Companion
Animals
We are committed to respect for all
animals, big and small, domesticated, exotic, and wild
...
turning not-so-happy circumstances into happy tails
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
sanctuary 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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How to Sponsor
Sassy
Sassy has special needs for her health and comfort.
They include daily medications that keep her
epilepsy, thyroid problems, allergies controlled,
and to reduce water retention and provide comfort
during her congestive heart failure. As of July
2009, her monthly medication costs alone are $160.
In addition, she needs
veterinary check-ups to monitor her heart condition, a
high quality diet to keep her allergies in check, 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.
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Each $25 sponsorship helps to sustain Sassy's
special care
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Click on the "Donate" button to check out
your sponsorship securely using your credit
card, bank card, or PayPal account
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You'll receive Sassy's photo, story and
updates on her progress -- plus our
gratitude
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Your sponsorship is tax deductible under
section 501(c)3 of the IRS code
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Here's a peek inside Sassy's photo album:
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Featured Special
Needs Dog:
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Sassy Roxann
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.
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.
Combining traditional and holistic treatments
her health has not only stabilized, it has
improved. 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. However, even as she
enters end-of-life, she may be slower and
achier, but she still loves every day of life.
She is still a treasure.
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.
To Sponsor Sassy, go to the "How to Sponsor
Sassy" box to the right. Sassy and we are so
grateful for your support.
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