Celebrate National Specially-abled Pets Day May 3
We just can’t get enough of special days for pets. And apparently neither can other animal lovers. But May 3 is a really special pet day: National Specially-abled Pets Day.
The day started as National Disabled Pets Day. But that sounded too negative to the day’s founder. So she changed it to reflect the truth that these animals are quite able. Able to play, able to love, and able to live happy lives.
So the day celebrates those pets who are a bit different but no less lovable. And loving. And, as mentioned, able!
Specially-abled pets come in all sizes and flavors.
- Some have lost an eye. Others are blind.
- Some have lost the use of their hind legs. Other have lost a leg entirely.
- Some are born with deformities, like legs that bend the wrong way.
- Some are a bit wobbly when they walk.
- They may be deaf, missing their tails or missing an ear, among other “problems.”
But most of them adapt quickly to whatever hand (or paw) they’ve been dealt. They’re happy and playful and full of love. Just like regularly-abled pets!
This is another special pet day founded by animal advocate and author Colleen Paige. However, the day is no longer listed on her site, and the day’s website is no longer online. So she is probably no longer promoting it. (You can see an archived version of the site here).
Scroll down for some ideas on celebrating this sweet unofficial holiday.
Ideas For Celebrating National Specially-abled Pets Day
Now, we know not everybody can adopt a pet, specially-abled or otherwise. But if you can, we just bet there’s a specially-abled pet just perfect for you! Check with local shelters and rescue organizations.
Pets With Disabilities has special-needs dogs for adoption to anyone within a 6 hour drive of the facility in Prince Frederick, Md. The website also has courtesy listings of both dogs and cats around the country, available from other shelters or from their owners.
Follow the stories of other specially-abled pets. Lots of them have become celebrities on Facebook:
- Care for Lazarus – Laz is a cat with a cleft palate. He has no upper lip or nose, but his little lower fangs are just adorable! He’s king of the roost in his home with lots of kitty & doggy brothers & sisters.
- Harley – This adorable little one-eyed Chihuahua is a puppy mill survivor. He was used for breeding & had multiple health problems, including heart failure, when he was rescued. But he’s living a happy life today and sharing it with all his followers. … Sadley Harley left us on March 20, 2016 … but his mission to end puppy mills lives on. His Facebook page is still active and promoting Harley’s Dream.
- Buster L. Kitten – This sweet boy couldn’t use his hind legs when he was rescued. With lots of therapy he eventually was able to gain control of them. They still don’t work as well as other kitties’ but he can climb and jump!
- Mr. Magoo Who? – A ridiculously adorable blind kitty that still manages to get into all kinds of “trouble.” Mostly with mom & dad’s help!
- Little Bear, Reformed Legs – Little Bear was born with front legs that bent the wrong way. After surgery they’re not perfect but much more functional. And his pictures & videos prove he does just whatever he wants!
- Bojangles the Bendy Cat – Little Bo was also born with congenital deformities to her legs. But she had it in all four! She’s had several surgeries to correct the worst of the problems. She’s still one happy little girl.
There’s lots of others, too! And each one is just so inspiring, because they don’t let their differences slow them down. Really, they don’t even know they’re different. We could learn a lot from these animals.
Check out some pictures from Carli Davidson’s Pets With Disabilities Project.
Watch some videos of some of the cutest little specially-abled pets.
Here’s Chris P. Bacon the baby pig on wheels. It’s a little long, but every second’s worth it. If you’re in a hurry though, at least fast-forward to about 3:28 to see how much he wubs his milkies!
BeeBee the Chihuahua has no shoulders. But as you can see in this video it doesn’t stop her!
And Gracie is a cat born with deformed front paws. They don’t stop her from batting things around.
Do you know any specially-abled pets?
[…] National Specially-abled Pets Day: This day is all about perfectly imperfect pets. You know the ones: missing an eye or a leg, blind, wobbly, etc. They often (but not always) need extra care & attention. But other than that they’re just like any other pet. They want to play, get pets, & be near their humans. If you have specially-abled pets, give them some extra attention & treats for the day. If you have room in your home & heart, consider adopting one of these extra-special animals. […]