All of us at Dallas Pets Alive could not let a day for Specially Abled Pets go by without giving a nod to those adoptables in our network for whom a second chance just means a little more.
National Specially Abled Pets Day is observed every year to not only celebrate these incredible animals who overcome so much each day but to also bring attention to their special needs and encourage folks to consider adopting a pet who might have some health concerns. Most of the time, these resilient and loving animals can live nearly normal lives. They just need to have the opportunity to find a loving forever home where they can make the most of their second chance.
Celebrating Resilience
Each animal adopted from a shelter or rescue is a precious life saved. Naturally, the young and healthy adoptables tend to find new homes more quickly than the specially abled pets who are often older and might just seem to be a little too much to take on. While there may be additional care, medications, therapies, or accommodations required for their specific needs, many times these pets surprise their new families with their innate ability to overcome all that has been thrown their way.
Specially abled pets refer to a wide range of pets with issues such as hearing loss, blindness, three-leggedness, mobility issues, or chronic illness. These animals’ special abilities come out every day as they learn to navigate life with the challenges they face. A cat suffering from blindness can successfully map out their home using only their whiskers. Deaf animals can learn commands and tricks from their humans through American Sign Language. Dogs and cats with missing limbs can often adjust to life as a “tri-paw” and run and play just like their four-legged friends. Mobility issues can often be addressed with braces or even carts with wheels to support back legs that don’t do exactly what they are supposed to.
We have found that families who open their homes and hearts to specially abled pets are often surprised at the indomitable spirit of these animals and find that they offer their families equal amounts of joy and love as other pets, perhaps even a bit more.
Specially Abled Pets Available for Adoption
If you are interested in adopting one of our specially abled pets, please keep scrolling to meet just a few of our wonderful adoptables who need just a little extra support.
Princess Petunia is a lovely senior gal who is blind and deaf but still very capable of finding her way around and giving a whole lot of love to her foster family. She is waiting for a forever home where she can spend the remainder of her days feeling safe and secure.
Sweet Frida is a senior German Shepherd who has been dealing with spinal issues which have affected the strength and control of her back legs. She has been fitted with special Crocs and a wheeled cart and is quickly adjusting to her new rockin’ and rollin’ lifestyle.
Jovie, Queen Summer, Los, and Bartholomeu are sweet adoptables who are dealing with medical conditions which require some extra attention and care but are otherwise friendly, cuddly, and adorable animals who would certainly inspire their families with their resilience.
Ways you can Support and Celebrate Specially Abled Pets
If you are interested in adopting one of these specially abled pets or one of the others in the DPA network, please reach out to our Adoption team today. If you might not have room in your home but have room in your heart to make a donation to help cover the cost of their surgeries, medication, or care while they wait for their forever homes, you can simply click the link above and make a difference.
