Adopting a Special Needs Pet

National Specially-Abled Pets day is observed every year on May 3rd. It was created by Pet Lifestyle Expert, Colleen Paige to educate the public about caring for disabled pets. It encourages animal lovers to consider opening up their heart and home to a disabled pet

NATIONAL SPECIALLY-ABLED PETS DAY

National Specially-Abled Pets day is observed every year on May 3rd. It was created by Pet Lifestyle Expert, Colleen Paige to educate the public about caring for disabled pets. It encourages animal lovers to consider opening up their heart and home to a disabled pet.

In a survey conducted by Petfinder, it was found that these dogs and cats often wait four times longer than average to be adopted – a long time spent without a family, security and unconditional love, and all due to reasons beyond the animal’s control. Dogs and cats are overlooked because of their age, medical needs or behavioral issues, including animals who were victims of abuse or illegal fighting rings, even though a missing leg, blindness, insulin-dependence or emotional scars make them no less loving or lovable. (petfinder.com)

Like humans pets have imperfections, some more obvious than others.  That does not mean that they are not deserving of love. Every animal deserves to be loved, cared for and nurtured no matter what their disability may be. Being a mom of a special needs son has taught me that love is unconditional and that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.

Plus, disabled pets aren’t necessarily more difficult to care for. Pets are excellent at adapting to new situations. Disabled pet can still provide the same love, affection and companionship that you may be seeking.

Another option is sponsoring or even fostering a pet until they are placed in their forever home.  You can contact local rescue organizations, they are always looking for foster parents to help care for pets until they are placed.

According to the ASPCA fostering gives you the opportunity to single-handedly change an animal’s life for the better.  Each animal fostered out to a home opens up a cage or kennel space for us to save another animal. Fostering can provide the unique, individualized attention that some special-needs animals require before they’re ready for adoption. Fostering has a direct, positive impact on the animal and is a hugely rewarding experience for those who choose to become caregivers. The ASPCA Foster Program is always in need of temporary housing for our shelter animals. (aspca.org)

 

If you plan on adopting a disabled pet or if your pet has become disabled there are various programs that one can contact for financial help.  Some pets may require medication or medical equipment.  Check out the Best Friends link below for assistance in your area.  You can also start a GoFundMe page and share it with family and friends.

 

 

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It is with a heavy heart that I announce the loss of our beloved darling, Ginger. She passed away July 16, 2020 at 14.5 years old. She battled CHF for as long as she could but her little body could take no more. Our hearts are shattered.
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