Less than perfect pets also need homes
Frequently, friends involved with rescue will share emotional and thoughtful videos offline. Often these videos are shared privately to keep advocates motivated and inspired, as there is a high degree of burnout in the rescue community. But last week my friend Joan sent me a video that I would describe as a game-changer. It resonated with me, not only as an animal advocate but as someone who owns a less than a perfect dog.
The video was produced by Subaru, and it was titled “The Under Dogs.” It highlighted less than perfect dogs, and I encourage you to watch it. The dogs in the video had three legs or one eye; they were elderly, deaf, blind or they encompassed some other perceived disability. The dogs highlighted in the video were also available for adoption.
I can personally vouch for many local shelters and rescues that they also have less than perfect dogs looking for homes. People looking to adopt a pet often overlook these dogs. I can attest to the undeniable positive feelings you can experience from selecting a homeless pet. But when you save the life of a less than perfect pet, it changes your life, and I know this because Sheena changed my life.
Sheena is blind. She is a mixed-breed dog, about three or four years old, and lived her life tied outside to a vacant building. At one point in her life, she had sight, and it is obvious she was bred multiple times. Sheena has enriched my life, and I find her inspiring. She has forgotten her abusive past, and she showers everyone she meets with an abundance of affection.
Binky is my friend Annette’s dog. Binky has one eye and suffers from daily seizures, but nothing slows this boy down. He torments the cats and engages the other dogs to play with him. He also has a life jacket because he is an experienced boater.
Jeb is my friend Bonnie’s dog, and he is deaf. Jeb goes to many dog fundraising events with his mother, and attends a doggy daycare during the week. Jeb loves to play with other dogs, and he has a sweet, comical personality.
Machote was a three-legged dog owned by my friend Nahleen. His three legs did not slow him down. He was a beloved member of Nahleen’s family for nine years and she said he was her most enthusiastic kisser.
Homeless dogs rightly deserve a second chance. Many of these dogs find themselves in these situations because of human carelessness, negligence or, sadly, abuse. We as a society have domesticated dogs, trained them to assist us and they help save our lives. They have earned a coveted spot in our world and deserve to be protected. They ask for so little in return.
Please consider adopting a less than perfect pet and please be kind to animals.