Every day, the Humane Society of the Nature Coast (HSNC) receives 20 to 30 phone calls from people who want to surrender their pet and every day we make it our mission to find these frightened dogs and cats a new home where they will find the only thing that ever really matters to anyone… a home where someone loves them. We’re pretty good at it. The average time between intake and adoption for dogs at the HSNC is 14 days. But sometimes pup comes through our doors that’s a little… well.. different. Maybe they don’t have the standard number of legs. A little pup named Violet is like that. We all know it takes a special provider to adopt a pet with special needs. The question is: Could you be her miracle?
Violet is a medium-sized, mixed breed pup aged precisely six years three months and 19 days as of Dec. 28. She’s up to date on her age-appropriate vaccinations. She has been spayed and has received a microchip. She’s a pretty girl. She’s smart, potty trained, gets along with other dogs… and cats… and she absolutely loves to jump around. You’d hardly notice she only has three legs!
She’s also been here since November 24. That’s over double the amount of time it normally takes for a dog to find a new home.
“Three legged dogs normally go like that,” HSNC Director of Development Susanna Arneson said snapping her fingers. “I don’t understand why she’s still here.” In fact, the HSNC has found home for around ten tri-pod fur babies in the past year… and all were in record time.
As you may have already guessed, Violet’s life hasn’t been easy. In fact, the effort just to stay alive has been a horrific challenge for her. She was found on the side of the road in Pasco County. She had been hit by a car. Someone found her and took her to Pasco Animal Services where the staff immediately rushed her to an emergency veterinary center where it was determined her leg had to be amputated. Being overwhelmed with pets themselves, Pasco reached out to the HSNC for help. The next day, Susanna made the drive to get her and bring her into the care of one of our loving fur foster parents.
“It was so sad,” recalled Arneson, who has seen more than her share of heartbreaking emergency cases since taking charge of the shelter.
It’s uncertain how long Violet had been on her own before she was found on the side of the road. She was emaciated and covered with fleas.
“She was in a lot of pain,” Arneson said, “and we wound up having to take her to Three Oaks Veterinary Service for additional pain medication.” Recuperation took a couple of weeks. But Violet is a determined trooper.
“She bonds very quickly,” Arneson shared. In fact, Violet is so desperate to be loved she becomes very protective of anyone who gives her affection. So, whoever adopts Violet must understand she needs to be a real member of the family.”
She needs to be with someone who wants to spend time with her. She needs someone who will socialize her, someone who will take her out into the world and take her to places where she can meet other people and other dogs and learn that this interaction can be fun.
Imagine having come through Violet’s past. Aside from of getting hit by a car and having your leg amputated, imagine the feeling of being so alone, of feeling so unloved. Then someone holds you… a hero.
Yes, it takes a special provider to adopt a pet with special needs. Could you be Violet’s hero?
Could you be her miracle?
To find out more about Violet and to schedule an appointment to meet this lovable little girl, call 352-796-2711.
UPDATE:
Guess who found her forever home on NEW YEAR’S EVE!!!
YAY, VIOLET!!!
I may be the person who needs Violet. I am senior woman .. “Elder Orphan”. .. Recently moved to Fl .. Own my home in quiet neighborhood .. Don’t know many people here and with covivid haven’t been able to meet folks ..Violet might be my reason to get up and out ..we could take care of each other .. I have lots of time and plenty of puppy love to share .. She has understanding of hard times and preserveence…this comment block doesn’t allow me to see what I am typing .. Sorry for stra he words an no edit.u
This comment block does not allow me to see or edit .. Sorry for weird words and spelling .. Also spell check has its own plans.
Hello Noreen:
Thank you so much for expressing interest in Violet. She really is an amazing and inspirational girl. The thing is… she was adopted on New Year’s Eve!!! Just like you, someone read her story and fell in love. Like with you the feeling of being needed by a special pup, just as much as you need them, is something her new “mom” was looking for.
However, by reading YOUR story, I think we just may have the pup you have been longing for. Her name is Lil’ Bit. She’s a medium sized dog, one and a half years old, and she’s an absolute sweetheart. She loves to be held and told she’s a pretty girl. Like Violet, she’s a special needs pup who will need the understanding and patient love only a special person can provide. Like you said, she too “has understanding of hard times and perseverance.” You see, Lil’ Bit is completely blind. While she will easily learn her way around “home,” she will need someone who will always be there to show her the way in unfamiliar places. I adopted a blind dog named Sweet Pea from the Humane Society of the Nature Coast and she has been an amazing source of love. In fact, I wrote a (blog) story about it on our website. Maybe the story about Violet was the way to bring you to meet Lil’ Bit? If you’re interested, give us a call at (352) 796-2711. We will set up an appointment so you two can meet, talk to each other about it and get to know each other a li’l bit… pun intended.