It takes a special someone to adopt a special pet

It’s not unusual for an animal with special needs to end up at the shelter. In fact, it’s so common we often advertise them as “special pets looking for special people”. Some have illnesses that will affect them for a lifetime, some have injuries that never healed properly, and others are born with problems, like blindness. And some animals simply require medication or special diets to help them live their lives comfortably. Many pets that need a little extra care from their owners sit at shelters for long periods of time waiting for that kindhearted person willing to take a chance on them. Oftentimes, potential owners will dismiss these animals as being “too much work” or “too expensive” to care for. In reality, owning a pet with special needs does not have to be costly or difficult. It is, however, extremely rewarding.

Don’t be afraid to take a chance on a pet that’s a little different. Unlike people, animals are able to adapt to different handicaps very quickly, making owning a handicapped pet a lot easier to manage than most people believe. A blind dog can learn to navigate your house just as easily as a sighted dog and a three-legged cat will run, jump, and play just as much as one with four legs. Even paralyzed animals can get around easily now thanks to wheelchairs.  

Oftentimes, it is us, the pet owners, who have a hard time adjusting to whatever handicap our pets may have while the animals have no problem at all. A sweet, 10-year-old Golden Retriever came to the shelter recently suffering from a large cancerous tumor on one of his back legs. Removing the tumor alone was not an option; the only way to stop the cancer from spreading and save his life was to remove his entire back leg. Being 10 years old, we all wondered how he would adjust to this sudden change. Within hours of the surgery to amputate his leg, and still drowsy from the anesthesia, this dog was trying to run around and play with his other dog friends. There was no learning curve for him; he simply got up and continued on with his life on three legs instead of four. 

At the shelter, we try to remind people that animals with special needs are neither broken nor “throw away” pets with no hope of a happy life. On the contrary, these animals can certainly lead happy lives, they just need a loving family that will care for them and welcome them into their home. If your pet should suddenly become special needs, like when my own dog became paralyzed, don’t give up on them. With a little adjusting, you and your pet can easily create a “new normal”. And if you’re looking to add a new friend to your family, take a second look at the animals that might be a little different. A pet with three legs will love you just as much as one with four!

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, two cats, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.