a rough start. Found with a severe injury to his leg, he was taken in by Rutherford County PAWS, where we rescued him and delivered him straight to our amazing foster mom, Paula. She devoted months to his post-surgery care, crate rest, and rehabilitation, and you can watch his rehab journey story here . Now Banjo has a second chance and is loving life with his new forever family. He gets daily visits to the dog park, where he has become an expert at stealing balls from the other dogs. After a long day at the dog park, Banjo snuggles up next to his dad in the recliner. These are the stories that warm our hearts—saving an injured dog, patiently helping him to recover, finding his forever home, and watching this pup blossom as his is loved by his new family. Thanks to everyone who contributed to Banjo’s remarkable and love-filled transformation.