HandicappedPets.com Newsletter - June 2008

                                         . . . giving ability back to your disabled pet

Two Dogs Get New Set of Wheels on Television News
New Ultra Paws Dog Boots in Durable or Rugged
Help Us with our Mission
Kathy Conley Promoted at HandicappedPets.com
Maranatha Farm in the Spotlight

Disability is a matter of perception. If you can do just one thing well, you're needed by someone.                                                                                                                              - Martina Navratilova

Feature: DOGS IN WHEELS ON TV!

       
Meet Comet! Comet, a beautiful golden retriever from Rhode Island, was one of the lucky pets that got a new wheelchair from Kathy Barton’s 4th graders in Oklahoma. Comet tested his new wheels at the RISPCA, where Marvin and Dr. Finocchio – who also contributed to the 4th graders 2008 fundraiser – looked on with delight as Comet raced around the room. The new wheels replaced an old, “recycled” set that Comet’s family had received from a friend. Comet’s rear legs were paralyzed from an auto accident two years ago, but between the love and devotion of his family and his rolling legs, this dog doesn’t seem to notice that he’s “handicapped.” Two local RI television newsmen were there to film Comet, and this happy story was then picked up by television news affiliates across the country! 

 



Johanna was the first dog, back in 2004, to receive a wheelchair from Kathy Barton’s 4th graders. Johanna had been beaten by three teens in Tennessee, her rear legs paralyzed. Rescued, and eventually adopted by Paul and Michelle in Maine, Johanna took to her wheels with gusto - so much so that she wore them out! Kathy’s class decided to give her a new set of wheels this year, which Johanna enthusiastically romped about in at a park in Portland, Maine–she didn’t seem to notice that three television news teams were filming her. As reported in the Portland Press Herald, “If she could talk, she would tell everyone: ‘Do not pity me.’”   HandicappedPets.com wishes Paul and Michelle the best of luck as they anticipate the birth of their first child!

 

 


 

New Products: Ultra Paws- Dog Boots You Can Count On!

Handicapped Pet News:

Help Us Spread Our Mission Statement

HandicappedPets.com wants tevertone, especially pet caretakers and veterinarians to know that there are products, services, and support out there to help special needs pets. Please help us spread the word! Let people know there are options!

Our mission statement:

“To show people that elderly, disabled, and handicapped pets can lead happy, healthy lives with products, services, and support.” 

New VP at HandicappedPets.com

HandicappedPets.com is pleased to announce the promotion of Kathy Conley to the position of Vice President. Conley has been with the company for more than two years and has been an invaluable asset. “I’m very excited about my new position,” said Kathy. “The company’s growing and we’ve helped so many people and animals–it’s very heartwarming. I know how much I love my pet and it makes me feel good to help people with theirs. I’m always on the lookout for new products and ideas to do even more for special-needs pets.” Kathy, the mother of four grown boys, lives with her husband, Larry, and Yorkshire terrier, Bailey. “Bailey’s part of the family–especially because I’m feeling the empty nest.”








Karen and Dwane Wilkins run Maranatha Farm, a 501 C-3 sanctuary and shelter for abused and abandoned animals.  On top of all the animals in their care, Karen expresses Buckshot, who was shot and paralyzed the day after Christmas and gets around with the help of a wheelchair. HandicappedPets.com commends the work at Maranatha Farm and would like to highlight their Senior to Senior program, which matches elderly people wanting companionship with an adult or senior pet who needs a home. Maranatha Farm offers a lot of support to these “foster parents.” Check out this innovative and valuable program at: http://www.maranathafarm.org/spay.php