How this remarkable journey Mike and I went down to our local shelter to adopt a new family member. We met a vibrant young shepherd, there was no question in his mind, he wanted out and he was coming home with us! We named him Duke. Duke was a playful young pup and on a pretty spring day, all of our lives changed forever. While puppy playing, a dog jumped on his back and severed his spinal cord. We were told several times to euthanize him, “ he would have no quality of life.” Duke's surgery was not successful, and his wheelchair defined him for the next 13 years of his life. Duke was still vibrant, fun, and slowly becoming the voice for dogs in need. When we adopted Duke and took him home it, was a commitment thru sickness and health. He was part of our family. A few months later we heard about another dog in need named Misty, who had been living in a NY shelter for over 5 years. Nobody wanted Misty because she had hind leg problems, and also needed a wheelchair. Hundreds and hundreds of people passed her cage, not even giving her a chance. We went to NY and adopted her immediately. |
After experiencing the
impact of Duke and Misty on our family and everyone they met, we soon realized there was NO support or
education for dogs and cats with physical disabilities. We started a
grassroots organization and called it Pets with Disabilities. It
quickly
took on a life of its own!
For the past 15 years, Mike and I have dedicated our lives to our mission. We both had full time jobs, but within a few years, I decided to leave my small business and dedicate myself fully to rescue work. We thank Duke for entering our life and making us better people. This certainly has been a labor of love. A mission and legacy that will continue long after our physical being has left. Thank you for the human team that has evolved over the years to make PWD one of the best rescues for “Pets with Disabilities”. Joyce and Mike |
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Our Rescue Facility - PWD Campus |
We believe in treating animals the way we would like to be treated. Our facility has all the comforts of a cozy home.
We have worked and thought very
hard to make a difference in the sheltering of our dogs in rescue. We know
the majority of the dogs coming to PWD will be here for an extended period
of time. We also know we need to accommodate many types of medical
requirements. Whether the dog is recovering from surgery, heartworm
treatment, or just needs special emotional support, we have build a campus
to manage all of them. We also wanted our volunteers to enjoy their work. The rescue is behind our home and sits before acres of forest. We believe our facility is one of a kind in our area. From the outside - this climate controlled building looks like a modern barn. The barn sits on a beautiful tranquil setting in southern Maryland. A great place for dogs to come and heal. Each 10x10 apartment is furnished with a comfy dog beds, peanut butter Kong's, knucklebones, and most important each apartment has a window. We believe light is essential for all living creatures. Also, no dog runs here at PWD - ONLY free range exercise. The dogs have access to approximately three acres and are out several times a day. We pride ourselves on making sure each dog is comfortable, safe and stress free during their stay here! |
The PWD "apartment building" is a second floor that holds the administrative offices and dog-friendly furniture. Several times throughout the day, dogs will come hang upstairs for some quality time that is more like in a home environment. |
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The PWD facility also has two Annex apartments. These are used for dogs that need to recuperate from surgery or need a quiet environment - as many of the heart worm positive dogs coming into rescue require. They have their own fenced area around the buildings. The buildings also have heat, AC, windows, and music playing for the dogs. |
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The Annex "apartments" are also equipped with remote access cameras, allowing us to monitor the dogs on a 24X7 basis. |
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We are happy to announce the "Regal Beagle House” — a place where
seniors with disabilities can live while waiting for their new home
or spend the rest of their lives in a quiet home setting. This has
been an extremely rewarding addition to our rescue, giving us the
opportunity to witness life changing behaviors with our seniors. Many older dogs arrive sad and listless. Then they realize their lives have just begun again - in great new place, and JOY abounds! We cherish each day with these elder-pups and they have one senior fiv positive resident cat, who has made himself right at home with his canine pack. Benny & Harley are the perfect hosts to the incoming seniors. A real home, with all the amenities for visiting volunteers and guests. The canine residents welcome the added smells in the kitchen and the extra couch time with the human guests. |
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The Founders Home |
The rescue work is definitely a 24 hrs/day - 7 days/week operation. Joyce and Mike have opened their home for the dogs that need round the clock care. At any point, there are 8-12 dogs in the home. If medication is needed through the night, the dog comes into the home. If the dog needs emotional support, the founders have been known to sleep with the dog. It is truly a mission of the heart, focused on the individual needs of each dogs. The dogs that Joyce and Mike have decided will spend the rest of their lives in the home, provide a stable, healing pack for all the guests. | |
A DOG'S LIFE AT PETS WITH DISABILITIES We respond to dogs that no other rescue will help - giving them the opportunity and time to heal. We provide ALL the necessary medical and nutritional care these dogs will need for a second chance. We have been focused on the daily TLC these dogs are so deserving of and we have witnessed the transformation of broken spirits and bodies into healthy, vibrant dogs anxious to find their forever families. The unbroken spirit of the disabled dog is a humbling experience. We provide just a little TLC and it's returned 10 fold. All of these dogs work to get ready for their new homes - complete with wagging tails, big smiles, and a huge heart to share. It's so important that we are able to continue helping dogs with disabilities. Pets with Disabilities has succeeded for over 15 yrs because of the gifts these dogs choose to share - teaching and opening hearts. They have taught us:
We also KNOW their spirits are NOT broken. Thank you for your interest in our work. |
Remembering our friends with the unbroken spirits..... Since Duke, we've been blessed to share our home and hearts with many friends with unbroken spirits - we know they are all with Duke now, watching over the rescue, and keeping us "rolling" with our mission. Thank you to all of them for the gifts you shared, the courage you had, and the lessons of the heart you taught us everyday. You have been a partner in our mission at PWD - and you will always hold a place in our hearts. |
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In February 2019, under a bright sunny sky our Megan's final chapter in the physical world ended. No words can describe losing our true canine copartner. Sharing this sad news today is hard, but we all share some wonderful memories of our Ambassador. We will miss her sweet gentle personality, lying in the sun her beautiful eyes looking up in the sky, her confidence, and "The Megan Siren" any change of energy good or bad at her place her siren would go off and we all knew we better get on it quick. Because of Megan so many hounds and blind dogs were rescued and adopted. Megan will be
remembered forever and we will cherish our memories and honor her life. So
thankful we got that urgent call from a Richmond shelter, as she was slated for
euthanasia. Mike jumped in the car and met the shelter manager at a rest stop by
Richmond. Everyone loved Miss Megan.
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Today is NOT a sad day but a day we are going to celebrate the life of our Ernie.. Ernie was our golden boy, the big white teddy bear would put a smile on everyone's face. Ernie had plenty of health challenges that he conquered over the years, but this past month his body was tired and we knew our golden boy was ready to leave the physical earth. We will miss our early morning wake up calls, we certainly did not need an alarm clock when Ernie was around, 430 am his unique bark would start. He was the main dude for our annual Camden Yards event, he was so energized meeting 1000's of people. He loved his home, his pack of wheelchair friends he shared his life with, and most important he loved all the people who cared for him, and how could you not love him right back. Thank you to the New England Hospital "who did not give up on our Ernie" and took the time to reach out to us. We are thankful to have given Ernie 13 additional healthy and happy years. One thing for certain, if anyone knew how to maneuver the universe, its Ernie. so he can remind all those he encounters that challenges can be met with panache, and he is forever living proof. |
Not many people knew Pierce. He was born with deformed paws, but more than that, Pierce was fearful and shy. His early years were spent in a shelter isolated from the world, an event he would never overcome. When he arrived at PWD, he had never eaten from a bowl, slept on a bed, or experienced the care of humans in a positive way. He was essentially feral and required time and patience. His safe haven was our home, where he flourished in small ways. Pierce revealed himself to be a sweet pup who loved cats, his canine friends and cuddling with trusted humans. We were happy to see him able to exist and trust us and be comfortable - even his own version of joyful. Pierce was so strong and fragile at the same time, and managed to find a good life when given the chance, no matter how narrow the scope of that life. RIP our sweet Pierce……. You will always be in our hearts. |
We say farewell to one of the kindest dogs ever to grace PWD….. Miss Charlotte. Charlotte came to us as an extremely abused and over-bred pit-bull who had no use of her back legs, and eventually lost the use the use of her front legs. Our vets determined her quadriplegia likely was from an injury, but could never establish either exactly how this injury occurred, or how it came to effect Charlotte so completely. What we do know is that Charlotte was living in terrible circumstance. When she was no longer able to breed, she became useless to those who were supposed to care for her, and was placed in a dark isolated closet for many years, until a Good Samarian alerted us about her. We are so grateful that Good Samaritan came to us for help in changing Charlotte’s circumstances Charlotte was an incredibly loving and good-natured dog who enjoyed basking in the sunlight, rolling in the grass, her morning “walks” in the wagon around the rescue, and quality time with her loyal crew of visitors. She was a true testament to the virtues of the pit-bull breed — a benevolent soul, affectionate to all canines and humans. R.I.P Charlotte —— So thankful we were able to make your remaining years comfortable and full of light —— So happy that your final years did the very same for us. We love you, Charlotte, forever and a day. |
June 2020 - After a long battle with cancer, we said goodbye to our feisty little terrier Dixie. She was an incredibly tough spirit right to the end, and we will never forget her. Dixie’s departure marks the end of an era here at PWD. She was one amazing soul, and it was our honor and pleasure to care for her throughout those years. While she was not always a fan of other canines, her wheelchair compatriots, especially Maddie and Ernie, were her much loved chosen family. She also was the quickest dog, with or without wheels! If Dixie and her fellow canine friends zeroed in on target, she would be the first one to arrive on the mark. Dixie, we hope Maddie, Ernie, and all your friends were there to greet you —— with healthy bodies —— and your favorite fresh, clean, warm blanket! |
June 2020 - Another huge spirit has passed. Huey, our handsome, devilish, deaf Border Collie graced us with his presence for many years. Huey kept us all on our toes and added lots of excitement -- especially when he decided he could escape! He never ventured too far….. just far enough to play, “Catch me if you can!” He entertained himself by watching us humans try, in vain, to meet his challenge! We will miss your quirky personality, Huey…... your were one of a kind, and it was such a privilege to be in your sphere of exuberance! We are certain all the friends who went before you were anxiously awaiting your arrival with a “YAY! HOORAY! —— Huey is here! Let the fun begin!” Party on, precious Huey, party on! |
Pets with Disabilities
- 635 Clay Hammond Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
Phone: 443-624-9270 Email: petswithdisabilities@comcast.net