When people underestimate the challenges that come with raising a disabled shelter dog, and the dogs are usually the ones who end up suffering. Dogs with special needs who are just as capable of providing love may end up returning to shelters after their adoptions for a variety of reasons, all unfair to the pups. All it takes to love a disabled rescue is time and commitment.
One incredible animal rights activist understands that, and she was more than willing to take the journey with a rescue dog named Shiro.
Shiro is a partially blind and deaf dog who has lived in two shelters and 12 foster homes. In his lifetime, Shiro has been adopted and returned on four separate occasions. No wonder the poor boy suffered from crippling anxiety. Everything seemed to be working against him.
Enter our hero: animal rescuer Sheryl Smith. She has a soft spot for animals everyone else has given up on. Her crosshairs fell upon Shiro one day, and thank goodness for that.
Smith adopted Shiro in 2018 and told The Dodo:
“He was a handful but everyone else had given up on him and we weren’t prepared to do that too. He still to this day cries in the car because he thinks he’s being dropped off somewhere else.”
From Rescue Dog To Comfort Dog
Shiro slowly adjusted to his new permanent life. In fact, he became extremely valuable to Smith’s rescue efforts. Shiro found himself a new full-time position as a comfort dog for other animals. Who wouldn’t feel at ease with this cutie by their side?
When new rescue animals come into the home, Shiro instantly attends to their needs, Smith said.
“Just after his rescue l rescued a pregnant dog who was too sick to care for her pups, so Shiro climbed in with them and started cleaning them. He’s done that with every rescue I take in. He will just sit patiently with the feral cats/kittens and bonds so strongly with them, they trust him before they trust me.”
Shiro really seems to have empathy for his rescue roommates. He appears to understand the comfort they need because he once desired the same things: love and protection.
“His love and compassion for the other rescues is nothing short of amazing.”
The best part is: the only payment Shiro requires in return for his kindness is knowing he has a place to live and a family forever. And he certainly has that!
You can get a healthy dose of adorable Shiro comfort pictures on your feed by following his personal Facebook page.
H/T: The Dodo
Featured Image: @Sherios-Shenanigans/Facebook
Toledo, United States.
