Caring for an animal with special needs is, without a doubt, a challenging task. However, one woman named Paula Peek is trying to rescue and care for the poor dogs with special needs. Thanks to her, these pups can enjoy a full life and a loving home.
Weeble, the first special needs dog Peek rescued | PAULA PEEK
It all started ten years ago, when Paula drove from her home in Waverly, Alabama, to a shelter in Georgia to pick up a litter of newborn puppies. However, Paula’s plans changed instantly when she spotted Weeble, a scared dog, sitting in the middle of an exam table. He was scheduled to be put down, and the staff were preparing to euthanize him.
A couple of Peek’s rescue dogs sitting in her car | PAULA PEEK
It turned out that Weeble had spina bifida, so he wouldn’t be able to run or play like his brothers and sisters. For that reason, no one wants to adopt him and give him a forever home.
Gertie | PAULA PEEK
Paula knew she couldn’t allow this to happen. “They had the injection [needle] out, and I was like, ‘Stop! You can’t do that in front of me,’” she shared with The Dodo. “And I was like, ‘What’s wrong with him?’ And they said, ‘He’s been here for 10 days. All of his other siblings were adopted. And he can’t walk.’”
PAULA PEEK
The moment she heard the news, Paula decided to take the little guy home and nurse him back to health. “I said, ‘I will not have these puppies if I can’t have that dog,’” Peek said. “So, they gave me Weeble … and after about a month of playing, healthy food, and a little bit of therapy, Weeble can now walk and run. Weebly can now jump on and off the bed. He is just a wonderful, happy, and healthy dog.”
PAULA PEEK
Paula was so happy that her pup was recovering, so she decided to take in even more special-needs dogs. Peek often adopts dogs with cancer, kidney disease, and spinal conditions. She fostered them and provided them with a safe and loving home until they grew big enough to find their forever families.
Peek cuddling with Anna Banana | PAULA PEEK
She said that she drew a lot of inspiration and learned to love animals from her great-grandmother. She now lives with 20 special needs dogs, most of whom are Chihuahuas and terriers. She tries to take in as many as possible, and the dogs are all so grateful to have found a foster home with Paula.
PAULA PEEK
“My great-grandmother loved animals … and I was very sick when I was young, and I stayed with her more than I went to school,” Paula recalled. “And I remember how she took care of me, and she spent eight years in a nursing home, vegetative with Alzheimer’s. We need to take care of our elderly, whether they’re humans or animals. We can’t just abandon them.”
Weeble sitting on Peek’s lap in her car | PAULA PEEK
For that reason, even when it is clear that a dog’s life is coming to a close, Paula stays with her pets during their final moments. When a dog does pass away, Peek looks to bring another one into her home to fill the space with a new pup in need of help.
Peek relaxing on the couch with some of her special needs dogs | PAULA PEEK
When asked how long she will continue to help dogs with special needs, Paula replied, “forever.”
Some of Peek’s rescue dogs | PAULA PEEK
Thank you for rescuing and caring for all the species that need dogs. You are magnificent and beyond exceptional. Many blessings to you. All of your fur babies are beautiful!
Anna Banana | PAULA PEEK
If you would like to help her cover the cost of caring for her wonderful dogs, you can click here to donate. Feel free to share this story with your friends and family, and don’t forget to let us know your thoughts in the comments!
h.t: The Dodo