RESCUE TAILS / SPECIAL  ED

By Tammy Fox, Florida Keys SPCA

From time to time a pet comes into at one of our campuses that  is truly unique. Sometimes it’s a physical attribute, like a missing leg or crinkled ear, other times it’s a personality trait like a silly bark or playful trot. We knew Ed was special from the very beginning when he first arrived five years ago as a puppy at our Marathon Campus. With his distinct head tilt and a wild hairdo Ed was not like the rest.

Ed was diagnosed with an unknown neurological disorder characterized by slight tremors, a head tilt, spinning in circles and the occasional “outburst.” He did not have typical dog communication skills and would get frustrated trying to let staff and volunteers know what he wanted. Once he got worked up, he was very hard to calm down. He would bark and bark, run in circles and try to bite at your feet. He was seeking attention, and needed something, but what? It was a compassionate staff member who quickly grabbed Ed during one of his “episodes” and flipped him upside down like a baby. Immediately the tantrum stopped and Ed was sent into a shark-like trance. It was then we realized this sweet boy just wanted to be held.

Staff and volunteers carried Ed around most of the day in a baby sling. He absolutely craved being held and was happiest when he was upside down in your arms. Although it made day to day tasks a little more challenging whilst carrying a dog around, it was what made Ed feel safe and comfortable.

When Ed was adopted it was an exciting day for everyone! Someone had finally come along that understood his special needs. For five wonderful years Ed was happy in his home with his family. Until his mom got sick. Unable to care for herself anymore it was with a heavy heart that Ed was returned to our Marathon Campus and placed for adoption again. We had found that special someone once, but could there really be two families out there for a dog that needed so much special attention?

One day a contractor working on some post-Hurricane Irma repairs at our Marathon Campus noticed Ed and staff carrying him around like a baby. Curious, he asked his story and why Ed was always in someone’s arms. Turns out Josh and his wife have a soft spot for special needs dogs and were interested in taking on the responsibility of being Ed’s new family. We couldn’t believe it! Not one, but two happy adoption days for Special Ed! Ed now lives on a boat and is currently sailing around the Caribbean. His new family says Ed is never far from their side and they love and adore him and the quirks that make him unique. (They have a strikingly similar hairdo as well!)

Here at the Florida Keys SPCA we are committed to ensuring the animals in our care receive the absolute best care we can possibly give them until they find their forever families. In the case of Ed, that meant carrying a dog around in our arms, while working and caring for the hundreds of other animals at our shelter. As a no time limit shelter, as long as an animal is happy, healthy and adoptable, they can stay with us as long as they need to. Even if it requires a lot of extra love and a little extra work. To support our efforts in finding every homeless pet in paradise a forever family, your donations help pets like Special Ed. For more information on how you can become a part of our lifesaving mission, or for more on how you can adopt a pet into your home and heart contact me at [email protected].

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