as small as a world and as large as alone

10:07pm July 7, 2014

railerat:

I’m seeing a thing going around encouraging the adoption of ‘imperfect’ or ‘unadoptable’ animals and it makes me really happy!

I do want to remind people, however, that it is important to make sure you will be capable of meeting the needs of that animal! While a three-legged cat is not likely to need much accomodation, a deaf cat or a blind dog may need some extra help, and a diabetic animal or a paralysed one will need even more! It is not shameful to admit you are not able to meet the needs of a specific animal’s care—in fact, it is very important to be able to recognise your limitations and find a pet to whom you can give the best life possible. Do your research!

And adopting an older animal or one with less severe special needs is no less wonderful, valuable, or rewarding!

Ask the shelter volunteers or employees about their favourite animals! Pay attention to black cats and dogs, who are most often overlooked! Don’t be afraid to ask questions or take your time at the shelter!

And remember, this doesn’t just apply to cats and dogs. One-eyed horses. Three-legged rabbits. Deaf birds. Elderly snakes. Rats with vestibular problems.

Now go forth and adopt!

Also be sure to watch a lot of positive videos about how to care for different types of disabled pets.  I stress positive because some of them can sometimes get snarky and nasty and say things in front of the animals that are horrible.  But most videos are pretty good, and some will show you how to do the “really hard” things that everyone thinks will be more difficult than they are.

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