Spotlight on Rescue Dogs Living with Disabilities on National Specially-Abled Pets Day, May 3

Minerva is adorable and sweet, and she recently gave birth to just one puppy. Blind in one eye, she doesn’t let that get in the way. Now that her puppy is able to eat on its own, Minerva is available for adoption.

They have a zest for life, wag their tails happily and lick a hand showing trust, and they’re disabled rescue dogs celebrated on National Specially-Abled Pets Day, May 3. Called specially-abled dogs to accentuate that they’re able to do most anything other dogs can do, they arrive at Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) blind, deaf and three-legged. They’re some of the most resilient rescues cared for by ODHS volunteers.

Dogs spend approximately 12.5 weeks waiting to get adopted, and those classified as “less-adoptable” linger in shelters and rescues for 48 weeks or longer, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. National Specially-Abled Pets Day is acknowledged to encourage people to adopt a disabled pet.

Meet Paulie, who’s described as the perfect little chill guy. Paulie is a spry, 10-year-old boy who can’t see or hear very well, but he makes up for it with being perfect in all aspects.

“We want to shine a light on our dogs that are blind, deaf and have other disabilities,” said Chrissy Hamilton, ODHS founder. “These dogs are some of the most loyal and loving dogs and are just like any others. We had a 14-year-old blind and deaf dog named Meringue, and the foster family said he was aging backward because he navigated stairs and played just like the other dogs in the family. Meringue was recently adopted and is living the wonderful life he deserves.”

ODHS welcomes adopters to meet some of its specially-abled dogs to find out if one might be the perfect match for the family. The following are the specially-abled dogs available for adoption at ODHS:

To meet the specially-abled dogs at ODHS, visit them at the adoption events, fill out an Adoption Survey, foster to learn more and find out if the pup is a good fit, or participate in the Slumber Pawty program to give the dog a safe, loving home for a few days.

From left to right: Delphi, a two-year-old, mixed breed rescue at ODHS, is blind in one eye. In addition, her right eye needs to be removed because of pressure and pain building up behind it. Generous donors have met the $800 goal ODHS needed to fully care for Delphi. She’ll be able to have surgery, medications and live without pain. Delphi is looking for that special forever home where she can enjoy her life.

Hanks is a beautiful dog whose tail happily wags while the volunteers take him for walks. He’s good with other dogs and described as wonderful. Hanks is deaf, but this disability doesn’t get in the way of his obvious joy for life.

Cody Johnson, a one-year-old pup, arrived at ODHS with one eye. In spite of it, he’s able to easily navigate his way around, and he’s a great walking buddy. He keeps a clean crate, doesn’t bark much, walks well on a leash and rides wonderfully in the car. This very affectionate and happy boy is ready for a family.

National Specially-Abled Pets Day was created in 2006 to educate the public about the importance of caring for disabled pets and finding them forever homes.