Helpers for the Special Needs Dogs & Cats

From the wheels used by Ricky Bobby rescued by HSUS to the pee pads at my back door, special needs can be met for our dog companions.  Not all disabilities are visible and not all involve mobility wheels.

Let me tell you about one of my special needs kids, and this isn't about my sweet Sophie whose special needs were evident to the eye. Following are some touching tales and videos of other dogs. If you can't glean the meaning of this blog I will tell you at the end.

My dog Jax has Diabetes Insipidus. This is a need not visually evident. He was in the home of a foster and the rescue group had deemed him 'unadoptable.  But his fosters loved him and knew otherwise, they had even taken him to TAMU for evaluation on their own dime and that deserves a big WOW. Diabetes Insipidus is a condition that presents with excessive thirst and urination, not enough anti diuretic hormone is produced.

Jax was a 6 month old pup and none of the treatments available helped. He was a pee-pot with little control. They needed to find my boy a new family for legitimate reasons and wanted to give Jax the best home possible. I went to their house to be interviewed and approved. I went outside and sat down on the ground. Jax ran around playing, urinated and went immediately to the water bowl. When he saw be he bounded over with enthusiasm and peed all over me.  His foster parents looked horrified waiting for my reaction. 

I hugged Jax and said, you just christened me.  Pee happens. I have tile floors and pee pads at the back door. As he matured his control improved though the health issue remains. Sometimes he has accidents, usually when he jumps, gets scared or excited he leaks. I don't care, he can't help his situation. And Jax is loving, loyal, well-behaved and a wonderful boy. I am grateful he is in my life and he certainly deserves love and care. All animals deserve love and care.

Pee happens. I have tile floors and pee pads at the back door.



 CHAPLIN

 

 

 

From DFW Pug Rescue: One of our special rescue pugs, Chaplin, was adopted by VCA University Animal Clinic in Dallas, TX. He has neurological issues that we have been treating with acupuncture and intestinal motility issues that are treated with a combination of three medications and a special diet. One of our amazing volunteers offered to continue the acupuncture treatment; she picks him up at VCA and gets him to the acupuncture doctor when needed. 

Chaplin needs medication for the remainder of his life, as well as neurological check ups, so for the doctors and staff at VCA to assume this responsibility is nothing short of awesome!  He goes home with a member of VCA at night and on weekends. This is a video of him hanging out at the clinic, such a happy boy.This link http://youtu.be/cm-WF5op6yk shows the challenges Chaplin faced with mobility.

 

ROSIE

 

Do you remember my posts about sweet Rosie and Remember Rosie? Thank you Rosie and your Mom for helping bring awareness. Rosie was rescued from a puppy mill and had genetic disabilities.  But she was a joy and deeply loved, fun and playful.

 

 

 

Products To Help are Available!

 

Chaplin had a custom made wheels. But there are resources for our friends with disabilities. One of the most heartwarming sights I have personally seen was when I visited a friend at her apartment. A neighbor was taking is handicapped German Sheppard for a walk using a sling to help him down the stairs for his walk. Wheelchairs, slings, ramps, diapers, strollers, splints and more. For example: from Canada http://www.dogquality.com/, the U.S. http://www.handicappedpets.com/ and http://eddieswheels.com.

 

 

This is an ad for doggie wheels nevertheless is shows happy dogs given mobility again.

 

BOBBY & NAPOLEON

 

I didn't forget cats. Bobby was left in a box on the vet's doorstep as a kitten. He has spinal injuries and a broken tail. He walks strangely on his back legs and must wear bandages and care to protect his legs. The video is 9 minutes long but shows how he is enjoying life even though he walks a bit differently, playing and obviously loved. Napoleon has his own wheels.

 

 

ALERA

 

 

This is a tearjerker. But Alera's daddy gave her love and she had a good quality of life though short. The other link shows off her new wheels and how they are used. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=jNpCgZ3lJEM

 

 

Buddy Love aka The Bumblesnot

 



Bumblesnot is a 10 year old black pug rescued from a shelter in 2011. Click the link to learn more and follow his adventures on Facebook. When this boy was adopted he had some mobility issues with his back legs. Now he has his wheels and his family must suppress his bladder. But he is happy and loved.  If you click the video link know 1) It starts with loud music and 2) I'm not sure I care for the "proper care instructions"  are presented audio wise but you do learn more about the care of this disabled and lovable boy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cfrs22nfkA

 

 

THE MORAL OF THIS STORY IS DISABILITIES DON'T MEAN AN ANIMAL SHOULD BE NEGLECTED OR DESTROYED.  THEY DESERVE LOVE AND CAN HAVE A GOOD QUALITY LIFE.

BE THE CHANGE!

 

 

 

Raining Cats and Dogs by Peter Martz. Sounds beautiful but is so very sad. Claiborne Animal Shelter is a 501c3 organization run entirely from donations and volunteer labor. If you'd like to learn more about us, please visit www.ClaiborneAnimalShelter.com or visit us on Facebook!



 

BE THE CHANGE!

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12/26/13 to 1/10/14 After Christmas Special!

Poisoning Your Cat or Dog? Be Aware.

Is your pet food poisoning your cat or dog? Be Aware. Make your own treats.

In my household we try to live cruelty free thus we are all, including the doggies, vegetarians. As a vegetarian I buy specialty food and thus most treats are eliminated.  Below I’ll list some treat alternatives.

If you buy commercial treats for your pets, dogs or cats, be vigilant. Check the labels, be aware of recalls or concerns about products.  Raise your awareness: here is one of the best places to start, http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/RecallsWithdrawals/default.htm .

 Here are some of the most recent recalls.

·         Joey’s Jerky Chicken Jerky Treats Recall (9/10/2013)
·         Purina One Beyond Dog Food Recall (8/30/2013)
·         Iams and Eukanuba Dog and Cat Food Recall (8/14/2013)
·         Dogswell Recalls Dog and Cat Jerky Treats (7/27/2013)

Personally I would recommend you buy no animal foods from China. Along with the moral and ethical reasons, the majority (the not all) of animal/pet product recalls originate in China.

The care you take in feeding treats involves more than just ‘meat’ products. There is another dog treat to worry about, sweet potato treats. The VIN (Veterinary Information Network) reports health issues related to sweet potato treats.  FDA tests have shown sweet potatos are contaminated with phorate, a highly toxic pesticide.  

Dogs are experiencing kidney problems that can lead to death. Symptoms appear within hours or days after the treat is ingested: increased thirst, increased urination, diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy.

If your pet becomes ill after eating a treat see your vet immediately. Brands of sweet potato snacks allegedly impacting pet health:
·         Canyon Creek Ranch

·         Dogswell Veggie Life
·         Beefeaters Yams

MAKE YOUR OWN TREATS

Sweet Potato Treats
Buy yams or sweet potatoes and wash well.

Slice thin pieces and arrange on a baking sheet.

Cook for 45 minutes at 300 degrees.

Allow to cool then seal in ziplock bags.

Other Treat options:

Cheese

Frozen Peas

Blueberries

Carrots

I will take natural peanut butter and put a thin coat on pieces of dry pet food for my dogs.

Baked Cheerios

¼ to 1/3 cup natural peanut butter

2 Cups cheerios (or honey nut cheerios – I haven’t tried them but I don’t see why not)

½ cup oat flour (buy in a store or put quick oats in a food processor)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 eggs

In a microwave safe bowl heat peanut butter for about 1 minute.

Add all ingredients to peanut butter and mix well.

Form firm, small balls with your hands.

Put on a prepared baking sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

Flours you can use: Durum, whole wheat, potato or rye flour. You can use all-purpose flour as well. 

Cheese Treats:

1 cup flour (see flours you can use)

½ cup evaporated milk

¼ cup grated cheddar

¼ cup parmesan (you can use Asiago but it has a higher moisture content and you need to offset with additional flour).

1 egg

Combine ingredients.

Form into small balls or roll dough and use dog bone cookie cutter.

Put on a prepared baking sheet.

Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees.

 

 

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Rescue Stories: Rosie’s Story.

Be the Change. You Make A Difference. Rosie’s Story.

Every action no matter how small helps. If you love animals, Be The Change You Want To See. You make a difference. Today I want to share a story about Rosie and how caring people rescued her and her 40 other dogs kept in deplorable conditions by a horder/breeder.

  

Rosie is a spirited little girl with so many congenital defects. She had mange when rescued, was covered in filth but somehow had survived even though she has a malformed jaw, teeth problems and fused leg bones. She learned to walk on the upper part of her legs to move around. Because of her misshapen jaws she had to scoop food into her mouth.

Rosie has skin problems as a result of her mange and immune system so she has a bald head. She isn’t a pretty dog. But when I look at her I see a beautiful girl with spirit. She has a wonderful adopted family that loves and cares for her.

When you follow stories of animals with challenges, you come to love them dearly. And they and YOU help educate the world.

Support animal rescue however you can. Donate, volunteer, foster, adopt and educate. You make a difference.

The people that adopted Rosie deserve praise. They are excellent humans.

From Everything Rose Blog, “There are thousands of dogs like Rosie and awaiting rescue. Some of them are in need of a little socialization and some good food, others like Rosie need patience, medical care, and lots of love.”

You can like her Facebook page and follow her blog to keep up with Rosie’s progress.

https://www.facebook.com/MalibuRosie

http://www.everythingrosie.com/

 

In Memory of Sophie

In memory of my sweet Sophie.

One year ago yesterday I had to take Sophie to the vet and let her go. Having to say goodbye to your loved one is always torturous and painful. I am crying as I write this post. I miss my Sophie.


Sophie came to me through DFW Pug Rescue.  I volunteered several years ago to be a foster. I am glad to care for dogs that have special needs. I will foster the hospice dogs so they can have someone love them, care for them and won't be alone in their final days.

Fostering hospice dogs is both wonderful and painful. It is a pleasure to have these dogs in my life. To be able to love and be loved by them. They have been abandoned and deserve better. The pain of losing your cherished family member is the most difficult thing you can go through. But I foster anyway because these dogs are all worthy of love and compassion and care.

Sophie was what we call a 'foster failure'. Sometimes rescue groups must make difficult decisions concerning where money is best spent.  So I adopted Sophie. 

Sophie had so many challenges. She was missing an eye, she had a club foot and luxating patellas. She didn't have any teeth and shortly after she came to my home she had to had eye flap surgery for an eye ulcer. 

Sophie was a trooper. She was joyful and loving. When she got excited she would spin in circles because her club foot acted like a paddle. Through all these challenges she was sweet, loving, accepting and carried on.  Sophie didn't think she was a hospice dog or a special needs dog. She was with me for almost three years. 

Then Sophie started limping, keeping weight off her one good leg.  I looked for stickers and bites, she didn't respond to me feeling her leg.  So off to the vet. After exams and an x-ray he said she had a fracture at her shoulder joint.  Next we went to a surgery specialist.

The specialist did not have good news.  Sophie had a cancer in her lungs and bones. This was inoperable. Her pain was increasing at a fast rate.  So I took Sophie home with pain pills and kept her as comfortable as possible. 

It is difficult to make the choice that 'now' is the time to let the dog die, euthanasia. I knew I had to let Soph go when she would take her cheese covered pain pill. I put it in her mouth a said please.  I could see her struggle to swallow for me. Still being the wonderful girl.  



I wish my dogs could tell me, "I'm ready now, please let me go." But the burden is mine as their caregiver. They are my family and my responsibility. 

In memory of Sophie, I started this blog to share the joys of animals, the emotional life of animals and to bring light to animal rights and causes.


And To Honor Sophie and all the dogs I have loved and lost.