Animals with Special Needs

Animal type: Cat

Harley
A114483

Male (Neutered),

Harley is a shy, but intelligent cat who needs a kind home. As a feral adult, he has had very little human contact during his lifetime and may behave aggressively when he is frightened. However, he is not mean-tempered and will only scratch or bite if he feels threatened.
Harley entered foster care in October 2007 for socialization and to get away from the stressful shelter environment. When he first arrived at his foster home, he hid behind the furniture and hissed anytime his caregiver came near him. Now he is playful, active and affectionate. He loves to be brushed and stroked, and he even sleeps on his foster parent’s bed at night. His distrust of strangers remains, but he will generally allow strange people to touch him as long as they move slowly.
Harley has also tested positive for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), a retrovirus that is similar to HIV. FeLV is transmitted through saliva and suppresses the immune systems of infected cats. This means Harley needs to be kept indoors and away from FeLV-negative cats. This is both for his protection and to prevent the virus from spreading. Although FeLV cannot be cured it is easily managed and Harley has not shown any symptoms of illness since he entered foster care.
The ideal home for Harley would have no children and no other pets. He needs one or two quiet, patient people to work with him on a consistent basis. Once his trust is earned Harley is a friend for life.

For more information call 416.392.2273 ext. 2460/2122, or contact Feline Services.

Animal type: Cat

Jimmy
A107332

Male (Neutered),

Hello, my name is Jimmy. I came to the shelter because I was having seizures. The shelter veterinarians have determined that I have epilepsy. I take a pill twice a day, which has helped to reduce the occurrence of my seizures greatly. I am a sweet and affectionate boy who will be much happier and healthier in a proper home. if you have and experience (whether it be a human or pet) or prior knowledge of epilepsy, please consider opening your heart to me!

For more information call 416.392.2273 ext. 2460/2122, or contact Feline Services.

Animal type: Cat

Evey
A106513

Female (), 3 - 4 years old

Evey came to The Toronto Humane Society in November, 2006 as a stray. She’s a beautiful grey and white kitty who has a warm, friendly personality. She enjoys human contact and interacts well with all the Society staff, as well as the other office cats.

When she first arrived at the shelter, Evey could barely use her hind legs; she had to drag herself along the floor with her front paws in order to get around. Because she was brought in as a stray cat, no one knew why her legs were paralyzed so. The veterinarians and feline services decided to provide her with a made-to-measure prosthetic cart similar to the one used with Elleyn the corgi.

After many weeks of physiotherapy—and getting her to walk in her new cart—Evey eventually started to regain the use of her hind legs. She’s now becoming more and more adventurous and loves to go walkabout in the offices at the shelter without any help from her cart at all. Her hind legs are getting stronger the more she practices, and she no longer needs to use her cart.

Evey is a special needs cat and needs her bladder expressed manually, at least four to five times a day (this has to done throughout the day, at regular intervals).

Contact Dr. Vivian Unger at 416-392-2273 ext. 2407 for more information about Evey, the sweet little survivor who has shown the will to fight to get back on her feet!

For more information call 416.392.2273 ext. 2460/2122, or contact Feline Services.

Animal type: Dog

Claira
A108033

Female (Spayed), 8-10 years

Claira is a beautiful, affectionate, and loyal old girl of around the ages 8 to 10. As can sometimes happen in the German Shepherd breed, Claira has hip dysplasia. Some days her limp is glaringly clear and others she becomes very playful showing little sign of her problem. She is afraid of stairs and should never use them. She is intelligent as you will soon learn. She recognizes the commands “Sit” and “Stay”. At home she never barks and is a quiet and obedient companion. Claira is a dog who loves and needs the company of her guardians. As she is territorial with her space outdoors, Claira does well in dog parks only when there are many dogs in the area. She does not get along very well with other dogs in one-on-one situations. Soon enough you will be able to predict her warning signs but a muzzle is recommended when walking Claira out on the sidewalk (crowded areas should be avoided). From time to time, Claira poops indoors, so a home with a backyard is highly preferable so she can easily run outside if she needs. It would also be preferable that her owner have air-conditioning as she does shed, and thus it would be good to brush her regularly. Claira has been unlucky in the past and she deserves to find a good home to accommodate her needs as she gets older.

Claira is in a foster home now, but is still available for adoption.

For more information call 416.392.2273 ext. 2150, or contact Canine Services.

Animal type: Dog

Purdy
A091765

Female (Spayed), 9 years

Purdy is a very sweet girl who gets along well with kids and other pets. However, she will be on medication for life and the cost of that has scared off a few potential adopters As well, because she is 9 years old and already has medical problems, several people have shied away from adopting her because they felt her prognosis was poor. But the vets say with her meds, she’ll live a long and fulfilling life.

Purdy is in a foster home now, but is still available for adoption.

For more information call 416.392.2273 ext. 2150, or contact Canine Services.

Animal type: Small Domestic

Pinch

Male (Neutered), 1 yr

Hi my name is Pinch. I’m a bouncy, playful young ferret who needs a home with an experienced ferret owner and a young ferret buddy. I really love to play and play and play!

Who am I? I came to the Toronto Humane Society as a real healthy beauty but I was nervous and used my teeth whenever I got scared. I am living at my foster mom’s home now and as she says I’ve really come out of my shell but when I get excited I sometimes forget myself and get a bit rough. I’ll need someone who can give me confidence but also continue to “reinforce my training to be gentle”. You humans can be really great but boy are you wimpy!

My foster mom says I’m a “dumpling”. I believe she means I’m a real Botticelli beauty. She also calls me a “Butterball”. I have a gorgeous long soft coat and four cute round feet, not to mention lovely pair of long white fangs.

I should mention that I have a sock fetish. I really, really love socks. This gets me into a bit of trouble because I like to steal them and hide them away. I’m not into those pesky toes but they do get in the way when you are trying to get that wonderful new sock from a visitor. As you all know, the ferret with the most socks at the end of the day, WINS!

My foster mom says, “I’m the best ferret she has ever had”…” with the kitty litter.” I am truly gorgeous and will need a home with someone who will play with me, clean up after me, feed me, and can give a good ferret message.

For more information call 416.392.2273 ext. 2102, or contact Other Animal Services.