One of the most remarkable things about dogs is their determination. Dogs don’t know the meaning of the word disabled, they don’t notice that they’re different; whether they are blind, deaf or missing a leg or two, these conditions really do slow them down.
Sadly, special needs pets are among the most challenging for shelters and rescue groups to adopt out and many never find loving homes. A special needs dog should not be defined by their circumstances, and they are not aware of how they may be different from other animals of their kind. They are first and foremost a dog, but this message is often lost on potential adopters.
Today we are re-featuring handsome Stanley! It seems no matter how many articles, posts and shares are out in the public eye, he still sits behind shelter walls wondering if he will ever have a family to call his own. Sadly, three legged dogs like Stanley suffer a lot of discrimination – especially when it comes to adoption.
Most people are reluctant to choose a dog like Stanley and the reasons range from fear to simple ego – and we need to change this! It is beyond heartbreaking to think that this stunning boy could end up spending his life in the shelter simply because people are afraid to open their hearts to a dog who looks a little bit different.
Stanley arrived as a stray to the Babylon Animal Shelter in April of 2019. As you can see, Stanley is a special guy, he may be missing something, but from what is missing, he makes up for in heart! Stanley came to the shelter with a serious leg injury, one that was not new. The great staff at New York Veterinary Specialty Center tried for weeks to save his leg, but in the end, having it amputated was the best medical decision for Stanley.
Three-legged dogs, often lovingly referred to as tripawds, are pretty much the same as other dogs—less one limb. There are not that many differences between a tri-pawed pup and a four-legged one, three legged dogs most of the time get around just as well as four-legged ones. Stanley is an amazing dog! He is a big mushy love full of puppy energy and loves people. He may be missing a leg, but he is so full of love and life.
Having 3 legs does not hold Stanley back from being a dog at all. There are thousands of dogs just like Stanley searching for loving homes and humans who understand them. Stanley’s exuberance for life is addictive and one cannot help but smile watching this canine tripod manage life without fear.
Stanley is an extremely smart and energetic 2 year old boy who has managed to steal the hearts of everyone he meets. So why is he still waiting? Sadly, people look at Stanley and only see his missing limb and not the wonderful dog her really is. People who pass Stanley by because he is different looking are truly missing out, because dogs like Stanley are even more special than they realize, there are life lessons he can teach us all.
It is important to realize that just because Stanley is one leg short of the full complement does not mean he can’t live a long and happy life. In fact, he will thrive and live life to the fullest regardless of his missing limb, he shows a resilience and enthusiasm for life that’s impossible not to admire.
Stanley is living proof that bad things happen. He suffered pain, grieved his lost leg, but he adjusted quickly to his new reality. Many of us give up chasing our dreams for much less of a loss than Stanley’s. He reminds us all it is never useless to keep trying.
Stanley is also clearly an example of overcoming fear. We know he didn’t get to be a healthy, happy dog without taking chances and making adjustments he was unsure of. The only thing that stands between us and our dreams and our fears. If you can get past them, you will reach your dreams. Stanley truly embodies no fear. With 3 legs, he still manages to be an amazing escape artist; he has escaped the yard and even escaped his own kennel – he is truly fearless.
Stanley is a young, three-legged dog who is very energetic. Unfortunately, he doesn’t really get the time he needs to run and play enough to get his energy out at the shelter. He needs a very special mom and dad who have dog experience and will take the time to understand him and his needs and one that will give him lots of time and patience to adjust. Stanley must be the only pet in a home, he can be very dog reactive.
Stanley does require continued training, is very smart and is always eager to learn. He needs someone in his life that will take the time and continue to work on his doggie manners; he just gets so excited to see you that he can be a little much for some people. But once he has had the chance to release all his pent up energy, he calms right down, loves to hang out, and just receive some love and affection. Stanley also loves to cuddle and play with toys.
The shelter is recommending households with children over 12 years of age, simply because Stanley can get a little jumpy and knock someone down. They are also recommending a fenced in yard at least 6 feet high since Stanley is such an escape artist and has shown some barrier aggression especially when there is another dog on the other side of the fence.
As you can see, Stanley is not any different than any other dog! He still has the same wants, needs, and behaviors as any other dog. He has now been waiting over a year for his special someone to walk through the shelter door and take him home; could that someone be you?
Adopting a special needs dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences you ever have! If you’ve decided to adopt a dog, consider adopting one with special needs like Stanley, who might not otherwise find a loving, forever home. Stanley is a happy example of acceptance and compassion. His beautiful resilience is a gift to many at the shelter, why not bring his gift into your life.
We know that Stanley’s future is bright, and we are hoping and praying that he doesn’t have to wait much longer before someone will open their heart and home to a wonderful boy like him. Contact the shelter, make an appointment to meet him, we guarantee you’ll fall in love!
Babylon Animal Shelter
80 New Highway
Amityville, New York
(631) 643-9270
Be sure to head over to Adoption Central, share Stanley and all the other Featured Dog Friday pups still in search of their forever homes.