Pets come in all shapes and sizes and have different personalities. Some of these pets are considered “specially disabled.” This means they have their own areas that require unique care. When it comes to caring for these pets, there can be additional stress on top of the challenges of caring for them.
Some owners choose a pet with a special disability and do not have the opportunity to adapt in real time to the animal acquiring a disability later on.
Vera Rodriguez, a freshman communication design student, dealt with her dog who had hip dysplasia. Rosie Pickles, a Jack Russell terrier, loved to run, jump and play, but she lost the ability to use her right hind leg after a diagnosis and is no longer able to do so.
“She was going to get through this because we all adapt to change,” Rodriguez said. “Rosie has responded very well to the changes in herself.”
Rodriguez said there have been a number of changes since Rosie Pickles became disabled, including a lack of energy, increased aggression and the pet's general pain. Observing these changes from an early age gave Rodriguez her unique perspective on all animals moving forward, and deepened her love for Rosie Pickles.
“I really liked how different she was from everyone else,” Rodriguez said. “Everything happens for a reason, so be patient.”
Consider the idea of adopting a pet who is open to caring for a pet with special needs, like criminal justice freshman Jillian Englert, who noticed something different about her cat from the first time she met her. Some people do. Ringa, a calico cat, was extremely shy and reserved at the shelter, which caught Englert's attention.
“She looked really sad. She looked like she had been through a lot,” Englert said. “I thought, 'Yes, she's the one.'”
Englert said Linga suffers from visual impairments, particularly problems with distance measurement, light sensitivity and depth perception, due to previous alleged abuse at home. Englert said Linga, who has lost his eyesight, would jump from great heights and stumble on the ground when he landed.
Englert had to make a financial decision to change the lighting in his home. She replaced her overhead lighting with lamps and other alternative lighting. Without this change, the linga would have remained stagnant under the bed. But Englert didn't have to think twice about adapting her lifestyle to suit Lingus, as their relationship was mutually beneficial.
“She's not a burden at all,” Englert said. “There's nothing wrong with spending money.” [resources] What I have for her. I feel like she's there for me just like I'm there for her. ”
Kate Weisbrodt, a third-year animal science student, cares for two different guinea pigs. One of the dogs was adopted as a specially disabled dog, and the other dog developed a disability under her care. Both Kenny and Pendleton are very unique and require time-consuming attention, but Ms. Weisbrodt has risen to any challenge when it comes to providing her pets with the best life possible.
“When I noticed [they were] It takes special care, but you're like, “Oh, how do I do this?'' ’” Weisbrodt said. “I was like, 'I'm going to do this.'”
Kenny was diagnosed with Satin Guinea Pig Syndrome. Satin guinea pig syndrome is a birth defect characterized by blindness and weak joints and bones. Pendleton is paralyzed from the waist down and cannot move his legs at all. Because of her disability, Weisbrodt has had to give up certain things, such as vacations, to prioritize her animals, but she said she has no regrets.
“When I found ways to help animals cope with their disabilities, it became really rewarding,” Weisbrodt said. “I realized that if I let these animals go, who else would take care of them?”
Weisbrodt does not underestimate the importance of adopting a pet with a disability and believes that it takes an owner who can make the time to care for them. Mr. Englert believes that owners should not be wary of pets with special disabilities, whether they are disabled to begin with or become disabled through the care of their owners. I support this idea.
“We give disabled pets the same amount of love, and I think their attitude is no different,” Englert said. “If you’re willing to put in the time and effort, they’re going to do it too.”
