Click here to see Overlooked Pets Available for Adoption and to hear their stories.WelcomeWelcome to RCHS’s Special Needs and Overlooked Pets page. We wanted a separate page for these wonderful pets -- not solely to pull on your heartstrings, but to feature and celebrate RCHS animals that, in spite of their challenges, have survived and are enjoying their lives.For reasons mysterious to us, we also have foster pets that are continually overlooked. These are perfectly fine and lovable pets who very much want a home of their own. We welcome you to get acquainted with our ‘dear ones’ who tend to get lost among the throng of cute kittens and puppies, or “normal” animals; these are animals who just need a little more exposure and focused attention to find their forever home. Who do we consider a "special needs" or “overlooked” pet? A pet that has always been the one left behind, or who is physically or emotionally challenged in some way, or who has an impairment or limitation of one or more of its abilities—but not in its most important ability: the ability to give and receive love. If you consider adopting one of these pets, we ask that you make a decision with your head and not just your heart. Some of these pets will require more attention, time, love, and in some instances money, than the average household pet. Remember, when looking for a pet for adoption, consider one that is special. You will surely find a wonderful pet. HistoryAs of January 2015, the Riley County Humane Society will celebrate 40 years as a non-profit, all volunteer, no-kill humane society and foster network. We are lucky enough to be celebrating thousands of “Happy Endings” for animals and their owners over those years.However, in that time we have also come across many animals that due to medical or emotional difficulties have had only a slim chance of finding their “Forever Homes”. Luckily, these special cats and dogs are in the homes of caring foster volunteers, who monitor their well being, and lovingly accept them into their families so that they can enjoy a good quality of life within their medical and social limitations. Between the cost of the regular medical care given to all our new arrivals, and the ongoing cost of our special pets, medical bills routinely run well over a thousand dollars each month. In order to offset some of our medical costs, we are launching a “Guardian Angel” sponsorship campaign and a “Special Needs and Overlooked Pets” adoption campaign. The ChallengesSpecial needs cats and dogs get passed over because potential adopters fear their disability will make them harder to care for, even though for some animals it makes very little difference at all!Special needs animals can make terrific pets, often with normal life spans and minor accommodations in care routines. Overlooked pets may be shy or under socialized cats that do not show well in an adoption event or in-store shelter environment or they may be dogs who need time to establish a trusting relationship with a human guardian. These dogs and cats would normally be considered “unadoptable” by most shelters, but thanks to RCHS and our wonderful foster volunteers, they have a chance to find a home of their own.
Want to adopt one of our overlooked or special needs pets? Visit our Adopting a Pet page.
Become a “Guardian Angel”Because of their unique circumstances, some of these special and dear ones may never find homes of their own. However, you can help brighten their days by making an annual or monthly sponsorship donation to help cover the extra veterinarian care, special accommodations, medicine, food, etc. that a special cat or dog will need to live happily.If you would like to be a “Guardian Angel”, you may select an animal from our Special Needs or Overlooked Adoptable Pets pages above. Once you have selected your special cat or dog, complete and submit the “Guardian Angel” sponsorship form located here and you will receive a certificate with a photo of your special animal. Any level of sponsorship is welcome. A sponsorship donation of $20 a month helps to support basic expenses such as food, and routine medical care. You can also donate additional dollars to cover other expenses including veterinary exams, blood work, vaccinations and dental work. If a sponsored animal finds their forever home, its “Guardian Angel” can select another animal to help and support. Every adoption provides an opportunity to save another animal in need! The “Guardian Angel” program is a wonderful, personal way to truly help these precious animals while RCHS keeps them safe and loved until they find their “forever homes”. You can sponsor as many cats and dogs as you wish. Become a “Foster Angel”In order to continue to help special needs pets we need foster parents willing to foster these little ones and provide the love and care they deserve (without incurring the medical costs of the pet's special needs).If you think you might be a “Foster Angel”, please click here to complete a Foster Home Volunteer Application and be sure to tell us of your desire to help our Special Needs animals. |
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