Special Needs Dogs

	Special Needs Dogs - or - Dogs With Special Needs

As is often seen in shelters, humane organizations and rescues, a dog with special needs comes along and although it is impractical for the rescue or shelter to fund or provide what that dog needs, sometimes we just have to try. This page is where we showcase those very dogs.

A special need could be a medical condition, old age, an attitude or personality problem or any number of situations that makes a dog either difficult to adopt or in some cases, unadoptable without our intervention.

Read about our special needs dogs and if you can help in some way, please do as your heart leads.

I am House Trained!

Bethany needs a special home that will give her the time and attention she needs to overcome her shyness. A quiet introduction to her new family and home will be essential for her to feel safe and welcome. She will in turn shower you with devotion.

#555 - Bethany
Breed: Hound-Shar Pei cross
Sex: female-spayed
Age: approx DOB 10/06
Are you a kind, gentle, patient, caring person who would like to adopt and save a wonderful dog? If so we may be a good match. The traits that I described are the ones that foster mom says that I have only I am not a person. I arrived in rescue when I was about 7 months old. I was unable to tell the wonderful folks at rescue what I had endured but they knew that it must have been something HORRIBLE because I was extremely shy and afraid. I never showed any aggression, I just cowered or ran and hid when anyone came near me. I was placed in a foster home and over time I have learned to trust my foster family and those who I see often. I am still shy and it takes me a while to decide whether or not I want to trust someone and that is why I am on the special needs page. Most people want a dog that immediately runs up to them wagging their tail. My past experiences just wont let me do that. After I know and trust you I will run to greet you and my tail works just fine. Hopefully, there is someone out there who will find it in their heart to work with me and let me evolve into the wonderful dog that I know I can be. Please come see me soon.
Foster Mom’s Notes: Bethany is one of those dogs who really gets to you, her eyes and face are sooo expressive. She has a short, glossy, easy care coat and beautiful markings. A lady who lives in New York City saw Bethany on the internet and fell in love with her. I spent a lot of time with Bethany and her self confidence improved. Unfortunately, after a while, I realized that the noise and hustle and bustle of New York City would probably be too much for Bethany. Sadly, because there are other foster dogs needing help getting ready to be adopted Bethany has not received the continuing one-on-one attention that she needs. Although Bethany is shy with people until she gets to know them she gets along with dogs of all sizes. During play time Bethany watches over the smaller and/or newer foster dogs and makes sure that they don't wander too far into the forest. She has such a wonderful nurturing disposition that I feel that once she got to know her family that she would be an awesome nanny.

If interested in adopting this pet, please fill out our adoption application.

I HAVE BEEN ADOPTED!

#719 - Tina
Breed: miniature poodle
Sex: female-spayed
Age: approx DOB 04/05
Weight: 10 pounds

This special little girl gets along well with her disability. She is missing the front part of her left back paw. However, she gets along just wonderfully running and playing just as well as any dog her size with all four paws! It is as if she doesn't know that she has a special need.

I am
House Trained!

I HAVE BEEN ADOPTED!

#614 - Travis
Breed: Miniature Dachshund (13 pounds)
Sex: male-neutered
Age: approx DOB 08/98
CLASS AND MATURITY - WILL TELL EVERY TIME! That's what you want to remember when you're considering a dog. I am a very classy guy and I have the maturity and wisdom of age. That's me, that's good dog Travis. Since I'm a little older and more settled I will adapt to new surroundings and settle in fast. My owner had to give me up due to going into the hospital, not because I am anything but the perfect dog. If you are also mature and settled, we would be a perfect match. Come see me, and I will know for sure that you are wise beyond your years! Come soon!
Foster Mom Update: Travis gives new meaning to "you are only as old as you feel". During outside playtime he loves to race around the yard. I never knew that a dog with such short legs could move so fast. He is amazingly active and agile for an older dog. Travis loves stuffed squeaky toys and drags around a stuffed shark that is almost as long as he is. Inside, his favorite spot is in someone's lap or curled up in a chair waiting for a lap to sit down. If you have an available lap Travis hopes that you will come meet him soon.

Special Need: Like most older dogs, at 9 years of age, I am often overlooked for adoption. I know that some folks prefer a young dog to raise and train. However, I am already well trained and nicely behaved. I am looking for a retirement home where I can live out my life, giving love and companionship to someone looking for good company.

This delightful puppy is deaf. It took us some time to realize this since she is so good at picking up on visual signals. She wants to please her humans. Won't you consider her for special needs fostering or adoption?

Foster Home FAQ

Foster Home Application

Adoption Application

I HAVE BEEN ADOPTED!

It took quite a while for the right home to be found for Shila. However, we feel that she is now in the perfect home for her and her new family. Please, consider special needs dogs for your next best friend.

#516 - Shila
Breed: Terrier mix
Sex: female-spayed
Age: approx DOB 08/06 - puppy
I WAS JUST THINKING... how wonderful it would be, if I could be your dog! That's me, that's good dog Shila. I am a neat, compact little girl at 15 pounds. I love to play with toys, other dogs and especially YOU. I am the perfect age to start obedience school or just some loving training from you. I have so much love to give and I know you need a friend. Your lap is looking kind of empty. How about coming over and letting me take a test drive? Come soon!

February 12: The wonderful people at Ahimsa just found out that I am deaf. I don't know what that means, but apparently there is something called "sound" that I am not able to "hear". It seems that I have adjusted so well, that I have compensated, and they didn't realize at first that I am deaf.

I need special training since I cannot "hear" what they call audio signals like a spoken command or even a clicker. I don't understand all this because I just want to belong to someone that will love me and let me love them. I will make someone a wonderful doggie companion when given the chance.