If you've decided you have the resources to adopt a pet, consider taking the extra step to save an animal with special needs. Cute kittens and puppies are relatively easy to place; harder to place, and much more frequently euthanized, are pets with special needs -- older pets or pets with medical problems or disabilities. Of course, special-needs pets may need serious medical care and can cost a pet owner much more in vet bills, special food, and heartache. Yet, some people feel that they're the ones to give these needy animals a loving, caring home.

Taking on a special needs animal definitely is a commitment above and beyond the sizeable commitment pet ownership alone entails. Yet, it also has special rewards. People who adopt special-needs pets often claim to have learned valuable life lessons from their disabled pets. Blind cats, deaf dogs, small animals missing a limb, birds that have been abused, each of these animals often show remarkable ability to rally, survive, thrive, and develop meaningful relationships with their caretakers.

Research carefully the care needs of any special-needs pet you're thinking about adopting, but if you can handle those needs and afford the necessary care, by all means, be the one to step forward and give a disabled pet a home. You can change a special-needs pet's last days into years, or at least fill those last days with loving human contact.