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Companion
Animals
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We are committed to respect for all
animals,
big and small, domesticated, exotic, and wild
...
turning not-so-happy circumstances into happy tails
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Our
Beloved Companions Can Develop
Special Needs
Some
pets may not
do as well in our homes as we'd hoped. They may be escape
artists; leaping over or burrowing
beneath every safety barrier placed
before them.
They may be anxious, needy,
bored or uncooperative; relieving their
angst on a prized oriental carpet,
upholstered chair, or designer shoes.
They may be old, grouchy,
achy, ailing, or troubled by
neurological disorders that cause
incontinence.
These are, indeed,
problems for our homes, property, and
relationships with our best friends.
Despite these problems,
our companion animals can continue to
live long, happy and productive lives in
an environment that supports their
special quirks and needs.
To help meet those needs New England
Primate Sanctuary expanded its mission to include
special needs companion animals.
As well as providing a safe place for
them to live, our goal is to see a day when destroying
animals is no longer an accepted solution for chronic
illness, behavioral disorders, overpopulation and
homelessness.
This requires providing specialized
facilities that accommodate their special
needs; education programs that focus on spay-neuter
awareness and proper pet care; and collaborating with many wonderful animal rescues and
shelters that specialize in adoptions.
We prefer
to work with agencies that specialize in
pet adoptions to expedite finding
forever homes for adoptable companion
animals. However, from time to time we may
feature adoptable pets on our
website.
Unfortunately, we
cannot accept dogs that display aggression to people or
other dogs. In addition, dog that are bred and trained
for aggression are a danger to everyone and are,
therefore, ineligible for sanctuary. These appalling
practices must be stopped.
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The
decision to add a pet to the family is an
important one for the lifetime of that animal.
The following essay by Jim Willis underscores
the importance of that decision, and the
potential consequences for the pet.
How Could You?
When
I was a puppy I entertained you with my antics
and made you laugh. You called me your child and
despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of
murdered throw pillows, I became your best
friend. Whenever I was “bad,” you’d shake your
finger at me and ask “How could you?” – but then
you’d relent and roll me over for a belly rub.
My
housetraining took a little longer than
expected, because you were terribly busy, but we
worked on that together. I remember those nights
of nuzzling you in bed, listening to your
confidences and secret dreams, and I believed
that life could not be any more perfect. We went
for long walks and runs in the park, car rides,
stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because
“ice cream is bad for dogs,” you said), and I
took long naps in the sun waiting for you to
come home at the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work
and on your career, and more time searching for
a human mate. I waited for you patiently,
comforted you through heartbreaks and
disappointments, never chided you about bad
decisions, and romped with glee at your
homecomings, and when you fell in love.
read on >>
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Featured Special
Needs Dog:
Sassy
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We are
proud to announce that Sassy is a featured
subject for award winning photographer Isa
Leshko's "Elderly Animals" project.
Visit
www.isaleshko.com to view Sassy's photo,
amazing photos of other elder animals, and Isa's other wonderful photo collections.
(Photo copyright Isa Leshko)
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Born in December 1997, Sassy is a Chinese
Crested with very pink skin and fine almost
transparent hair on her face, back and legs. She
has quite a bit of hair for her hairless breed,
but her belly is bare.
Sassy has epilepsy, which causes challenging
seizures and a host of other health problems -
none of which dampen her mighty little spirit!
When her family could no longer afford her
medical care, they turned to the only option
they knew - euthanasia. Happily, Sassy was
rescued on the day she was scheduled to die.
Brought to us in May 2006, Sassy's many
conditions are well managed in our care. Still
her epilepsy, heart and thyroid conditions,
allergies, sore paws and problem knees must be
carefully managed for the remainder of her life.
In
July 2009, Sassy was diagnosed with congestive
heart failure. We knew this would be the natural
course of her condition. Like any senior, Sassy
has good days and not-so-good days. She is a
sassy senior, aptly living up to her name while
enjoying a very comfortable life in sanctuary
where she is known to chase cats (more slowly
now), order about much larger dogs, and poke her
tongue up the nostrils of her human friends
while delivering enthusiastic kisses.
Sassy's story embodies our beliefs that all life
is precious and everyone deserves a second
chance.
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How to Sponsor
Sassy
Sassy has special needs for her health and comfort.
They include daily medications that keep her
epilepsy, thyroid problems, and allergies controlled,
as well as medications to help her heart beat more
strongly and
reduce water retention to provide comfort during
her congestive heart failure. As of July 2009, her
monthly medication costs are $160. In addition, she
needs salves for her delicate paws, sleeveless doggy
shirts to protect her fair and vulnerable skin
(sliding her arms into sleeves is painful), sweaters
and blankets to keep her warm in winter, and
cushions for her sore feet and knees.
Y
Each $25 sponsorship helps to sustain Sassy's
special care
Y
Click on the "Donate" button to check out
your sponsorship securely using your credit
card, bank card, or PayPal account
Y
You'll receive Sassy's photo, story and
updates on her progress -- plus our
gratitude
Y
Your sponsorship is tax deductible under
section 501(c)3 of the IRS code
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