Special-Need Animals Stories

Spearmint Sally was paralyzed as a puppy, but now she can stand on her own — and her family’s been with her every step of the way.

Orphaned and injured at one week old, little Llama lived thanks to many people’s help. Now he’s bounding and pouncing through life.

AJ arrived at a Texas shelter with an injured leg, but time was on his side. Today, the chatty cat with three legs will tell you all about it.

Feeling the holiday blues? Meet Hannah and Elton, dogs with a chronic condition called brucellosis, who are best known for their capacity for love and happiness.

Midnight had a rough start, but after vets saved his life twice, he’s proven it’s often darkest just before dawn.

With a difficult first two months behind her, Valentina shakes off adversity for a bright future and a home of her own.

Benedict’s hind legs are paralyzed due to spina bifida, but that doesn’t stop him from loving life in his new home.

Edna is wobbly, blind and had severe trauma reactions that seemed like seizures, but thanks to vet care and her foster family, she’s like a new dog.

Nothing (and certainly not cerebellar hypoplasia) stops Harlie Q. and fellow kitten Nicholas from living their best lives in their new home.

When Leanne visited the Sanctuary, she said she had a good home for a cat with special needs and Stannis took her up on the offer.

After a difficult goodbye to her blind cat of 17 years, Stormy’s life and RV are again filled with cat purrs, snuggles and songs.

Dione has cerebellar hypoplasia, and though he can’t walk upright, he’s made fast friends with other kitties in his foster home.

Larry’s special medical needs meant it took a while for him to get adopted, but he became the perfect first cat for Tara.

Born with three legs, Smooches came to Best Friends for special care when she was just days old.

Gia was lost in a world she couldn’t see, but with help now she’s safe and sound.