How It All Began

told by Joyce Darrell

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 20+ 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 lives and making us better people. This certainly has been a labor of love. A mission and a 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”.