Sometimes the strongest connections come from shared experiences, even between different species. Juanita Mengel and her cat Lola Pearl, both with a missing leg, share a love built on resilience and understanding. [1]
As a kitten, Lola Pearl was sent to Animal Lifeline of Iowa "with her little back legs all twisted." This special shelter is dedicated to caring for rescue animals with special needs.
At first, the vets thought the kitten would need to have both of her back paws amputated. Thankfully, through months of physical therapy, only one of her back legs needed to be removed.
When Juanita learned about Lola Pearl, she knew they would share a unique relationship.
"She just had to have the one back left leg done. It's funny because it's the same leg I had done," said Juanita to PEOPLE. "The big thing with her is they wanted to find somebody that knew about prosthetics, and of course, I'm an amputee that knew about prosthetics." [1]
Juanita and Lola Pearl are lucky to have found each other!
Supporting shelter animals with special needs is a rewarding way to make a difference in their lives. Here are a few ways you can help:
Volunteer: Many shelters welcome volunteers to assist with caring for animals, including those with special needs. Whether it’s helping with daily care, therapy sessions, or simply offering companionship, your time makes a big impact.
Foster or Adopt: Fostering or adopting a special needs animal can be incredibly rewarding. By giving them a loving home, you provide the stability and care they need to thrive.
Spread Awareness: Sharing the stories of special needs animals and the shelters that care for them helps raise awareness and encourages others to adopt animals of all sizes, shapes, and abilities!
Each action, no matter how big or small, can help change the life of an animal in need.
The heartbreaking truth is that the injuries of countless homeless cats go untreated. These cats never experience the love and care of a guardian who values their individuality.
That’s why our mission is to end the number 1 cause of suffering and death for dogs and cats -- overpopulation -- by developing a permanent-lasting birth control cookie that will only need to be eaten one time, and it will in effect spay or neuter -- without surgery.
Help end the number 1 cause of suffering for dogs and cats ... for as little as $5 a month.
We can never thank you enough for all you do for animals!
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