Celebrate Differences on National Specially-Abled Pets Day
This day is set aside to educate the public about caring for disabled pets. National Specially-Abled Pets Day features disabled animals looking for a home. It also encourages animal lovers to consider choosing a disabled pet when they are looking at adopting a new pet family member.
Often the most heartwarming and awe-inspiring animal videos are of pets who have overcome great odds. It’s no wonder we connect so deeply with their plights and their fierce determination to rise up against harrowing obstacles.
May 3 is National Specially-Abled Pets Day, a time to celebrate all of these strong survivors—and maybe even to invite one to become a treasured member of your family.
National Specially-Abled Pets Day began in 2006. Founder Colleen Paige eventually changed the name from National Disabled Pets Day because it no longer rang true to the capabilities of these fierce, four-legged friends.
She states on the website, “The name held too negative a connotation… because these pets are very able! Pets that become challenged due to disease, birth flaws or injuries, tend to develop greater senses than your average pet. Most of the time it’s as if they never had to readjust to life… and we need to keep up with them!”
Incredible inspiration can be derived from watching an animal live a fulfilling and happy life despite big challenges. Adopting a specially-abled pet can encourage us to face our own obstacles and give us someone with whom we can share mutually understood love and hope.
There are several benefits to having companion animals in our lives, and even some especially for less-adoptable pets. This year, consider adopting or volunteering to help with the care of a specially-abled pet—it will be good for both you and them.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Use #SpeciallyAbledPetsDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
National Specially-abled Pets Day was launched by animal advocate, author and pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige. The Animal Miracle Foundation helps to educate the public and celebrates these amazing and heroic animals. For more information visit www.disabledpetday.com.
This day is a reminder that disabled dogs are very able. They are able to love, able to feel, and able to enjoy a good and healthy life.
It is a day to educate the public about caring for these dogs, and encouraging people to adopt them from shelters or foster care. Unfortunately, specially-abled pets are often overlooked at shelters because people feel that it is too much work to care for them. But these animals have a heart full of love that they are willing to share with their forever family.
There is often a perception that these animals don’t want to be active, or are limited to what they can do. While that can be the case sometimes, more often than not they will be up for anything. Do blind dogs want to go on walks? Absolutely! Do dogs in wheel chairs still want to play with toys and snuggle? For sure! These dogs are not thinking about how limited they are by their disability. To them, this is just their everyday life.
With modern technology, caring for these dogs is becoming even easier. 3D printing has allowed developers to create prosthetic limbs and customized wheel chairs for the pups who need some help getting around. Blind and deaf dogs can easily be trained to understand voice and hand signals to communicate. There is endless opportunity for these amazing companions, if we only give them a chance to show their greatness.
If you are looking to adopt a dog, consider one of these special dogs who are so unfairly overlooked. As true with any other adoption process, the key is to make sure the dog’s temperament and lifestyle needs match yours. Interested in adopting a specially abled dog? Check out Pets With Disabilities listing to find a specially-abled pet in your area.
There are some remarkable stories demonstrating how these pets are able to live unhindered despite their challenges. Lucy the dog climbed a mountain, even though both of her rear legs were paralyzed when she was hit by a car as a puppy. The dog was rescued from the streets of Puerto Rico and taken to a shelter, where she was adopted by her owner, Courtney Dunning. Dunning said she knew ‘she was for me’ after realizing Lucy needed a dog wheelchair. After discovering the dog’s enjoyment of walking long distances, Dunning took her on a 45 minute mountain hike to see how she would respond. Since Lucy didn’t show any signs of tiredness, Dunning decided to take her on a five hour hike up Mount Washington to demonstrate the abilities of specially-abled pets and raise awareness. This story shows that animals like Lucy can still experience a fulfilling life.
Nelson the cat won the Most Incredible Story award at the National Cat Awards in 2014. He had experienced more trauma and turmoil during his life than most humans, and has still managed to bounce back with remarkable vigor. He and his litter mates were found by a fisherman after being thrown into the sea in a sack. After living at the docks and being homeless for fifteen years, he was viciously attacked with rocks by a gang, leading him to lose an eye. Sadly, the cat was diagnosed with an inoperable heart condition in January of last year, but with the help of his new family, he is still living a happy life and being cared for in the way he always deserved to be.
These inspiring examples illustrate just how remarkable specially-abled pets can be, and why they should not be dismissed. For instance, a blind animal can learn commands via hand signals rather than sounds, whereas a deaf animal uses their whiskers to detect air movements. Animals such as these will never love their owners any less, and may just need the effort of someone who is willing to care for them.
You’ll find Specially-Abled pets on Facebook.
Do you have a specially-abled pet, or do you know someone that does? Share your stories and photos on our Facebook page!
Be inspired by these 6 incredible animals.
