handicapped animals

Joy is: Connecting with Pet Parents Who Care for Disabled Animals

Posted by Barbara Techel

One of my goals this year is to keep up with my blogs. Not an easy feat now that I have started three new big projects (watch in upcoming weeks/months for announcement of new projects)- but I am determined to do my best.

A few weeks ago I was wondering how I would find enough to blog, and wondering what would I blog about. Early one afternoon I was adoringly looking at Frankie, all snuggled in her bed, toasting her long snausage body in front of the fireplace when an overwhelming amount of love filled my heart.  Nothing new for me really, but all of a sudden an idea hit me.  I’m sure there are many more people in the world who love their disabled pets as much as I do, and I’d love to hear about those pets.  And how fun it would be to share them with you, my readers!


So I put out a call via Facebook and Twitter and was amazed at the response I got!  So right now through the end of April I will feature a special needs pet each Monday.  I hope to get more photos, so if you or anyone you know has a pet with special needs, please email me at joyfulpaws@yahoo.com with a photo, and I’ll forward questionnaire for your pet to be featured.

As I began receiving the photos and questionnaires from people all over the US, I felt my heart fill with even more joy.  With every photo I opened, tears would fill my eyes and blur my vision for a bit.  Not out of pity, but out of immense love not only for the dog or cat, but for the parent who loves this pet with all their heart.

One of the resounding things many of the pet parents have shared with me is that their pet has taught them patience.  I had a few giggles over that, as I can very much relate.  Oh, how my patience has gotten better because of Frankie… which in turn has made me a calmer person.  Oh, how grateful I am, and I could feel that same thing in all the photos and questionnaire’s I got from others.

What a simple thing to do… share photos/stories of other special needs pets… and what a gift of joy it has been to me.  I hope it has been to you also.

I’d love to know if you are enjoying my weekly Special Needs Pet Feature and if there is something else you’d like for me to talk about or share on my blog, please let me know that too.

I sincerely appreciate each and everyone of you.

Special Needs Pet Feature: Skye

Posted by Barbara Techel

There are so many caring pet parents out there who take care of special needs pets. To bring more attention to these joyful animals, and extraordinary people, this is a new feature to my blog. If you care for a special needs pet and would like your pet featured, please email me through my website contact.  Send a photo and I will forward the questionnaire for your pet to be featured in an upcoming post.


What is your pets name?

Skye

How old is your pet?

3 ½  years

Where did you get your pet?

Rainbow Rescue in Prior Lake MN

What is your pets physical challenge?

She is blind. She was born blind

What is your pets favorite thing to do?

Eat and destroy frisbees

What is your pets favorite thing to eat?

Peanut Butter

What do you love most about your pet?

She doesn’t know she is blind and is fun to play with

What has your pet most taught you?

That disabilities are abilities and not to treat anyone differently

Anything else you’d like to share?

She is an animal ambassador for Minnesota Valley Humane Society is Burnsville MN. She attends book club where kids read to her that are below their grade level. She loves the attention and the kids can relate since she has a disability but it doesn’t slow her down.


Bravo Skye for helping kids read!  You are truly a beautiful ambassador and we are so happy you stopped by to share your story.