Photograph by Colleen Paige
Today is a day to celebrate animals who have a disability. Whether it is a dog who is blind, a cat who is deaf, a paralyzed pet, or a pet missing limbs, today is all about them! May 3rd is dedicated nationally to these exceptional animals.
National Specially-abled Pets Day (formerly Disabled Pets Day) is a day in which these extremely amazing and awesome animals are celebrated for their bravery. This day is to educate the public about caring for disabled pets and to find homes for orphaned, specially-abled pets.
This day was founded by Colleen Paige, dog trainer, pet behaviorist and photographer. She felt the original title of this holiday for pets had a negative connotation. These pets are very able despite their disabilities so the name was changed in 2006.
Pets that have to face certain challenges due to disease, injuries, or birth defects tend to have greater senses than a pet who doesn’t have to face such obstacles. According to Paige, most of the time, these special-needs pets “act as if they never had to readjust to life and we need to keep up with them.”
I once had a wonderful laid-back, white miniature poodle named Buddy who I adopted. He never acted like a typical poodle but he was extremely intelligent like one. Poodles are the second smartest breed of dog. For me personally, it doesn’t matter how intelligent an animal is, it is the bond that is formed that makes me love animals so much.
Buddy’s eyes started to form cataracts as he was also slowly losing his hearing. He wasn’t blind nor deaf but there was a noticeable change in his sight and hearing. What I learned through Buddy’s challenges was to keep the furniture in the same position so he could easily maneuver around our home. What struck me as fascinating was his ability to live life to the fullest despite his challenges. He wasn’t depressed despite losing some of his vision and hearing.
One evening something happened to Buddy and he lost most of his vision. He could only see bright lights. It was alarming to see him struggle as he attempted to walk. It was evident he was scared. Other than that, there were no other problems. I slept with him the entire night on the floor near his bed which is where he preferred to sleep. I think he felt more secure with me by his side. As the night wore on and he attempted to walk, he kept bumping into furniture. As difficult as it was to witness this personally, I never left his side.
By daybreak, miraculously his vision returned to normal. Whatever happened never occurred again. I’m not sure if he had a mini-stroke. There were never any answers, only questions. I would have allowed Buddy to dictate to me if he would have enjoyed life had his vision remained that way. Luckily, we didn’t have to contemplate anything. We always kept a close eye on him when he was outside. Again, he loved being outside and his vision loss didn’t stop him from enjoying the outdoors. In fact, he preferred to be outdoors.
He also was unable to hear unless we spoke extremely loud. I would give him signals for commands. We had a good communication system between us which allowed Buddy to thrive and be happy.
Just because a pet has a disability or is a special-needs pet, this doesn’t mean the pet is no longer viable. In fact, I think this makes them even more special. If you see someone in a wheelchair or is blind, do you think that stops them from living? Of course not. There are all kinds of programs out there to help people with special-needs pets. All it takes is someone who will love that pet and is committed to his/her care.
The cost of a special-needs pet must be taken into consideration. Sadly, special-needs pets are surrendered to shelters because of this fact. They are usually the first to be euthanized in an already overcrowded shelter full of healthy animals.
A number of people may view special-needs pets as disabled, but many times these pets move around and interact with others as if they didn’t have a problem. I think it’s more traumatic for us than it is for them. Buddy exemplified this for me. What he taught me was to not make a big deal out of his limitations. He loved life and he never allowed his shortcomings stop him from doing anything. In fact, he still climbed the stairs.
Let’s remember these special pets today on National Specially-abled Pets Day. Won’t you consider adopting a pet with a disability? There are rescues and shelters who have these unique, one-of-a-kind pets waiting for a special place to call home.
If you have had or have a pet with a disability, please share your story. I would love to hear about your specially-abled pet!
http://www.doggiewheelchair.com/2013/04/national-specially-abled-pets-day.html
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I hate when I see disabled animals in shelters. Very few people want a pet like that. They tend to be overlooked while I will go straight to them. I don’t know if they’re afraid or they don’t know what to do or they think the pet is inferior because I’ve heard it all. I hope those people aren’t ever disabled. They will understand if people don’t give them the respect they deserve. I feel so sad when I see them in shelters that I have to take them out and give them a big ole hug! I wish I could adopt all of them.
The picture of the dog is great. I can’t believe this dog stands like a human does. It looks like the dog was born without front legs. Animals are resilient creatures. They deal with pain in a different way than people. They know if something hurts, they deal with it. They don’t feel sorry for themselves like we do. They obviously don’t feel the way we do.
People who adopt or have special-needs pets are typically very caring people and have gone through hardships themselves. They know pain and want to help others who deal with circumstances that are similar.
They are special pets not because of their special needs. It’s despite their special needs is what makes them outstanding pets and family members.
Specially-able pets make the best pets. They know how much you care and they give that love in return ten-fold. Yes, it does require extra care and attention. I wouldn’t recommend a disabled pet for everyone. You have to have patience, time and money to afford the cost. Equipment, training, specialists don’t come cheap. It’s ironic since it’s usually people who aren’t in a high economic class that gravitate toward these special animals. I’m not saying that’s always the case but alot of time it is. I’ve been around for awhile and you see who cares and who doesn’t. I wish vets would give us more of a break. We are here to help them and we give it our all. It can deplete us of alot including money. I wouldn’t trade any one of my special pets for anything. They give more joy than people ever could.
The dog looks so adorable. I’ve had pets over the years who had disabilities and/or limitations. I’ve had dogs who have been injured and needed surgery. I’ve had dogs with serious health issues too. It would be great if people could see past what they see and into their hearts.
I have adopted mostly animals with some kind of problem over the years. I gravitate toward them. They need help and I love to help them. They make the most wonderful pets!
I don’t see these pets as disabled because they don’t know any differently. They cope extremely well. Better than our human counterparts at times. They are special because they don’t allow a missing leg to interfere with their happiness. They love being dogs and cats. If someone does this to a pet on purpose and God knows how many times we’ve read these stories, they are more special. Only a dog would go back to its owner after it hacked off his paws or legs. It’s called unconditional love. That’s all they want. They live for us and only want to be loved. If people had a better attitude like they possess, society would be such a “poor me, or pity me” society.
They should be celebrated every day. I would love to adopt one of these pets. I can’t afford the cost. Vets are too expensive for me. I do what I have to do but nothing extra. If I had the money, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
I want that dog in the picture. He looks so sweet. I would love to have him in my life. I’m assume he’s adopted because he’s well-groomed and has a bow on him. Beyond amazing for a dog to walk on his back legs and too sad, that he’s missing his front limbs.
A two-legged dog. I’ve seen a dog and a cat with two legs but each had one rear leg and one front leg. I can’t believe that doesn’t hurt a dog to walk like a human. Their resiliency amazes me. They are so precious?
I pay a quick visit each day to some blogs to read posts, but this website gives feature- based posts. I like it. Could you write more on animals in the wild. What about elephants being mistreated at circuses or being killed illegally (poaching) for their tusks aka ivory? It’s descipable what these people do to animals to make money? What about chickens and factor farming? Do consumers understand the awful living conditions they endure for a short six to eight weeks before they are killed and put in stores? What about pigs/factory farming? I will never eat store-bought meat after knowing and seeing firsthand what they do. I’d appreciate some stories on these items.