Hera Hehr
"An Angel who lived in the body of a dog."
When our animal companions start to face health challenges or age-related problems, they often end up having a sad, lonely life at home because "they just can't keep up anymore." But even if, for example, a dog can no longer go jogging with you or might be to slow to keep pace with you when you go for a walk, it doesn't mean that he or she does not enjoy going out anymore. In fact, the opposite is true. Animals that are not feeling well or are getting older need us even more. They need our support and need to know that we are there for them no matter what, in just the same way that they are there for us whenever we need a friend. Our animal companions love to be with us, love to be in the fresh air, love to enjoy life, even if it is in a different way.
For example, my dog companion, Hera had three reconstructive hip surgeries between the ages of six and nine months due to hip dysplasia.
In addition, she was diagnosed with an adrenal gland issue at the age of four. Despite these challenges, she lived to a wonderful age of almost 12 years. Hera loved to be outside so that she was able to meet other dogs and enjoy new smells, but did not necessarily want to go for walks. So, I got her a cart, an "SUV" (which is what I called it, because it went almost everywhere), and we took it with us on our walks. This "SUV" gave Hera so much confidence that she actually walked much further than
she would have without it. It gave her a sense of security knowing that if at any time her joints got tired she could go into it and relax and not have to walk any further.
Some people stopped us and told us what a wonderful idea this was, but more often, people actually made fun of Hera in her cart. This was so
heartbreaking for her.
To make all these hurtful moments in Hera's life worthwhile, I decided to start "Animals with Special Needs" and dedicate it to Hera, a true
and wonderful friend, teacher and dog companion. Through "Animals with Special Needs" it is my hope to raise awareness about animals with special needs, provide information on how to help animals with special needs enjoy happy and fulfilled lives and support guardians of animals with special needs.
We accept it when people need help in the form of crutches or a wheelchair, so why not extend this acceptance to animals? Animals have feelings just like us, so please, let's encourage them in their carts or when trying to exercise. Many people have health or age-related problems and still live full and happy lives. Let our animal friends have the same chance. Let them enjoy their lives to the fullest, too.
If you have any questions on this subject, please feel free to contact me at any time.
To read more on "Animals with Special Needs", you can link to an article I wrote in Animal Wellness Magazine called, "How to care for a Special Needs Animal".
Please check out our "Animals with Special Needs" merchandise. All proceeds from the sale of these items will be used for educational purposes related to animals with special needs.
