Specially-Abled Pets Day

Annually on May 3, National Specially-abled Pets Day is celebrated. 

This day is set aside to educate the public about caring for disabled pets, to feature disabled animals looking for a home and encourage animal lovers to consider a disabled pet when they are looking to adopt a new family member. 
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You've seen it countless times, those cats in a shelter who are overlooked for various reasons.
Tripod cats, one-eyed cats, deaf cats, cats with special medical conditions.

I think Julie of Sometimes Cats Herd You said it best in our video, For the Animals, when she stated "they're not damaged goods at all!"

Does this handsome blue boy look like damaged goods to you? We didn't think so!

Which is why I love the term Specially-abled (or Differently-abled) and not Disabled.

Because, although they may be different, they're not 'less than'. A cat missing an eye is not less lovable than one with both eyes. A cat who cannot hear can still feel your affection.

Sweet Marty was a Wayside kitty who found a loving home last year.
His new family didn't care that he was FIV+.
They saw past that to the love he has to give.

By the way, FIV is not feline AIDS, despite what you may have been told -- even by your local shelter. A cat with FIV may be immune-challenged, but hey, so are a lot of humans, including me!

We wouldn't consider a human who was deaf, blind or otherwise differently-abled to be less worthy.  So why so we do that with cats? Or dogs? Or ferrets, or any other companion animal?

As you know, Maxwell came to us as a cat with no eardrum, who was profoundly deaf. He's truly the sweetest cat I've ever been privileged to have in my life. And when the day comes that we're ready to adopt another animal - I'll look first at those who have lived the longest in a shelter.

Would you walk past this adorable girl just because she only has three legs?
Or perhaps it's because of the color of her fur. She's no less loving for that!

The ones that, day in and day out, are walked past. Overlooked. But still capable or great love, affection and companionship.

Won't you consider the same?

For more information: www.disabledpetday.com.

***

Thursday's Purrs: Meeko

"Hullo, nice to meet you. My name's Meeko. Are you looking for someone to keep you warm as the weather gets colder? Well then, I'm the guy for you!

I'm not one to brag or anything, but a 12 year old mancat like myself likes to cut straight to the point. Did you know I'm a favorite with the ladies over at Wayside?

Margaret calls me Meeko the Magnificent. And Honor gets me, she really gets me. She says I'm a sweet lovebug and a real lapcat (I have to admit I love me some cuddles, I do!)."

I call this my "hellooo ladies" expression

"I'm a total people person, in case you couldn't guess. I'll love hanging around you. And I might be a mature mancat but you should see my playful side. No ... really ... take a look. Scroll down to the video and check out my moves. That headtilt is my signature move, if I do say so myself.

Oh, there is one more little thing. No big deal, really. I'm FIV positive, but that just means that my immune system is somewhat compromised, so it's extra important that I have an indoors-only lifestyle, good food and regular veterinary care.

But hey, those are things a good adopter would give any cat, right?
Check out my smooth moves below, and then come on over to Wayside so we can get started on all that snuggling, what say?

Purrs,
Meeko"

This adorable, fun, absolute sweetheart is available at Allie's Alma Mater, Wayside Waifs.

***

Thursday's Purrs: Tiger

"Um. Hi ..."
 *waves paw timidly*

"My name is Tiger. I was found as a stray by a nice person who lived in an apartment and couldn't keep me because her landlord wouldn't let her have any more cats.

She was very nice, though. And I ended up in this amazing place where I'm warm and fed. (okay, it's 104 out there today, so truthfully, where I'm cool and comfy!)"

Handsome Tiger. Photo by Wayside volunteer Mary M.

 "One of the adoption counselors took a look inside my crib and mentioned, 'hey, that's a lot of pink for one ginger boy!' I don't mind. I'm comfortable enough in my mancatness not to let things like that bother me.

I hear stories the other cats here tell, tales about a Real Home, and a Human to love you. I'd sure like to experience that, I would.

I'm rather shy, with a bit of an introverted personality, but I do love to cuddle. And contrary to photographic evidence, I am not a jingle-ball hoarder. Really. I only have about ... twenty ... or so. (Oh look, Fluffy in the kennel across has a green stripey one. I wonder if I could snag that one from her....)

I'm also FIV positive, but really, they tell me that's no big thing. I just need to have regular checkups and stay indoors so I don't catch the neighbor cat's summer cold. My immune system's just a bit compromised, so I need to look out for such things!

Do you think you might be my Human? I'd love to see a Real Home someday. Want to test drive my purrs and headbutts?

I'll be waiting - I'm the handsome ginger boy in the pink kennel.

Purrs,
Tiger"


Tiger's available at Allie's Alma Mater, Wayside Waifs.

***

Thursday's Purrs: Iris

BREAKING MEWS! 
Iris has gone to her forever family! 
*happy dance*

"What's up, peeps?! Iris here, and I am sooooo happy to meet you!

 I am a very charming female silver and white tabby who came here to Wayside from another shelter. Though I have enjoyed all the friends I have made in my travels, I am really ready for a place to call home. Could you be the home I am looking for?"

"I am adorable, playful, loving ... and good with kids! Since I am pretty much the total package, I'd really love it if I was the only animal "apple of your eye."

Yep, I would prefer a home where I am the only cat."

 
"I am also FIV positive, which I know sounds scary, but it simply means that my immune system is a bit suppressed. So just give me all the love, caring and regular vet visits you'd give anyway, and I will live a long and happy life with you.

Another thing: they tested my feline personality, and I ranked top-notch as a Personal Assistant. That means that I am a kitty who will looooove being around my family. I'l be a little shy when meeting new people and being in new situations, and will look to you to show me there is nothing to be afraid of.

I'll be right by your side when you do computer work, house work, or hey ... just plain hanging out with you!

Give me some crinkly balls or a feather wand and I can also entertain myself as well. I would love the chance to show you all my skills in person, so please come on down?

I will just sit here patiently waiting for you to come though that door.

Purrs,
Iris"

Iris is available today at Allie's Alma Mater, Wayside Waifs.

***

Wednesday's Waif on Thursday: IRON MAN!

"Hello esteemed citizen, thank you for taking the time out of your day to read about how fantastic I am.

My name is IronMan. Due to my superhero status, it is perfectly acceptable for you to squeal with excitement, or even jump up and down when you meet me."

"I personally prefer the jumping up and down form of greeting, as long as it's followed with a chin scratch and a head pet.

I'm glad I get the opportunity to write a small biography about myself because it helps me to finally announce my Superhero retirement to you all.

Although I'm still very young at 1 ½ years, it's time for me to pass on my title and enjoy my time in a loving home where I will get attention, love, and food whenever I feel like it."

"Heeeere I come to save the DAAAAAY!" Oh wait. Wrong superhero. Sorry.

"I can hardly contain my excitement to meet my forever family. I have so much cuddles, whisker kisses, and purrs to give!

While I was a stray I was, of course, keeping the peace and defending justice in my city as best as I could -- but a single kitty can only do so much. When I was brought to Wayside Waifs, it was like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders."

As a retired Superhero, I can engage in many fun pastimes.
Like Cat Bearding.

"I was warm all the time, there was always yummy food to eat, and I never went a day without a loving cuddle. There were so many kind people that told me how handsome I was with my big cheeks and soft tabby fur. I didn't know this kind of compassion existed. They made me feel so full of love."

"While at Wayside, they got me all up to date medically and found out that I'm FIV positive. They assured me that FIV is no big deal. It just means that my immune system is somewhat compromised, so it's important that I have an indoor lifestyle, good food, and regular veterinary checkups.

Those are things a good adopter would give their kitty companions anyway!"

Check it out. Housecat! I rock at my new career. Ready for my new home - come meet me!

"As if all of this wasn't enough, a wonderful volunteer came in one day and told me they were going to be my Foster Mom! She scooped me up gently into her car and off we went on to a new wonderful adventure.

I love my foster mom so much, and I enjoy showing my affection towards her by following her all around the house and chattering away about my day. If you decide to adopt me I sure hope you enjoy having deep meaningful conversations, because talking is one of my all-time favorite activities."

Retired Superheros can still protect your home from mice infestations. I got this. See?

"Foster mom also introduced me to the secret art of PLAY! Wow, playing is fun! We play with wand toys, tiny mice, balls, crazy circles, and just with each other. I'm still a kitten at heart."

 (And purring, and head rubs. Did I mention I LOVE head rubs?)

"Don't worry though; I also thoroughly enjoy a good snuggle session while watching movies on the couch. Foster mom always tells me I'm such a gentleman and that I'm really the perfect house guest. I'll really miss her when I find my forever home, but I know I'm ready to find my own family.

Do you think my home could be with you? I would give you never ending love, and companionship for the rest of my life! Everybody deserves a second chance, especially a superhero. I really hope you decide to meet me; I can't wait to finally meet you.

With justice and love,
Ironman"

Ironman is available at Allie's Alma Mater, Wayside Waifs.

Wednesday's Waif on Thursday: Ray

"Pleased to meet you! My name is Ray, and as you can see from my photo, I'm a very handsome boy with amazing, velvety blue-gray fur. It really brings out my golden eyes, or so I've been told."

"I was transferred to Wayside from another shelter that was low on space.

Since I've been here at Wayside, I've been pretty quiet. People here say I'm an observant cat who likes to watch all the goings-on around him. There sure is a lot to see here!

I'm a playful guy, and my favorite toy is wand toy. (they totally ROCK) I enjoy being petted on my neck and face.

I can get a little nippy when I've had enough, so it would be best for me to go home with a cat-savvy adopter, who understands feline signals. I do enjoy attention, though, and I'm a great listener."

"There's one more thing you should know about me: I am FIV-positive. FIV is no big deal. It just means that my immune system is somewhat compromised, so it's important that I have an indoor lifestyle, good food and regular veterinary checkups.

Those are the same things a good adopter would give any cat.
If you'd like to root for the Royals with a dapper, blue kitty, please come to Wayside and meet me?

Purrs,
Ray"

Ray is available at Allie's Alma Mater, Wayside Waifs.

***

Wednesday's Waif: Atlantis

"Are you looking for a confident, loving, beauty of a feline to share your days and nights with?
Well then nice to meet you I am Atlantis!
I am a female black and red calico who is looking for a calm and quiet home to share with my loving furever family."

"I first came to Wayside when I was transferred from another shelter that was running a little low on space. I was then adopted by a caring family, but unfortunately it was there that I found out a home with a lot going on is a little to much for me; and my loving family knew that I would find my true forever family here at Wayside!

I am a lady who needs time with my new family, it can take me a little longer to warm up to new people. My time in a shelter has been a good experience, but has shown me that I am independent, and I prefer to be petted and sit on laps on my own terms. I will definitely let you know when I am feeling a love session is needed!

Some of these qualities come from me being a private investigator. Private investigator is my felineality, and it means that I am a shy kitty that will prefer to be behind the scenes. I will always be on the case to show you how much you mean to me in my own special way!"

 "Whether it will be a surprise curl up on your lap, or a out of the blue purr with some head butts sprinkled in, you will know that how much I love you. With me being a kitty who enjoys a quieter environment I will ask that my forever home be adults only (and without any of those immature dogs, please!).

I do get along with other cats, but dogs just don't seem to get me. Some of my "dislikes" may have come from me being in a shelter environment as long as I have, and some may come from me being FIV positive.

I know that sounds scary, and I was scared a bit as well when I first found out, but then I discovered that I can live a very normal and healthy life. Being FIV positive simply means that my immune system is suppressed. As long as I have regular wellness exams with my vet and someone who is going to care for me the way I plan on caring for them, then this sounds like the start of a beautiful friendship.

I would really love to meet you in person, so please come on down to Wayside.
Like the lost city, I am a true treasure to behold!

Love,
Atlantis"

Atlantis has been at Wayside for far too long, what say we help get her to her forever family?

***

Wednesday's Waif: Chairman Meow

The chairman here has now been in a shelter environment for over a year, first at Great Plains SPCA and now at our sister shelter, Wayside Waifs. 

We featured him back in October, so this is a reposting. 

Because we think it's high time Mister Meow finds a home of his own!

"Hullo everyone and thank you for your prompt attendance.
This meeting will now come to order!
(I've always wanted to say that - MOL!)"

"I'm Chairman Meow, and I've recently made the trek from Great Plains SPCA in Independence over to my buds here at Wayside.

Allie vouches for these folks, and I have to say, they're real stand-up peeps for sure. I've got my own room here, and the ladies are kinda sweet on an orange moggie as handsome as me. I'm loving all the attention!

I've been told that they're working hard to help dispel all those nasty rumors that come along with being an FIV kitty. I'm not sick, just slightly immune-suppressed. So (I can't believe I'm about to say something nice about a V-E-T here, but...) all I really need is a nice annual checkup.

Oh and a cushy indoor gig, too, please. That way I won't accidentally run into a kitty out in the 'hood who has a kitty cold I could catch!

Won't you come hang out with me so I can ply you with my mancatly charms and winning ways?
I just know we'd be purrfect for each other!

Purrs,
Chairman Meow"

Mister Meow is hanging out at Allie's Alma mater, Wayside Waifs -- just waiting for you to fall in love with him!

Wednesday's Waif: Marty

"Hello!
My name is Marty and I am one of the sweetest cats you could ever meet! I love getting attention and being fussed over. I even enjoy a good belly rub once I really get to know you."

"I came to Wayside as a stray. I was very scared at first. The wonderful staff and volunteers worked their magic with me, and because they were so patient with me, I am now ready for my forever home.

I am looking for someone that will be very patient and give me plenty of time to adjust to my new surroundings and to my new family. It is recommended that I be given my own room for a minimum of 2 weeks, just to allow me enough time to adjust to a new environment, sounds, smells, and to you, too.

I feel safer starting out in 1 room. More than that could be too overwhelming for me at first. Once I trust you, though? Man, it's a done deal!

I am what is called a "Velcro kitty". I am like glue to you a lot of the time, so if you love *ahem* "clingy" cats (I prefer to call it Loyal), well...that's me!

I also need a calm, quiet home as sudden noises or movements can still scare me at times. I prefer a home without younger children. Anyone over, oh, abotu ten I think I can handle.

I also love to play, especially with cat wand toys!  I love to chase after them! Faraday told me they ROCK, and he was SO right!!

There's one more thing you should know about me: I'm FIV-positive. It's no big deal, really it's not. It just means that my immune system is somewhat compromised, so it's important that I get regular veterinary checkups and, if I do get sick, that I get veterinary care.

I hope I will get to meet you soon!
Hopeful purrs,
Marty"

**Marty is currently staying in a foster home. If you'd like to schedule a time to meet him, please call Wayside Adoptions at (816)986-4426. Thanks!**

A Hanukkah Visit to Great Plains SPCA

A few weeks ago a discussion was held behind closed doors.
Pet bloggers got together and planned.
This, in itself, might be cause for some worry, except...

They came up with a Very Good Idea.

The Plan:
This holiday season, we would all give back to our local shelters, and share that experience with you. And perhaps, in the process, make a few cats very happy, and give our local shelters some much-needed exposure at this busy time of year.

Summer over at Sparklecat.com led the charge, and came up with a Santa Kitty Toy Hop where all could participate. She designed a great logo and is hosting the blog hop on her site at this link here.

Since we observe a different holiday this time of year, we might have changed things up just a bit. (We apologize profusely for what Faraday did to your logo, Summer...)

Announcing:

Maxwell, Faraday & Allie supervised the toy selection as well as treats and food.

Then I loaded up the car and headed over to Great Plains SPCA to spread a little holiday cheer.

Here's the Loot, Part 1:

And here's Part 2:

Oliver was out roaming, and he helped style the shots so they looked their best (good job, dude!).

He was an absolute sweetheart and clearly loved on by the staff and volunteers.
It's beyond me why a cat this gorgeous, friendly and loving is still waiting for a forever family!

And then I took a few of the toys around so the kitties could sample and give us a paws up/down:

First up was Zee. This personable girl gave us two paws WAY up on the green sparkle ball!

Next, we visited this gorgeous orange tabby girl (yes, girl!) Jazzi. Did you know most orange kitties are boys? She's a rare one, and oh so sweet!

She felt the red sparkle ball best suited her coloring.
As for Katie? She selected a grey mousie to guard, while watching the snow-covered yard through her window.

These are just a few of the eligible felines awaiting their forever homes at the Merriam Campus of Great Plains SPCA.

And, although we couldn't make it out there this trip, the twenty five FIV+ kitties awaiting their new families at Great Plains' Independence campus need a special shout out.

Please consider adopting one of these very deserving cats. They don't deserve the bad rap FIV+ has been given over the years. A recent five-year study by Maddie's Fund found not one single cat rooming with an FIV+ cat contracted the disease.

And guys, this disease is not that big a deal! As long as a cat receives regular annual preventive care - the kind of care any responsible pet owner should be providing their cats anyway - there is no reason an FIV+ cat can't live an equally long, healthy and happy life.

This is especially important where we live, in Kansas. Did you know Kansas is the last holdout, the only state in the union that forbids the adoption of FIV+ cats into homes? This is why all of Great Plains' FIV+ cats are at their Independence campus, on the Missouri side.

Please help us spread the word that people need not fear letting one of these special cats into their hearts and homes!

Wishing all of the cats at Great Plains SPCA a home for the holidays.

And wishing you all a most wonderful Season of Lights.

***

Wednesday's Waif: Tyrone

"I'm Tyrone, a beautiful deep gray or "blue" shorthaired boy with gorgeous golden eyes."

"I came to Wayside as a stray. I'm a sweet boy, but I'm pretty shy. However, if you speak to me softly and pet me gently, I will warm up quickly.

One way I communicate how much I enjoy being petted is by blinking my eyes.

I also have a great meow.

People here at Wayside say I'm gradually coming out of my shell. A lot of times the most awesome kitties are the ones who just need a little help feeling safe, loved and comfortable. Once we get it, our wonderful, loving purrsonalities come shining through.

Felineality-wise, I'm a Private Investigator. That means I tend to be timid in new situations. I like to check out new people and places first instead of just diving right in with all four paws.

There's one more thing you should know about me: I'm FIV-postive. It's not as scary as it sounds. It just means that my immune system is somewhat compromised, so it's important for me to have annual veterinary checkups and, if I do get sick, that I get veterinary care.

If you are interested in me and would like to learn more about FIV, watch my video!

Or one of our great veterinary staff members here at Wayside can answer any questions you may have.

Do you have room in your home and heart for a shy, sweet, beautiful boy kitty?
Please come to Wayside and meet me.

Hopeful holiday purrs,
Tyrone"

Tyrone is available for adoption at Allie's Alma Mater, Wayside Waifs!

***

Wednesday's Waif: Donald

"The ladies who recorded my video claim I'm a total faker."

"You see, personality-wise, I tested out as a private kind of guy. But in reality, I'm a bit of a Casanova. I can't help it! I just looooove snuggles. And scritches. And heat-butts. And lubbin'. And...well, you get the picture.

There's one more thing you should know about me: I'm FIV-positive. It's not as scary as it sounds, honest.

It's communicable only to cats through very deep bite wounds, not the play-time scuffles we kitties normally engage in! It simply means that my immune system is somewhat compromised, so I'd really appreciate it if you'd take me for an annual exam, you know, just to make sure I stay healthy and stuff. If you have any questions about FIV, one of wonderful veterinary staff members here at Wayside would be happy to talk with you.

The thought of spending the new year with a wonderful new family has me so excited.

Could it be you? Oh, I hope so.

Hopeful purrs,
Donald"

Donald is an absolute love-bug - all you have to do is watch his video to see this!
He - and several other snuggly, loveable FIV+ kitties are available for adoption at Allie's Alma Mater, Wayside Waifs.