A Dog Named Fred: The Call to Adopt Differently-Abled Dogs

The archetypal adoption story, in essence, traces the heartwarming journey from isolation to transformative connection to forever home. For shelter dogs, especially those with disabilities or special needs, that journey can be longer, lonelier, or more uncertain.

The following vignette is a meditative ode to that 3-step arc, inquiring into the mind of a shelter dog named Fred, who stands in for the many canines who are overlooked because of mobility aids, chronic conditions, or sensory impairments:

I have been here for over two years. I watched all my playmates get adopted and leave the shelter. I miss them. I just get passed by. Some humans stop by now and then. They hover and say hi. Reach out. I make sure to show them love, but they pick someone else. I’m so happy for my friends, but someday, I want to be picked. I love other dogs, cats, and kids. What could be wrong? My stylish wheels let me zoom around the yard. I can even do this cool trick where I stand on my two back legs! Yet, I continue to wait daily as a stream of shoes passes by my kennel.

Finally, a little girl stopped by my cage. Her parents called her Anna. She stayed for what felt like forever, petting me and saying softly, “Fred, you are such a good boy." I loved every second of it. My shelter caregiver came up to me with a leash and strapped me to my wheels. It’s time to go outside—my favorite place. But wait, she’s leading me to a different door. The front door. Am I going to a home? I have a home? I HAVE A HOME!

Anna and her family are my people. They scooped me up into the car, and I rode home with my head out the window. When they let me into the house, it was magical. They had a big bed for me, toys, and so many treats. The house was huge compared to my kennel, and I had my own backyard with a ramp leading to it from the porch. They included me in everything. The best part was that I had Anna as my best friend and a cat sibling! And for the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel like I had to wait anymore. This was my home. I am home.

Barriers Facing Special Needs Dogs in Shelters

The story of "A Dog Named Fred" represents the ideal: a differently-abled dog not only finds a home but is celebrated and loved just as he is. Unfortunately, this trajectory is too often the exception rather than the norm for many shelter animals with special needs. Despite their immense capacity for profound mutual care and connection, special needs dogs face various barriers, including the following:

1. Disability Stigma and Misconceptions

The biggest stigma these dogs face is the ableist assumption that they cannot live fulfilling lives. In reality, dogs are remarkably adaptable and will work with what is given to them. All they need is someone in their corner willing to learn their routines and basic accommodations. These dogs are not defined by suffering, they are simply living differently. Yet, too often, potential adopters overlook them out of pity rather than recognizing their potential as thriving, loving companions.

2. Lack of Public Awareness and Education

Fear of the unknown often stops adoptions before they start. Many people have never interacted with a special needs dog and are unsure of what daily care involves. Therefore, education plays a huge role in getting these dogs into loving homes. With the correct research and resources given to potential adopters early on, these pups can find their families. As a society, we need to do better advocating for the ones who need a little extra love, as well as combat misinformation and misconceptions about disabled animals effectively.

3. Financial Concerns of Adopters

When potential adopters hear about a special needs animal, many of them have financial concerns. Some special needs pets indeed cost more than others, but not all of them do. Some require no extra cost at all, like being blind or deaf. Nonetheless, an adopter must pragmatically look into what medical costs are associated with their care and weigh that against their financial constraints. Unfortunately, few shelters are able to offer subsidies, grants, or post-adoption support, which is one key avenue to help alleviate this concern or break this barrier.

4. Shelter Limitations and Resources

Shelters run on donations and, usually, donations alone. They save countless lives each day and make heroic efforts to find loving forever homes for the animals in their care. Still, some shelters lack the infrastructure to properly care for special needs animals; ramps, physical therapy, specialized diets, or sensory-safe spaces may be unavailable. Without the ability to properly showcase a differently-abled dog’s quality of life and potential, shelters may struggle to adequately advocate on their behalf. In turn, they are left at a disadvantage when it comes to finding placement in foster homes.

5. Emotional Hesitation or Fear of Loss

Prospective adopters may carry a quiet hesitation, worrying about the heartbreak of a shortened lifespan or fear that the dog’s quality of life won’t be high. Many people think that a differently-abled dog is suffering because they approach daily functions differently, but this is not the case. Dogs are extremely versatile and resilient, and as long as their accommodations are met, they can live long, happy lives. Special needs dogs, perhaps more than any other kind of dog, have an uncanny ability to meet their humans exactly where they are. They offer remarkable empathy and healing that produces a profound iteration of canine companionship.

Final Thoughts

Special needs adoption requires patience, love, care, compassion, and preparedness, just like any other adoption. It's vital to research and understand your future furry friend's disability or special needs before bringing them home. This will help with the transition and the adjustment period. Along these lines, the 3-3-3 rule still applies: give your new dog three days to decompress, three weeks to settle into a routine, and three months to build trust and feel at home.

For many special needs dogs, the journey to your front door has not been easy. Some are not just living with physical differences or medical conditions but are also healing from neglect, abandonment, or abuse. These dogs may carry invisible wounds alongside their visible ones — traumas that require time to mend.

Altogether, adoption is highly rewarding, and with a special needs dog, that is no different. While there may be more time and cost associated with these pets (though not always), they pay you back with all the life-changing love they can give. These companions are extra loyal, have a special bond with their person/people, and can absolutely live a joyful life defined by so much more than just bodily difference.

If you need support as a pet parent, you can find community in Facebook groups or reach out to trainers, vet staff, and the shelter staff that previously cared for the dog. Each will help you navigate this new experience.

All dogs deserve love, but some have waited longer and hoped harder for a second chance. If your heart and home are open, consider offering it to a dog who simply needs a little more.

For more on canine and disability inclusivity, keep reading here.