What defines a pet as specially-abled?
A pet is considered specially-abled if they have been born with a defect, have become permanently injured, or have a disease that requires them to use a special equipment. Some of these animals could suffer from lack of vision or hearing, may have behavioral issues due to past traumas but all of them have the same big heart to share their love with.
When one attribute is weaker a few others will become even stronger!
Though they may seem different than their counterparts, what these special friends may lack in one area they soar in another.
With pets that are visually impaired, all the other senses come to the rescue by enhancing their smell, hearing, and touch allowing them to act just as an average pet would. They can play and toss around their favorite toys, walk around in familiar places or rooms, and give the same warm hugs as abled pets
Sign language or learned hand gestures becomes the bark of the pack (or meow of the clowder if you are a cat person) if they experience hearing loss or impairment. As an added bonus, it leads to a less chaotic house when loud noises ensue.
You mustn’t be fooled by the lack of use in a limb or two, as these playful creatures pack just as much energy into play time as the rest of them.
But most of all, the most spectacular thing is watching these hard knock life lovebugs blossom in a caring and adoring home.
What You Should Know Before You Adopt?
To provide a loving and caring home to a specially-abled pet is a very fulfilling and adventurous duty as it is so devastating to see such heartbreak as a pet is passed over due to their disadvantages. Though this task is not for everybody as it is a commitment that you are providing that your home is the right home for them to be able to thrive and live the quality of life that is needed. It is a decision that needs to be made through research, how much time you can provide for care, and whether or not your finance book looks healthy enough.
How to Care for Your Specially-Abled Pet!
Routine
It is very important to establish a routine that is committed to every single day, not just to keep chaos at bay for your pet but defines a schedule for the both of you. Similarly to abled pets, these special animals like to understand when to expect when to be fed or when it is time to take their meds, building these good habits will make the whole family lives more manageable.
Training
As mentioned before, depending on the disability your pet may have and when they obtained it you might have to readjust how they are interacted with. Think about it this way, throw out the notion that you can’t train an old dog new trick, because you most definitely can. Training a hearing imparied animal will require the use of sign language or hand motions, using normal tone verbal cues to let a visually impaird pet know you are near or when it’s time for one of their daily rituals, or utilizing a new form of exercise with paralyzed pets to keep certain ligaments moving. As with a puppy, it may take some time for the training to settle in, but just like them, never keep giving up!
Join a Community and Never Stop Learning
Living a special life isn’t always going to be like dandelion where you can blow frustrations or misunderstandings away, there will be days where you don’t know how to cope, or what your next move should be. With a quick search on Google you will be able to connect to an online world of support groups, tips, tricks, and resources to find local animal shelters who can assist with finding equipment you may need. When connected with these specially-abled owned pet support groups they have a wealth of knowledge in all kinds of aspects in caring for your new family member, not only will these members provide empathy on the day-to-day frustrations but they probably have tips, advice, or even handy equipment that can make those rainy days a little less stressful.
Traveling Tails Can Help You with Your Special Friend!
Wellness Preventative and Vaccination Care
At Traveling Tails, we can assist you in developing your individualized, comprehensive pet wellness care and preventative programs to suit your pet’s specific needs. In these programs, your specially abled pet will be able to spend time one-on-one with our experienced veterinarians, which will include a detailed blood work exam, nutritional/behavioral counseling, guide you on the right type of vaccinations based on age, current recommendations, pet’s lifestyle, and much more!
Other Services
Though we offer a variety of services at our in-house clinics, from dental care, laboratory screenings using IDEXX diagnostic equipment, spay or neuter services, just to name a few.
Check out our website to get a full scope of how we can assist you in ensuring your furry friend is well cared for. When you are ready we can be contacted either by phone or you can book an appointment online. The staff here at Traveling Tails can NOT wait to meet your new best friend.
Where can you adopt if and when you are ready?
