Being a furparent takes a lot of patience – you can’t talk to them in your language and expect them to understand what you’re saying.
And being a furparent to a disabled animal companion? It presents a new layer of challenges and is not for the weak of heart. At the same time, it can be a decision that comes with a lot of love.
Let’s get to know some disabled animal companions who live here in the Philippines.
GAREN
Garen was the victim of a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the loss of both his eyes. Pawssion Project helped him rehabilitate and recover from this trauma.
Despite his blindness, his joy never faded. Garen became Pawssion Project’s most recognizable ambassador, raising awareness about animal cruelty and representing rescued animals at various events.
Garen demonstrates that Dogs with physical challenges can still lead happy and fulfilling lives.
ARKIRA
Arkira is a Puspin who sits like a human. His furparent, Anton Llaneta took him in (with his now-deceased sister) one rainy night. Before he turned one year old, Arkira experienced two different accidents that caused his hind legs to become permanently paralyzed.
In spite of all this, Arkira became a fan favorite on social media, with his Facebook page having over a million likes. His (mis)adventures with his human and his siblings, and the way he sits melts the hearts of netizens.
BRUNO THE BALDADOG
Bruno is a 10-year-old Shih Tzu who uses a wheelchair and loves to run marathons. He suffered a spinal disc condition when he jumped on the bed, which left his hind legs paralyzed. Despite that, Bruno still enjoys running marathons with his human guardian.
Recently, he finished running a 1.5-kilometer marathon alongside his human, proving that not even a wheelchair can keep Bruno from his love of running.
LIESL
Liesl, also called “Raprap,” was the victim of animal cruelty rescued from Cubao by the Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS). When she was rescued, her eyes were in poor condition, and she had difficulty walking.
After receiving urgent treatment and care from PAWS, she was adopted by a loving family.
At a recent PAWS event, Liesl won “best dressed” with her human guardian.
FRAPPE
Frappe is known as “Posang Tripod” on TikTok.
She got into an accident that broke her left leg. When she was brought to the veterinarian, they suggested amputation. But the problems didn’t stop there; her urethra was also affected, necessitating two surgeries.
Thankfully, she survived, but she now has to urinate using a catheter for the rest of her life.
Her page showcases her wonderful life as a tripod Cat with a catheter.
