Sparky Finds A Home

At one time, Sparky the black & white dachshund was trapped in Nowheresville -- a shelter dog with few prospects for any kind of a quality life. After all, who would choose a deaf dachshund from among all the other animals without special needs?

But then he was chosen to be trained in a prisoner rehab program in a Missouri state correctional facility. And instead of being returned to the shelter, Sparky was given to the Missouri School for the Deaf. And there he is thriving, among students and faculty who see him as something of a mascot.

This is his story, yet another one proving that home is where the heart is, that the families we choose are often more comfortable than the ones we're born into, and that in return for the extra care they require, special needs pets often give back far more than we invest. Enjoy.

Ivan - A Love Story

Every once in a while, Barb Techel over at Joyful Paws lets loose with one of her "Occasional Paws" feature stories. I just had to share this recent one about Ivan the Beagle, because it so perfectly embodies what we're about here at Almost Perfect Pets.

Those of you who've been following for a while might recognize Barb's name - we featured her blog a bit ago: You know, the one about Frankie, the Walk & Roll Dog. Frankie's another example of the absolute best that can be brought out of a difficult situation. Barb wrote about her wheeled dachsie in her own book, too!

You know, when I started this blog, I wondered how I was going to keep up with it among all my other obligations. But I've come to realize that I look forward to coming here and sharing with you all the beauty of what can happen when humans learn to look past the disabilities to the shining, pulsing vibe of pure love and, yes, joy that just emanates from special needs pets. It's such a balm against all the bad news that threatens to beat us all down each day, and I'm happy to be able to spread some of the good stuff around this place.

When I got the idea for Almost Perfect, I never dreamed how it would change my life. I just thought it was a neat idea for a book. But through this project, I've met some of the most incredible, dedicated, loving and just downright decent human beings I will ever know. And you know who you are. :)

Frankie, the face of inspiration

I feel truly blessed to have stumbled upon the wonderful community that has arisen around this topic. Barb was right on when she named her blog and her website "Joyful Paws." Thanks for sharing all the wonderful stories with us all, and for being part of the solution, Barb!

Bounce on over to Rebound Hounds!

Okay, here's another blog that's right up our alley: Rebound Hounds. It's devoted to disabled dogs, and has some great info on dachshunds, especially. You just gotta love Greta, the elder stateswoman dachsie, modeling the fashions worn by all the hip senior pups this season. You'll also find some links to other related websites, and a great list of disabled pet-friendly holiday gift suggestions, so truck on over and give it a look!