Dear DeDe on Adopting a Less-Adoptable Pet
Oh Dog! Dear DeDe here to give you some info on adopting an animal with special needs. This is Lucky Dog.
Lucky Dog
Lucky was a black lab- chow mix. When he was a pup he stepped in a steel trap. He chewed his leg off to get out. He ended up at the University of Tennessee Vet Hospital where one leg was re-attached and a pad was made for the other leg. Afterward he went through a year of healing and rehabilitation with a wonderful lady that ran a lab rescue.
At 5 years old he came to stay with Jen. Lucky and Bubba cat were best friends.
It was rare to see one without the other. When Rumpy came along they became rasslin’ buddies.
Here they were just after a match.
Despite all that Lucky went through at a young age, he lived a good life and died at 12 years.
Lucky had 3 strikes against him when he met Jen- he was a big black dog (part chow), he had a disability and he was, at 5 years, an older dog. But he was a wonderful dog.
It’s Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet-Week folks. My advice to you is the next time you’re thinking of making an addition to your family, don’t rule out a dog or cat with one or more of these attributes that labels them “less adoptable.” You won’t regret it!
Love, DeDe (who has special needs all her own)
September 18, 2011 at 1:53 AM
One of my Dalmatian(rest in peace) Suly was deaf and had seizures, I rescue her when she was 6 years old. Suly was loved very much, she was extra special, she died at the age of 17.She was humble, loving and so sweet, best experience ever
September 18, 2011 at 6:41 AM
Sounds like Suly was amazing. Thanks so much for not denying either of you the chance to love each other.
September 18, 2011 at 2:19 AM
Dear DeDe, thanks for telling us about the lovely story of Lucky an’ your family. In my country, there are lots of Dogs an’ Cats who are looking for their homes but can’t find…end up being put down…I’d like to say loudly that more people read this advice and keep it in mind. woof!
September 18, 2011 at 6:43 AM
Its important to advocate for ALL animals!
September 18, 2011 at 2:48 AM
DeDe, your blog is great! I love dogs! Thanks for checking out my website, I’m just starting to get into photography. And dogs are so fun to capture shots of : )
September 18, 2011 at 6:42 AM
We are wonderful!
September 18, 2011 at 5:52 AM
That is such a good story about Lucky. We have a kitty named Lucky and he is rescued. He has a blood disease but just has to have shots every 6 or 7 weeks. All the kitties here are feral and so they are unadoptable. Thanks so much for doing this post. It is so important to get the word out. Take care and have a super Sunday.
September 18, 2011 at 6:43 AM
Hi Marg! We have a kitty that was born to a feral mama. His name is Hissy Fit Jones. I bet YOU know why!
September 18, 2011 at 6:26 AM
I am so happy that you visited me this morning because I just love your blog! Your babies are ADORABLE, how did I not know about you?
I am following you everywhere!
September 18, 2011 at 6:47 AM
woo woo woo!!! Thanks!!!!
September 18, 2011 at 7:28 AM
Great advice! Most of these guys facing challenges like Lucky are very grateful to their humans. Good additions to any family.
September 18, 2011 at 9:38 AM
Yep! I have special needs too! When I first came to stay with Jen I licked myself constantly and caused horrible lick granulomas. Vets tried lots of things but never found a solution. Jen did her own research and started me on a special diet. The licking stopped but other problems surfaced. We learned that a thyroid problem in some dogs manifests in skin problems, submissive behavior, and fearfulness. That describes me to a T! Now I’m on medication, exercising and limiting food intake to lose the weight I gained while on Prozac. And I’m the happiest dog in the whole world!
September 18, 2011 at 8:04 AM
Hi Rumpy! Great advice. A less adoptable pet doesn’t mean a less lovable one. All four of our cats are rescued and it’s a great feeling knowing you are giving a good home to an animal who might otherwise not be adopted.
September 18, 2011 at 8:06 AM
P.S. Lucky sure was aptly named. So glad you got to enjoy him be a part of your family.
September 18, 2011 at 9:39 AM
Lucky did far more good for Jen than she ever did for him.
September 18, 2011 at 2:00 PM
Ain’t that the truth. We give them shelter, food, treats and a good scratch behind the ears and in return they give us such unconditional love that is impossible to measure. The miracle of these creatures is that they have so much to teach us. Life = love and be loved + cookies.
September 18, 2011 at 10:23 AM
Wonderful post Rumpy.
September 18, 2011 at 8:00 PM
Thanks Bassa!
September 18, 2011 at 11:07 AM
We just love those kind of stories! Keep spreading the word, Rumpydog
Wyatt and Stanzie
September 18, 2011 at 8:00 PM
Thanks for stopping by!
September 18, 2011 at 1:07 PM
I’m glad that Lucky received the medical care that he did, and that he lived out the rest of his life in a home that loved him! It’s what every last dog deserves.
September 18, 2011 at 8:05 PM
I agree. Thanks for stopping by!
September 18, 2011 at 2:25 PM
Thank you for stopping by out bloggie and leaving such a heartfelt comment. Yes, as grrrowly as Teri felt about those people who gave up their cats, she knew that a respectful manner would ensure those kitties came back to her and she kept her grrrr’s to herself, but they were sure there! We came to visit you and read about Lucky, awwww, such a life before and then a wonderful life thereafter…Thanks to Jen for saving him and he, her!
September 18, 2011 at 8:09 PM
Thanks for stopping by and for being a great caretaker of animals!
September 18, 2011 at 2:33 PM
what a good story.
September 18, 2011 at 8:09 PM
Thanks Jimmie! How’s it going superstar?
September 18, 2011 at 2:43 PM
Lovely story and what a great blog! Im glad you visited me so I could visit you back! Let’s get together
Jaime
ThoughtsFurPaws
September 18, 2011 at 8:10 PM
Thanks Jaime! Kudos are ALWAYS welcome!
September 18, 2011 at 4:04 PM
Thats a lovely post and lets us know a pretty important message. I am glad Lucky ended up with a loving home.. Thanks for visiting me.. Hugs GJ xx
September 18, 2011 at 8:15 PM
and thank you for visiting me Ginger!
September 18, 2011 at 4:15 PM
Wonderful story, Rumps. I’m so glad your mama found him and that he found friends in you.
September 18, 2011 at 8:16 PM
And I’m glad you are better-rested!!!
September 19, 2011 at 2:34 AM
Haha, thanks, Rumpy! Reading your posts is one of the better ways of spending time on the web.
September 18, 2011 at 4:56 PM
How could anybody not adopt any of those cute dogs?
September 18, 2011 at 8:17 PM
especially me!!!!!
September 18, 2011 at 10:13 PM
I never knew that black dogs were considered less desirable until I adopted my dog Cooper from a shelter and they told me about it. I don’t understand that. All dogs deserve to be a part of a loving family. I’m glad Lucky found his.
September 19, 2011 at 8:55 AM
Yep, lots of superstitious people out there *sigh*
September 19, 2011 at 8:23 AM
what a wonderful and “lucky” dog you were.
September 19, 2011 at 8:55 AM
Lucky was the BEST!
September 19, 2011 at 4:11 PM
I’m sorry to hear that Lucky is gone. :0(
It sounds like he was a great dog, though. We shouldn’t let ourselves be short-changed by overlooking great dogs just because they are not perfect.
September 19, 2011 at 4:47 PM
Yes, it’s time that we looked at what is it that makes us think a pure-bred puppy can meet all the needs that an older, mature, trained dog could not.
September 19, 2011 at 5:24 PM
Such a cute post! I wish I wasn’t allergic ):
September 19, 2011 at 7:24 PM
A dog’s devotion is incomparable.
September 25, 2011 at 4:47 PM
I’ve just adopted a 10 year old Siamese with an enormous snaggle tooth. On his first visit to the vet I found out he’d need $650.00 worth of dental work. Special needs indeed. But he’s adorable and worth it
September 25, 2011 at 5:43 PM
Ouch! I’m glad you’re committed to kitty. Yay for you!