The Odds Are Improving For Disabled Pets

This article has great news for those of us who love special needs pets since it affirms that disabilities among our furry friends are becoming increasingly accepted by US society at large.

"Love Is Blind" - A Heartwarming Rescue Story

After working in animal shelters for several years, I often feel like I've seen it all. When my pal Vicki sent me this story, however, I was truly astonished by what I read. First, by the awful cruelty and carelessness that led someone to abandon two helpless blind dogs, but more importantly, by the heartwarming heroism of author Todd Miller for intervening to save the lives of these deserving animals despite the assumption that "no one would want to adopt two old beat up blind dogs."

Marilyn (above left) and Elvis (right) are alive and thriving today because Todd and his wife welcomed them into their home - blindness, advanced age, heart murmurs, and all. Our world needs more people like Todd, people who will take a stand and recognize that disabled animals are still worthy of love, affection, care, and life.

"Love Is Blind" by Todd Miller

Holly - An Adorable Tripod In Need Of A Home

Little Holly is a darling 3 year old Lhasa Apso mix who is currently avaliable for adoption at the animal shelter where I work. Like our Dewey, Holly's right hind leg has been amputated. Never fear, though: she is doing just fine with three limbs! Tripod dogs cope quite remarkably, and the little ones tend to do especially well since they have less weight to balance.

Holly was also treated for a condition called cherry eye. Like many animals, dogs have three eyelids - the upper lid, the lower lid, and a third clear eyelid (the nictitating membrane). The third eyelid contains a tear gland and works much like a windshield wiper as it sweeps across the cornea clearing it of debris. Cherry eye happens when the third eyelid's tear gland swells up and comes out of position. Cherry eye is typically treated surgically and the recovery time is brief, as it was for Holly. For more details about cherry eye, check out this site. And for more information about adopting Holly, feel free to contact me!

Introducing Sally

As many of you may know, October is "Adopt a Dog Month" and I'm encouraging folks to consider adding disabled pups to their homes. The other week I featured three extra special dogs (all were available at the animal shelter where I work), and I am delighted to report that Sweets and Jake have already found new homes! Havana is now in the care of a rescue group, which is also great news because she will receive lots of TLC. Sometimes foster homes and rescue organizations are ideal for senior and/or disabled dogs because the shelter environment can be especially overwhelming for them.

Anyhow, I am pleased to introduce another adoptable dog: Sally! This sweet 11 year old poodle is gentle and loving. The fact that she is deaf and mostly blind doesn't hinder her ability to love and be loved at all. Sally was surrendered to the shelter when her owner became ill. Naturally Sally is a bit confused these days, but it's clear that she is a wonderful little dog with a darling disposition. I bet she would make a great snuggler! If you or anyone you know are interested in adopting Sally, feel free to email me for more information. And don't forget to check out the Rebound Hounds' Top Ten Reasons To Adopt A Disabled Dog!

Top Ten Reasons To Adopt A Disabled Dog

Since October is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month, I 'd like to share some photos of my current favorite canine friends in honor of the occasion! All three of the extra special pooches pictured above are in need of new homes. If you are interested in learning more about one of them, just email me for additional details.

The first photo features Sweets, an adorable 1-year old Chihuahua mix. Sweets is a tripod like Dewey, although this doesn't appear to slow him down at all! Sweets definitely lives up to his name - when you meet him, he'll shower you will kisses (having a few treats doesn't hurt either!).

Jake (center) is also a tripod. This handsome Shepherd mix arrived at the shelter with a badly fractured leg, leaving our vets no choice but to amputate. Fortunately, Jake has adapted in true "rebound hound" style and is very outgoing and energetic. Jake would make a great hiking buddy!

Finally, we have Havana - a senior Havanese who suffers from limited vision due to cataracts. This sweet girl still has plenty of affection to give, though. Havana would be the perfect lap dog and would love nothing more than a family of her own.

As anyone who has adopted a shelter dog can attest, the experience is usually wonderfully rewarding. Furthermore, those who adopt a special needs dog from a shelter or rescue group know that these animals still have so much to offer. I was inspired by my own experiences with Greta and Dewey to create this list of the top ten reasons to adopt a disabled dog, and I hope that others will add their own insights.

Top Ten Reasons To Adopt A Disabled Dog

1. You will save a life.

2. Your dog will only be disabled in the eyes of others and will not even know that he/she is "less than perfect."

3. You will have fewer toenails to trim (in the case of tripods and other pooches with missing limbs!).

4. You will meet lots of great people - everyone wants to stop and visit with an extra special pup and a dog in a stroller is a great conversation starter!

5. You'll have the perfect companion to spoil.

6. The bond you'll share with your dog will be incredibly rewarding. Animals with special needs have an unrivaled ability to give love, affection, and more love.

7. Disabled dogs may have limited mobility, but they have no shortage of personality!

8. By adopting a disabled dog, you will inspire others to do the same.

9. You will never go to bed cold and alone!

10. Your dog will be your hero and his/her courage and tenacity will inspire you to be a better person.