Successful Disabled Pet Adoptions
Extraordinary Dogs press release by The Lyons Press, December 2006.
EXTRAORDINARY DOGS: Inspirational Stories of Dogs with Disabilities
LOOK FOR EXTRAORDINARY DOGS IN BOOKSTORES AND AT PET EXPOS!
Auggie appeared to be a klutzy puppy, always bumping into walls. Really, he was born blind and could only see shadows.
Emmy Lou, a kind-spirited hunting dog, was shot in an accident and could never use her hind legs again. Jinx, a
rambunctious three-legged terrier mix, was abandoned and dumped on the side of the road. Despite the difficult hardships
that these pups faced, they found families who accepted and loved them unconditionally. Extraordinary Dogs is a
compilation of dozens of heartwarming, against-all-odds profiles of disabled dogs with an unwavering zest for life.
Each dog's one of a kind story will no doubt win you over, paws down.
The caretakers in EXTRAORDINARY DOGS are extraordinary themselves. Instead of
putting these dogs down, they chose to find alternative ways to assist them in living
happy lives like other dogs. In the process, meaningful relationships were formed and
unforgettable memories were created. Each one of a kind story in EXTRAORDINARY
DOGS will no doubt win you over, paws down.
Pets with Disabilities was featured
in Delta Sky Magazine, September 2007.
A New Way to Walk by Jolee Edmondson
What disabled dogs lack physically, they make up for in their capacity to love, and to be loved, by dedicated owners who
wouldn't have it any other way.
THE LAST THING Tricia and Chip Simpson needed in September 2005 was a blind dog. They already had three pooches and one
cat, and eight months earlier they had traveled to the Far East to adopt a second daughter in China. Their two-story home
with a white picket fence in Savannah, Georgia, was full, brimming with life, love and attendant responsibilities. But when
Tricia saw a photo of Echo, a sightless Australian shepherd, in a local pet-adoption journal, she started thinking about an
addition to the family . . . again.
"I fell in love with his speckled face," she recalls. "My mother was with me, and she said, 'No, not another dog.' But I
was a goner." Echo's blindness, however, precluded instant adoption. The Simpsons, who had no experience with disabled pets,
were apprehensive. How did Echo get around? Would they have to make extraordinary adjustments to accommodate him?
Blind since birth, the 1 1/2-year-old pooch (pictured below) had been sheltered in veterinary clinics, fostered, adopted and
then returned. Fortunately, the Australian Shepherd Rescue in Jacksonville, Florida, agreed to let the Simpsons have him on a
trial basis.
Pets with Disabilities was featured in Prevention, February 2006.
New tools and techniques help you help your dog or cat
by Denise Foley
The sheep scattered like billiard balls after the break shot. From the edge of the meadow, a white German sheppard named Duke
was on them in seconds, stalking and circling the flock as though he were spinning an invisible net. The spectators at the
sheepherding exhibition at Glen Highland Farms in Morris, NY couldn't take their eyes off the dog, but it wasn't Duke's agility
that riveted them. It was his wheelchair.
Pets with Disabilities was featured in Dog Fancy, January 2006.
To casual observers it may seem as if dogs living with disabilities lead less fulfilling lives then their able-bodied counterparts.
Oh, how wrong assure their owners. These dogs aren't their disabilities. Without the use of their eyes, ears or legs, they not
only lead active, happy lives, but give back much to those who love them.
Pets with Disabilities was featured in Dog Fancy, January 2005.
Joyce, Duke and Misty visited with Warren Eckstein on the Today Show on October 16, 2004.
Pet Tips by Warren Eckstein
Duke being awarded the blue ribbon and silver trophy bowl at The Great American Mutt Show! April 5, 2003
John Bollinger, Deputy Executive Director of the Paralyzed Veterns of America, enjoys making Duke's acquaintance. PVA Awareness Week, April 14 to 20, 2002
When it comes to children, Duke enjoys getting up close and personal. PVA Awareness Week, April 14 to 20, 2002
Duke showing off his wheels, at the Pets in Pearls event, October, 2001. Pets in Pearls was an educational and entertaining animal fashion show event. This event was to raise awareness of animal adoption organizations and to education individuals about pet products.
Joyce, Duke and Pat Lawson Muse, WNBC, Channel 4, news anchorwoman.
Duke's graduation picture from Oakes K-9. Thank you Oakes K-9 for taking the time to work with Duke.
Duke on the Later Today Show, April, 2000
Duke in Dog Fancy Magazine, October 2000
When people meet Duke, they immediately see the doggie wheelchair supporting his back legs. But what they remember most about the 1-year-old mixed breed is his enthusiasm for life, says owner Joyce Darrell of Chesapeake Beach, Maryland.
Duke was a healthy, high-energy, puppy when Darrell and her husband, Mike Dickerson, adopted him, but at eight months, he broke his back while playing with other pups. Despite surgery, Duke's hind legs were paralyzed.
However, the wheelchair enables Duke to run and play despite his disability. The Darrells who learned how to care for a paralyzed dog, later adopted Misty, a 5-year-old mixed breed who also requies a wheelchair. "Adopting Misty was a tough decision," Darrell says. "It turned out to be a great decision. The two dogs are the best of friends. They're inseparable."
Duke's experience inspired Darrell to launch the Pets With Disabilities web site to provide support for people caring for disabled pets and to help shelters with placement.
Pets With Disabilities attended the Super Pet Expo, February 2001.
Joyce and Misty in the booth below.
Attention international customers. All prices are in US dollars. There is an $8 shipping charge for all orders shipped outside the USA.
Rescue Magnet, Design M3
$6.00 including shipping
Adopt Pets with Disabilities Ribbon Magnet, Design M4
$6.00 including shipping
Spay and Neuter Magnet, Design M5
$6.00 including shipping