This month the Humane Association of the Lowcountry (HAL) is highlighting special needs pets.  What makes a pet special needs?  There are number of reasons.  The first thing people think of is a physical handicap, deformity or a chronic health problem.  However, in a world where there are more homeless pets than loving families to adopt them, other minor things seem to matter too.  People want a perfect pet.  If the cat or dog doesn’t perform or look right in the first few minutes, then the typical family usually rejects them.  They want a pet to instantly meet their needs rather than form a relationship where both parties needs are being met.

Here are some of the other reasons — too old, too shy, not cute enough, not the right color, bad experience/reputation, and/or personality quirk.  Other reasons for rejection are dietary restrictions and cat’s background (e.g., car accident or homeless).  HAL offers the following reasons why YOU should consider adopting a special needs pet:

• Shy pets take a while to bond but the gift of their trust means more than a pet that loves everybody.
• Older pets are mellower – you don’t have to worry about your lamp getting knocked over or supervising them all the time!
• Physically challenged pets are often unaffected by their handicap – but you still look like a hero!
• With “bad reputation” breeds, you get the chance to prove people wrong with your great dog!
• Dark-furred pets make it easy to accessorize – black goes with everything!
• Pets with personality quirks allow you to form a tight bond as you overcome obstacles together!
• Big dogs are easier to find when it’s time to go to the vet!
• Most books/movies are written about special needs pets (e.g., Marley and me, Dewey The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World)

Below are a few HAL kitties that might be considered less adoptable.  Please consider opening your heart and home to one of these extra special furry children:

Color 

  We have several solid Black kitties available for adoption.  There beautiful color allows you to focus on their sweet personalities – loving, purr machines.  For example, Ezra and Sadie both purr immediately when you pick them up. They love to snuggle and play with other cats.

Personality Quirk 

Winnie is very smart.  She has a ton of personality some good and some bad. She will fetch and retrieve.  She has extra energy that needs to be released through play.  She is also the only cat that we allow to sleep with us. She loves to sit on your lap in bed or leaning next to you.  She is not a fan of being petted or loved on too much.  She may nip to say that is enough.  She likes to play with other cats but lacks social skills.  She is funny and her voice is an infectious joyful tribble. She hides things in my slippers.  She is gorgeous.