of a pencil through an opening in his crate. Non-habitual touch gets the attention of the nervous system; areas of tension are sore, so gentle liſt s provide relief.” Without pain, movement is easier and behavior improves.


Lesson Learned Sandy Johnson, former actress and author of T e Pet Healer Project and Miracle Dogs: Adventures on Wheels, in Los Angeles, was in recovery from Stage 4 kidney cancer when she adopted Charley, a Brussels Griff on. “Her singlemindedness taught me my greatest les- son about the body’s ability to heal,” she says. Animals show less concern about


blindness, a bum knee or even the need for a wheelchair than humans do. People that live with special needs animals are quick to say the benefi ts far outweigh the cost. When we’re open to the possibilities, such pets off er lessons in living life to the fullest.


Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.


Inspired Services and Stories


Educational Resources n Video of Feldenkrais practitioner Mary Debono working with a cattle dog at DebonoMoves.com


n Help for rescuing blind, deaf and wheelchair dogs and cats at PetsWithDisabilities.org


n Equipment for special needs pets at HandicappedPets.com


n Answers to questions about animal wheelchairs, from a no-kill-shelter advocacy group courtesy of BestFriends.org


Special Pet Journeys n Beaux Tox, a Labrador with a smooshed face, loves his transformed life, Tinyurl.com/LabradorsNewLife


n Starfi sh, the dog, learned to walk and run aſt er a rough start, Tinyurl.com/ NewlyMobilePooch


n Pumpkin, a dwarf mini-pony, not only walked, but ran aſt er receiving custom braces, InspireMore.com/ dwarf-pony


Pet Adoption


Creates Special Bonds for Special Needs by Ericka Miller


A


t the Austin Humane Society (AHS), the longest-standing no-kill shelter in Austin, animals with special needs


are quite common. Opening our hearts and homes to pets with special needs can be one of the most rewarding types of animal adoption because we are truly saving a life that in many other cities across the country would be at risk. “It’s incredibly important that adopters


don’t overlook special-needs animals,” says Shelter Manager Sarah Hammel. “Being a no- kill city means we have more of these animals and we need more families to open their hearts and homes. It’s a critical piece of Austin staying no-kill.” Special needs can range from something as simple as a cat with allergies that needs


daily eye drops or medication to a dog with limited use of its hind legs that needs extra assistance moving around. While adopting an animal with special needs can be challenging, it’s also incredibly


rewarding. In fact, the team at AHS oſt en fi nds the bond formed between these animals and their families is even greater as they learn to overcome obstacles together. “Don’t let the words ‘special needs’ scare you away from a pet that might be the


perfect addition to your pack,” says Hammel. “At AHS, we make a commitment to our animals and our families, and that means we’ll be there for you and give you all the knowledge and resources you need to be successful.” When considering animal adoption, be sure to talk with an adoption counselor


about lifestyle, pet characteristics, personality and concerns. Professional counselors will ensure the adoption is a good fi t.


Ericka Miller is the director of communications for the Austin Humane Society. For more information, visit AustinHumaneSociety.org. See ad below.


DOG OF THE MONTH I


’m Sophia, a kind, loving and mellow 11-year-old mixed- breed dog. I’m a super senior—well mannered and com-


pletely housetrained. I have lived with other dogs and got along just fi ne. I am very aff ectionate and love having my head scratched. My wonderful owner is no longer able to take care of me so I need new people to provide a soſt bed and a safe environment. In return, you will get the most loving and loyal dog you will ever meet! I’m visiting a volunteer, but meeting me is easy! Send an email to FosterCare@ AustinHumaneSociety.org and they’ll set it up! I can’t wait to meet you! ~Sophia


To learn more about Sierra or other pets to adopt, visit AustinHumaneSociety.org/perfect-pup.


August 2018 25


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