7 Special Needs Dogs in Search of Homes

If you've been looking for a way to kick off your new year but don't really want to go to the gym, maybe you might want to consider starting off 2016 the right way by helping an animal in need. If that intrigues you, you're in the right place! We've compiled a list of special needs animals available for adoption in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas. (There actually aren't that many in the immediate area, and that's probably something to be thankful for!)

Animals with special needs can come with any level of required care. Some might need just a little extra patience while others might need help doing basic things like eating, but don't let that discourage you. Any dog who fits into your life the right way can lead a fulfilling life. So consider what you have the time and space for in your home before making any major decisions. Maybe one of these sweet doggies would be perfect for you!

Dashi, Labrador Retriever & Boxer Mix

King's Harvest Ministries, Davenport, IA

About Dashi: "Owner surrendered this old girl, because they are currently homeless.
Dashi is a loving older mix. She has had a hard life and deserves to find happiness. Her owner has become homeless and she was surrendered to us. Dashi is just looking for someone to love her."

Tia, Cockapoo

Quad City Animal Welfare Center, Milan, IL

About Tia: "Tia is a senior cockapoo (Cocker spaniel/poodle mix) who is 10 years old and has a heart of gold. This pretty blond pup has been dealing with some skin and ear issues while with us, but she is at a good place now to find a home, and will just need an owner willing to continue her care!"

Buddy, Beagle Mix

Fur Fun Rescue, Lisbon, IA

About Buddy: "Buddy came to us with some medical needs and has been in foster care for a while. Buddy has Cushings Disease which means he will need medication for the rest of his life. Cushings Disease means that he has a growth on his pituitary gland that causes his adrenal glands to produce too much cortisol. His Cushings is under control with the medication he is on and as long as he stays on the medication he should live a normal life.
"Buddy is a normal beagle who is happy and friendly to everyone. He has good energy and likes to be active now. Whatever you want to do is probably fine with Buddy. He will just be your little buddy throughout your day."

Ernie, Rat Terrier & Dachsund Mix

Fur Fun Rescue, Lisbon, IA

About Ernie: "Ernie is a senior, terrier mix who came to us after he was found by the side of the road. We had never seen a dog that was literally skin and bones. He weighed 11 pounds and he should weigh about 16-18 pounds. After spending a few days at the Eastern Iowa Veterinary Specialty Clinic getting hydrated and running tests we found out he was diabetic and mostly blind. But some insulin and regular meals were all he would need to slowly get healthy again. Ernie’s diabetes is under control with two injections each day at meal times.

"If you want to see him at his most active, let him know his food is coming soon. He becomes a wiggle worm who is almost impossible to hold onto. Now that he is feeling better and has some energy to pull from he is showing us more of his personality. He loves to have his ears rubbed and his chest scratched. As a senior he takes lots of dog naps and he has a cute, breathy snore when he is sleeping."

Sebastien, Labrador Retriever & Rottweiler Mix

Apollos Place Dog Rescue, Cedar Rapids, IA

About Sebastien: "Sebastien is a 3½ year old lab-rottweiler who finds himself in need of a new “Forever Home”. His home is currently with a college student in Ames, Iowa and he needs a new home with someone whose budget can accommodate his medication needs. Recently Bastien has started having seizures and has been diagnosed with epilepsy. His seizures are infrequent (he has had 8 over a 4 month period). Since his medication was increased, he hasn’t had any seizures. He does not have lingering after-effects of the seizures so they are a hiccup then back to normal. The cost of Bastien’s medication is approximately $100 per month and unfortunately this is creating a strain on his owner’s college budget. The owner took Bastien to a local shelter and was told they would probably euthanize him and the owner doesn’t want that for Bastien! This wonderful dog has most of his life ahead of him with so much love and affection to give to someone!"

Barclay, Shepherd Mix

Last Hope Animal Rescue, Inc, Cedar Rapids, IA

About Barclay: "I traveled all the way from Egypt to find my forever home in Iowa. I am about 1 1/2 years old. I had a pretty rough time before I came to Iowa. I am missing some hair on my body because of some very bad people. But no worries now. I am all healed up and really want a home were I can love on all my people. I will need to be with kids over 12 because I am still pretty sensitive where I lost my hair and I can get a little nippy if little people are touching me there. I know lots of commands and I love to play with toys too! I would love to meet you!"

Apache (Patches), Dalmatian

Last Hope Animal Rescue, Inc, Cedar Rapids, IA

About Apache: "Patches was used as a breeder in a puppy mill, so he has very little experience with the outside world, and most of it scares him. He's afraid of loud noises, quickly moving people or animals, and he barks to try to protect himself. He takes 2 medications to treat his ongoing anxiety disorder, which he will most likely never be completely free of. Patches is very affectionate and loves to snuggle. His fur is very soft; he lays his head in your hand, or on your lap when he trusts you (which is super-cute), and he takes treats very gently. Patches needs a family that will be patient as he learns about the world- a quiet house without small children, and best-case-scenario a leader dog for him to learn from. Patches wants to be a good dog- he just never got a chance to learn how to be since he spent the first 5 years of his life in a box."