Did you know that the month of May includes National Specially Abled Pets Day, a day that recognizes special pups (and other pets!) like me who have experienced adversity and come out even stronger on the other side?
For that reason, I always liked May - but now, it’s officially my favorite month because this May, I found my forever home. I’m Diego, and here’s my story (spoiler alert, it has a happy ending!)...
I was found as a stray with scrapes and cuts from other dogs who wanted to prove that they were tough. What they didn’t know is that I’m tough too, and can get through anything. When I was found, my left front leg was bent and swollen, and I couldn’t walk on it. After a few X-rays, the vet discovered that at some point in my young pup life, my elbow had been fractured or broken and it never healed properly. Turns out, what everyone originally thought was swelling was actually bone that had grown over my elbow. It was decided that the best option would be to amputate the injured leg, so I could have a life free from pain and joint damage.
Then, in March (officially not my favorite month now!), COVID-19 became a global pandemic and shelter in place was ordered in Silicon Valley. My surgery was put on hold for a bit as the hospital worked out their processes. Then, on April 20, I had a successful amputation. Thanks to the love, care and dedication of my vets and foster family, I was able to rehabilitate beautifully, and began to hop along in the house and yard, go outside regularly to sunbathe (during shelter in place, getting regular vitamin D is especially important!) and just hang out and enjoy my foster family’s company.
Little did I know, there was a family that was eager to adopt me even before the shelter in place order! Once I healed from surgery, I met them again and the connection we all felt from our first meeting was still strong. Most importantly, they weren’t put off by the fact that I have three legs instead of four, but rather, embraced it as something that makes me extra special.
Now, I’m home with my new paw-rents and living my best tri-pawed life. This May (and every month!), I encourage everyone to consider fostering or adopting a specially-abled pet (check out SVPP’s special needs pet profiles here.) After all, what makes us all different makes us beautiful!
Diego
Alandea Muñoz, SVPP volunteer and guest blogger, helped Diego with his typing!