Even though older and disabled dogs are just as loving and as special as their dogs, they usually don't get picked from the shelter. Many people don't want to handle the the time and attention that these dogs may need. Or they simply prefer a dog that just isn't as old. However, one place has decided to provide a home for these unwanted and disabled dogs and it is so heartwarming!
The Place Created For Unwanted And Disabled Dogs Is:
Stella the 70-pound black Labrador was abandoned at a shelter in Louisiana because she was a senior with vision loss, and her former owners “wanted to get a puppy.” Stella’s life was at risk, but she was saved in time by Steve Smith and Alayne Marker, a married couple who run Rolling Dog Farm, a sanctuary for disabled dogs.
via Rolling Dog Farm
The 158-acre farm is at the end of a quiet road in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire. The beautiful property features ramps to help the dogs go in and out of the large farmhouse they share with Steve and Alayne. On average, the couple has about 20 dogs at the small sanctuary at any given time — along with a couple of blind horses — to provide the best quality care for these special residents. Rarely are the dogs adopted out, as Steve prefers to provide stability and long-term care for these dogs who have been through so much.
The disabled dogs that come to Rolling Dog Farm have all been rescued from kill shelters and are most commonly blind or deaf, senior animals, have missing limbs or, at times, neurological conditions such as cerebellar hypoplasia.
via Rolling Dog Farm
Steve and Alayne started their nonprofit sanctuary in the Blackfoot River Valley of Montana in December 2000 after leaving corporate jobs in Seattle. “Using our own savings, we decided to establish a nonprofit that would focus on rescuing and sheltering disabled animals,” Steve said. “At the time, we didn’t see any other organizations that were dedicated to caring specifically for disabled animals.”
After 10 years in Montana, the couple moved the sanctuary to New Hampshire. Steve said they look for dogs who have physical disabilities but are also goodnatured, sociable animals who can easily get along with the other dogs in a family environment.
This sanctuary seems like an incredible place. The dogs get to be around other dogs that are disabled and are given the attention, love, and care they need from this amazing couple.
This place is probably a dream come true for most dogs that have been passed over or abandoned because of old age or disability. It is just so great that many of these dogs get the happy ending they deserve.
To learn more about this sanctuary, you can visit Dogster.
