Pets with Special Needs Are Special, Indeed

All of our precious animals have hurdles to face. North Shore Animal League America has hurdles to face – as do we all. We want all of our wonderful feline and canine friends to have the special homes they long for and deserve. Some of them have come a long way, some have elaborate pasts, and all have a meaningful life ahead of them. It is our special needs animals, however, that have the additional obstacles blocking their paths to happiness. We urge you to understand their needs and consider making a monumental difference in their lives.

North Shore Animal League America is undoubtedly determined to end pet homelessness – and will work tirelessly to achieve that. We know that we are not perfect. We do not ask you to be; and we hope that you do not require these dear animals to be perfect either; for pets with special needs are special, indeed.

Meet Just a Few of Our Special Needs Friends

Dierk

Gorgeous Dierk is a young German Shepherd mix. He is a big boy, but truly a gentle giant. Loving and silly, he is just a great big playful puppy at heart. He loves to go for walks and loves affection even more. It is so much fun to take his sweet face into your hands and cover it with kisses, and he is so receptive to all of it. Dierk especially likes to six next to someone he cares about as they rub his ears and under his chin! Those are his sweet spots.

As most large breed dogs experience at some point, Dierk is having trouble with his hips. He is still being examined by specialists to determine whether or not he requires hip surgery, so a full prognosis is not available at this time. What Dierk needs most right now is a loving foster home with a loving family who can spoil him with hugs and make a safe and hip-friendly environment for him. He gets along very well with other dogs, so don’t let a family pet stop you from taking this wonderful dog home. He is just a doll.

If you are interested in fostering or adopting Dierk, or for more information on fostering a pet, please contact Jeni R. at jenir@nsalamerica.org.

Celine

Sweet Celine is a petite, young cat. At eight months old, she has found herself back where she started - in the Animal League’s care.

When Celine was just a kitten, she and her littermate were adopted. But less than a year later, Celine started exhibiting strange behaviors. She began falling down and would sometimes shake involuntarily.

It looks as though Celine is experiencing neurological symptoms. She is currently stable, happy and awaiting additional testing results. At this time, Celine is not suffering from seizures; however, she is at risk of developing them if her neurological symptoms increase.

Beautiful Celine is very loving and playful. She is a tough little cat who can have a full and happy life. Right now, she is as comfortable as can be here at the Animal League, but there is truly no substitute for a loving home. North Shore Animal League America is looking for a foster home for Celine. She needs a safe environment preferable without stairs or where the stairs are blocked off. Celine needs someone who can make her comfortable and give her love ‘round the clock. She deserves nothing less.

If you are interested in fostering or adopting Celine, please contact Jeni R at: jenir@nsalamerica.org.

Nelle

Nelle is a cute little female Terrier mix who is about 6-8 months old. This extremely loving and playful puppy suffers from a condition called megaesophagus, where her esophagus is abnormally enlarged in its lower portion, making it difficult for her to properly digest her food.

Because of this, Nelle must remain vertical during feedings and stay vertical for about 15-20 minutes afterwards to ensure that the food makes it way safely down to her stomach. Right now, Nelle’s food is rolled into little balls and she is hand fed to ensure that her food pieces are the right size and that she doesn’t enthusiastically eat too fast. If she doesn’t follow this procedure, she may regurgitate or choke; and if left unattended during feedings, she is at risk of suffocation.

Nelle needs to be in a household where someone is always available to keep a close eye on her when she has toys, food and treats. She will need her meals hand-fed in an elevated position for the rest of her life and will need that extra elevated digestion time in a vertical position forever.

Nelle is a darling and affectionate dog who is eager to be part of a family. She is loving, sweet, cute and silly and would love to be with a foster or adoptive family who is willing to care for her needs with love and patience.

If you are interested in fostering or adopting Nelle, please contact Jeni R at: jenir@nsalamerica.org.

Angel

Angel came into the League’s care January 2008. This tragically neglected female Terrier mix was only 24 lbs. when she should have been between 50-60 lbs. at a normal size and weight. Because she was almost starved to death, her growth was stunted and she was anemic. In addition to anemia, Angel came to us with a severe skin infection called demodex. Her body was covered with scabs and crust and almost all of her hair fell out as a result.

It is apparent that Angel had been locked away in a cage and forgotten for quite some time. Because of her severe neglect, she is very frightened and unsure of who to trust. She is protective of her food, naturally, and for now, is slightly aggressive toward other dogs, which is a clear case of fear, and should change as she grows more confident.

Angel is amazingly sweet for a dog that has been through such a horrendous ordeal but will need some time to heal physically and mentally. She is on anitibiotics, supplements and an antihistamine for her various conditions and is getting a steady diet of love and attention, which she desperately needs.

When her health permits, Angel would love to be a member of a loving foster or adoptive family. She is on her way to a full recovery, and will be spayed when she’s ready. Angel will make a loving and loyal companion to a lucky person – if only given the chance.

If you’re interested in fostering or adopting Angel, please contact JeniR at: jenir@nsalamerica.org.

Angel is also a member of our Help Me Heal Program.

Read Angel's Full Story