SHS Special Medical Adoptions -

Making it happen for animals with special health concerns!

Some of the animals we take in may have conditions that are life-limiting in some way, but they are by no means love-limiting! Here we highlight a few of the animals in our program who, through no fault of their own, have found themselves in need of a second chance. We are willing to take a chance on them and hope that understanding adopters are too!

Bailey was recently transferred to us from another local shelter where she was surrendered when her owner died. The 7-year-old Beagle mix is anxious in the unfamiliar surroundings of her shelter habitat, but get her outside and she becomes a whole different dog! Bailey is quite content searching for the perfect spot to bury her squeaky toy. She's also up for a game of fetch, "sitting pretty", and soaking up all the love she can get! Bailey's skin allergies are managed with medication and a hypoallergenic diet. As part of our Special Medical Adoptions Program, we will offer her adopter medications and special diet food at "cost" through our public hospital.

Jasmin might not come out from under the bench in her habitat to greet you - she's having a hard time adapting to shelter life. But if you reach down and give her some cheek rubs, she leans in and encourages you with quiet purrs. The gorgeous, 6½-year-old tortie point cat was brought to us when her owner had to move. Her medical issues might make her a candidate for euthanasia at other shelters, but we think this sweet, shy girl deserves to be valued and cared for, for the rest of her life. We believe she will warm up to consistent companionship, and are offering to partner in her medical care with her adopter. SHS will provide free medical exams every 3 months for her condition, as well as any chest radiographs that Jasmin might require for the next 2 years.

Windsor is another sweet cat with special needs. At 13½ years old, he is blind and his front paws have been declawed. His previous owner passed away and he was being looked after by her daughter who now has medical issues of her own and can no longer give him all the attention he needs. And just how much attention does he require? We don't know if his limited sight has caused him to be extremely affectionate, but he is a head rub king who seeks out as much petting as you can dole out! Given his compromised vision and inability to defend himself without front claws, he will need to live as an indoor cat.

We won't sugar coat it - adopting a pet with a special condition might not be easy or convenient. But we think the love of a grateful pet - plus the knowledge that you are helping make our community a safer place for all animals - makes it all worth it!

If you are interested in opening your heart and home for one of these special animals, please call us for more information (707) 542-0882.