Heath’s Haven Rescue & Sanctuary Helps Disabled Pups Live Their Best Life
A pack of dogs romp around the lawn at Heath’s Haven Rescue & Sanctuary, tongues lolling in excitement. The pups at the Athol, ID, shelter are just like any others, with one exception: Many use wheelchairs.
Jolene and Shawn Heath started the organization in 2010 after they adopted Phoenix, a Husky mix with severe hind-leg weakness. Around that time, Jolene started working at a veterinary clinic and saw firsthand the fate of many disabled pets. “A lot of them are euthanized because their owners can’t afford treatment,” Jolene says. Shelters also often lack the resources to care properly for pets with special needs. That’s where Heath’s Haven comes in. After taking in a disabled dog, the group works with Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital and local vet practices to evaluate and treat the animal. The rescue then provides a wheelchair, rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and physical therapy, depending on the dog’s needs.
Jolene and Shawn generally care for about 16 dogs at their home-based rescue and nearby foster homes. “We have the dogs for a minimum of four months, some of them for a year or two, to give them the proper rehabilitation,” Jolene explains.
Most of the dogs are eventually adopted, but not before potential owners go through an extensive application process that includes submission of personal and veterinarian recommendations, a home visit, and a two-week trial period. “Taking care of a special-needs dog isn’t for everyone,” Jolene says. “We’re very transparent about what it entails.” (They would know, being pet parents to not just Phoenix, but also Selah, a blind Newfoundland.)
Jolene considers raising special-needs pets challenging, yet rewarding and inspiring. “These dogs can live long, healthy, happy lives,” she says, “with a little extra care and a few accessories.”
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