Lakeland Animal Welfare Society

Special Animals

03/13/2007

Our shelter receives a very wide variety of animals from all different places. Some of these animals have been abused or neglected; others have been alone in the world and may have suffered serious injuries that require extensive medical care and perhaps leave permanent damage. Still others have blemishes or problems resulting from genetic defects or illness, or are simply seniors looking for a family willing to take them in. Sometimes these animals need homes able to meet special needs or families able to give special care, while others simply need a family willing to look past a cosmetic blemish and see the wonderful personality inside.

By opening your home and your heart to one of these animals, you will be giving a second chance to an animal that is truly in need. Please note that at times some of the posted animals have been through extreme circumstances and their stories may contain information about these past histories.

Cats

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Dogs

Jenna

My name is Jenna, and I am a 3-year-old American Staffordshire terrier. I am currently living in Lakeland Animal Shelter in Elkhorn, where I have spent much of my life.

The first time I came to the shelter, I was under a year old and stray. Since they didn't know where I came from, the shelter staff named me "Penny". I was a happy, high-energy, outgoing girl who loved people of all kinds, and after months in the shelter, I was adopted. My people loved me, but just as they were adopting me, their town passed legislation banning my breed. My people tried to keep me, but they were unsuccessful, and sadly, they were forced to return me to the shelter.

I was eventually adopted again, and the people renamed me "Jenna". I stayed with them for months, and then I started showing symptoms of allergies--red nose, lots of skin irritation, very inflamed and painful ears. I was great in the household, and an excellent family dog, but my people were not in a position to deal with my allergies, and I was returned to the shelter in the summer of 2003, where I have been ever since. Because I was so sick, I spent a long time being treated and couldn't be handled by many people when I wasn't feeling well. The isolation made me more afraid of strange people, and although I love children, and I adore people I know, now I sometimes feel threatened by strange adults, especially men.

The shelter staff is working with me and trying to give me a chance to meet new people, but what I really need is to spend some time in a really special home where I can get attention and learn to trust all people again. Even if the home is only a temporary foster home, it will help me re-adjust to family life. My foster people or adoptive family needs to be really special, because I need a special diet and treats to keep my allergies from bothering me.

If you are interested in meeting me, please contact the animal shelter at 262-723-1000, or email adopt@lakelandanimalshelter.org

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If you cannot provide a home for any of these special animals but would like to help, please consider donating to the shelter to help us to provide the extra care and treatment required for these and other special needs animals.