A lot of peoples hearts go out to a "special needs" dog when they see or hear of one yet, most will pass them by when looking to adopt. Some may fear additional responsibility, extra costs, behavioral issues and life expectancy of the dog. These are all things that should be considered when choosing any dog for adoption not just special needs dogs.
Many people would be surprised if only they'd stop and look a little closer at these special needs dogs. Sure there are those who's needs require the care of a dog lover with the time, patience and ability to care for them. Yet, a larger portion only need a minimal amount of additional care. Many times at little to no additional cost.
Most go on to live long productive lives. Productive in dog terms that is...cuddling up to their favorite person, always ready and willing to play ball, give you a big sloppy kiss, follow you around to see if you just might need help with that big juicy steak, go for a ride (hey, they don't want you to get lost out in the big old world all alone), or just curl up at your feet for a good nap while you watch T.V. Sure, they might need a boost into the car or run after that ball with a limping gait but I guarantee you they won't have any problem with giving you a lifetime of love, loyalty and laughter.
My featured dog today, whose picture is to the right, is one of those dogs. She is also one of my foster dogs so what I tell you is from first hand experience. When Cause for Paws got Cher, they noticed she limped, favoring her left front leg. Being the conscientious organization they are, they had the leg examined and x-rayed when she was taken in for spaying. It was discovered that she suffered from an old gun shot wound! There are bullet and bone fragments in the surrounding tissue. These fragments won't cause her any additional trouble but the damaged joint where the bullet chipped off pieces of bone causes her discomfort and arthritic pain.
We are trying her on a couple of medications trying to find an effective, cost efficient way to make her comfortable. She's in no obvious pain and uses the limp to protect the leg. Like most people with arthritis, she limps a little more on rainy days.
Without the limp you'd never know she was a special needs dog. In fact, when she runs there is no limp! She prefers to mount the porch by a big leap instead of using the steps. Sometimes she gets into heavy play with the boxer I foster. The sight of those two muscular dogs clashing like Titans is an awesome sight to see(all in fun of course)! Again, you'd never know.
She follows me to whatever room I alight in and is content to nap while I watch T.V. or do volunteer work on the phone and computer. I've never met a more loyal and quietly protective dog. She even camps out on the shower mat when I shower! LOL.
Cher has been with us for quite awhile. She's featured on Petfinders, Adoptapet, Kijiji.com and in our local paper. Unless someone stops. Looks a little closer. Sees what a wonderful addition to their lives she'd be...she'll be with us a longer time still.
So if you or someone you know are considering adopting a new four-legged family member, please, stop, look and consider a special needs dog.
Many people would be surprised if only they'd stop and look a little closer at these special needs dogs. Sure there are those who's needs require the care of a dog lover with the time, patience and ability to care for them. Yet, a larger portion only need a minimal amount of additional care. Many times at little to no additional cost.
Most go on to live long productive lives. Productive in dog terms that is...cuddling up to their favorite person, always ready and willing to play ball, give you a big sloppy kiss, follow you around to see if you just might need help with that big juicy steak, go for a ride (hey, they don't want you to get lost out in the big old world all alone), or just curl up at your feet for a good nap while you watch T.V. Sure, they might need a boost into the car or run after that ball with a limping gait but I guarantee you they won't have any problem with giving you a lifetime of love, loyalty and laughter.
My featured dog today, whose picture is to the right, is one of those dogs. She is also one of my foster dogs so what I tell you is from first hand experience. When Cause for Paws got Cher, they noticed she limped, favoring her left front leg. Being the conscientious organization they are, they had the leg examined and x-rayed when she was taken in for spaying. It was discovered that she suffered from an old gun shot wound! There are bullet and bone fragments in the surrounding tissue. These fragments won't cause her any additional trouble but the damaged joint where the bullet chipped off pieces of bone causes her discomfort and arthritic pain.
We are trying her on a couple of medications trying to find an effective, cost efficient way to make her comfortable. She's in no obvious pain and uses the limp to protect the leg. Like most people with arthritis, she limps a little more on rainy days.
Without the limp you'd never know she was a special needs dog. In fact, when she runs there is no limp! She prefers to mount the porch by a big leap instead of using the steps. Sometimes she gets into heavy play with the boxer I foster. The sight of those two muscular dogs clashing like Titans is an awesome sight to see(all in fun of course)! Again, you'd never know.
She follows me to whatever room I alight in and is content to nap while I watch T.V. or do volunteer work on the phone and computer. I've never met a more loyal and quietly protective dog. She even camps out on the shower mat when I shower! LOL.
Cher has been with us for quite awhile. She's featured on Petfinders, Adoptapet, Kijiji.com and in our local paper. Unless someone stops. Looks a little closer. Sees what a wonderful addition to their lives she'd be...she'll be with us a longer time still.
So if you or someone you know are considering adopting a new four-legged family member, please, stop, look and consider a special needs dog.
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