Squishy, an Alaskan husky cross from a working sled dog kennel in northern Maine, had so many problems at birth, even the medical professionals had little optimism he’d make it past puppyhood.
Today, four years later, Squishy is a happy, bouncing and energetic dog thanks to the care his owner Jessica Holmes of Portage lavishes upon him.
“You need endless dedication to raise a special needs dog like Squishy,” Dr. Christiana Yule, owner of Fort Kent Animal Hospital and the dog’s veterinarian, said. “I have never seen anyone as dedicated as Jess. I was amazed he pulled through, much less turned into such a fantastic house dog.”
Special needs pets are not right for everyone, but for those who have a place in their hearts and homes they can be a welcome addition to the family.
“Special needs animals have personality and love to give like any other animal,” Jane Siviski, marketing manager at Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick, said. “I have heard from numerous people that the special needs pets tend to know when they have been given a second chance, and they are very grateful. That’s got to make you feel good.”
The County is pleased to feature content from our sister company, Bangor Daily News. To read the rest of “What you need to know before adopting a special needs pet,” an article by contributing Bangor Daily News staff writer Julia Bayly, please follow this link to the BDN online.
