Red Flyer the Handicapped Pets Community

There is HOPE for Dogs with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Educate yourself TODAY.

Posted by Barbara Techel

Gidget ivddAs most of you know from following my blog, I’m passionate about spreading a positive message about dogs diagnosed with IVDD. Sadly, many are still being put to sleep. Most often because of lack of education and guardian’s not knowing their options.

Just today, I heard from someone who does rescue work trying to help find homes for these special needs dogs if guardian’s choose to surrender a downed dog if they are unable to care for them. But again, sadly, it does not always turn out that way. For whatever reasons, a guardian may choose putting their IVDD dog to sleep. I’m not here to judge that person who makes that decision.

But I did want to write a post about IVDD once again in hopes it makes it out into the world and helps educate more people that IVDD is not a death sentence. It does not have to be that way.

There is help. There is hope. There are people willing to help you if you find yourself in this situation. Most rescue’s will help guide you. Dodgerslist is an excellent resource to educate yourself about this disease. While there is not a cure, often times with the right information and treatment, these dog’s can walk again. If not, there is always a dog wheelchair that can help them lead a quality life. If cost is an issue there are resources for that as well such as The Frankie Wheelchair Fund, or Red Flyer, The Handicapped Pets Community or doing fund raisers online to help pay for medical costs.

While I truly understand taking care of a special needs pet such as an IVDD dog isn’t meant for everyone, there are others who are willing and able to take care of special needs pets. Rescue’s can often times help you if you choose this avenue.

I continue to also be available by email or phone to talk with someone whose dog has been diagnosed with IVDD. Often times talking with someone who has gone through this helps ease the anxiety and to know what to expect. I’m always happy to spend some time talking with someone going through this.

I’m so grateful for those that do have the courage to say they are unable to care for their IVDD dog and do what they feel is best for their pet by finding them a new home. If not for those people, I’d never have found the love of Joie, or have the love of Gidget. I know many others who care for downed dogs feel the same way. They truly love caring for these dogs.

Please help spread the word that there is hope. Whether you can work through it with guidance with resources I mentioned above, or if you need to find your pet a new home, there are those that really do care and will help.

Inspiring Stories About Pets with Disabilities: Share the Inspiration!

Posted by Barbara Techel

I love what Eric Melvin, an author in Inspiring Stories About Pets with Disabilities” has to say which was inspired by his dog Angelyne who is deaf:

“The D word: Many people use the word disability to describe you and me. Some things we do well, and some things we don’t, but it’s not because we don’t try. There are many words that start with D that better describe us:  Daring, Driven, Dedicated, Determined, Diligent, Dauntless, Dashing, Dapper, Delightful, Devoted, Dignified, Dynamic, Dandy: We’re not disabled. We’re uniquely-abled, and we can do amazing things.”

DisabilitiesI shared my review of this new book on Amazon today. Of course, I am a bit biased I suppose since my story about Joie is also featured. But more importantly I really want others to read these stories.  You know why?  Because it is my hope that others will be inspired and will then take action and consider adopting a special needs pet.

My life changed for the better when my first dachshund, Frankie became paralyzed. While I  thought it was a tragedy at the time, I’m so glad I gave her a chance. She in turn changed me and I became a better human being. This led me to knowing in my heart that my next dog would have to be another dachshund with IVDD and one who was in need of a wheelchair.

While my compassion and understanding of special needs pets grew deeper because of Frankie, and now Joie, I also became a better human being toward my fellow mankind. Even if bringing a special needs pet into your life is not what you can do, just reading the stories will likely inspire you. If you then encourage others to read them also, this may lead to those who can bring these animals into their lives.  How cool would that be?

I also can’t help but think of what Eric shared with all the words that do begin with D to describe special needs pets – but they also describe people.  Not only people with special needs, but all of us. We all have challenges of one kind or another. Some seen and some not. If pets with special needs can look past their special challenges, then we can too. These stories will encourage you to look for all the good you do have, and then encourage others to do the same.

Animals and the lessons they teach we mere mortals–it will always fascinate and intrigue me.

You can order Volume I as well as Volume II is now available too.  Please also do consider with your purchase of having the portion of the sale donated to Red Flyer organization which helps special needs pets.

A big congratulations to my friend, Abby and her wheelchair-bound dachshund, Sophie who is featured in Volume II!!

Note:  all authors who contributed stories for these books did not receive a fee. They all are passionate about bringing positive awareness to these amazing animals and helping those that are in need of new homes.