Not all dogs are as beautiful as this Maltese show dog. Not all dogs are as perfect as this Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show winner. These dogs are very special in their beauty. But there are many others who are special in their own ways and make wonderful pets.
Skidboot began life as a plain looking country barnyard mutt with nothing outstanding about him, but David Hartwig loved him. David soon discovered how smart Skidboot was, and entered him in television's Pet Star show. Skidboot performed all kinds of tricks and won the Championship and $25,000.
A dog named Faith, who lives in Oklahoma, was born without front legs, but that didn't stop her family from loving her. They believed she could be a wonderful and happy pet, and they were right. Faith has learned to walk upright like people and takes walks with her owners, plays tug-o-war, and wrestles.
Sometimes problems or an accident can cause a dog to lose the use of its legs. Just as humans use wheelchairs, these dogs can use doggy wheelchairs. They learn to walk, run, and even swim in their wheelcarts. Wheely Willy is one special little Chihuahua who loves life in his wheelcart. He visits hospitals and schools and brings cheer to children in wheelchairs.
Blind dogs can be great pets, too. They can still have fun. With just a little guidance, they learn to play fetch and swim by using their sense of smell and hearing.
Our shelter once had a little white Chihuahua who was deaf (could not hear). Chiclet was very smart but needed a special owner who would train him to understand hand signals. He also could not hear cars coming so he needed someone who would make sure he never went outside the yard alone. Begging for attention, Chiclet would sit up and wave his tiny front paws when people came into the shelter. We were very happy when one of our own volunteers adopted him.
Another little dog named Faith lives in our shelter. She was found wandering as a stray and seemed to have trouble walking. At first we thought she had been hit by a car, but the veterinarian (animal doctor) examined her and believes she was born with a problem in her brain which affects her sense of balance. Have you ever sat in a chair with uneven legs and wobbled it from side to side? Well, that's how Faith walks. She also had a bad eye which the veterinarian had to remove. She can still see with her one good eye. Faith smiles and wiggles when we greet her. She cuddles on our shoulder when we hold her. She just wants someone to love.
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