Pet Sitting; What Happens If Your Pet Becomes Disabled?

What happens if your beloved pet becomes disabled? Options are now available to assist families. Pets are members of our family that we care for and dearly love. Yet, when tragedy strikes many pets are put down because of costly medical bills and extensive daily care. What would you do if your beloved pet became disabled or seriously ill? Michael and Joyce were faced with this dilemma when their new puppy, Duke, broke his back while playing. They were left with two options; put Duke to sleep or have Duke undergo immediate surgery. Throughout the trauma Duke wagged his tail. Joyce and Michael asked themselves, "How can we put our dog to sleep while he is still wagging his tail?" They knew they had a special pet and elected for Duke to undergo immediate surgery. The surgeon felt Duke had approximately an 80% chance of walking post-surgery. Unfortunately, the procedure did not go as well as expected and Duke was paralyzed. Each day was a struggle but Michael and Joyce found solutions for the care Duke now needed. Ten months later Duke had his wheels, enabling him to be mobile. Out of their love for Duke, Joyce and Michael founded Pets with Disabilities, www.petswithdisabilities.org, an organization based in Maryland whose mission is to advocate and network for animals with disabilities. Whether the animal is blind, paralyzed, deaf, allergic, an amputee or has a neurological disorder, typical reactions from people routinely include: pity, concern, compassion, relief, joy, support, and even disapproval. Pets with Disabilities focuses on providing support for the disabled animals that have the will to live, a zest for life and are otherwise healthy. There is now a growing need for advocacy, knowledge and support for those who have special needs pets. Is it really so strange to see a wheelchair for a handicapped pet, a ramp for an arthritic or three-legged animal or any other type of support? When you think of disabled animals, think of them as abled in their own right. They play, walk, run, love and live as other animals do. A pet with a disability can lead a normal life with some unique and creative assistance. For pets that may need special equipment, www.wheelchairsfordogs.com may also be helpful. Insurance companies have finally recognized the need for Pet Insurance coverage which can sometimes help with the cost. People with special needs pets are often saddled with daily and sometimes hourly care and can't travel or even get away for a weekend. OC Pet Companions (949.709.2707) is a local Orange County business that provides services for pet owners with special needs. Their fully trained and certified staff can administer medication when needed and nurture the individual needs of each pet. The challenges that a disabled pet brings to a household are very demanding but so satisfying when you see the love they give in return. BIO: Ruth Ann Krisa of OC Pet Companions is a strong advocate for the care and needs of disabled pets. Readers may reach at 949-709-2707 or www.ocpetcompanions.com