I've seen it too--and I've seen reactions to dogs in wheelchairs at an animal adoption. Wow, people are so much nicer to disabled pets than to disabled people, not that I want people patting my head or anything. Yeah, it's weird. Great that people are caring for animals no matter what and aren't just putting them down, but the prevalence of three-legged dog miracle stories is weird--I've even seen one that suggested that the dog was an inspiration to wheelchair users who generally give up, don't try to 'overcome' their disability. Whatever!

I want to make it clear that the people who adopt these animals out of the love of their hearts ARE AWESOME. Its just the people who do it because "a missing leg is hella cute," treating disability like it's a coat color, are the ones who piss me off. Maybe making a quadriplegic your running partner will be the next big thing? :)

a marque Gucci a été connu pour produire des produits de luxe haut de gamme. Sacs à mainQue ce soit des chaussures Gucci , le paquet, ou les vêtements, sont "un symbole de statut et de la richesse," Marque chérie devenir des consommateurs riches de la haute société. Entre la production à Florence, le jeunes Gucci sera imprimé comme un logo sur le dessus de ces produits en cuir. Et au début de sa noble tache dans les h?tels de luxe à Londres (Ritz) dans la cuisine, le jour voir ces passagers Voyage riche et belle délicate sac de transport, Gucci a décidé de retourner en Italie, à la maison, commencez à faire bo?te de sac Gucci logo .

http://www.sacscreateurs.com

I've got a dog with a club foot. He and his sister were rescue dogs, 5 year old whippets. He tends to hop and keep weight off the foot when walking, but is fine running. (Vet told us he could use some physical theraphy!) We are constantly asked if he "hurt his foot. "Guess kind of like having someone asking you what happened if you have a disability. I don't have one, but am tired of people just noticing the foot. And, asking, asking, asking. Bet that happens in human life, too.

@kiwi: interesting! and i do bet people always ask....so dumb. *shakes head*

My dog lost her sight and needed her eyes amputated. We get a lot of attention because she is a 100lbs bullmastiff, and because of her facial wrinkles, people don't realize she's blind when they approach her. It's quite amusing when they do a double-take while petting her and awkwardly ask if she has eyes. I then start me speech about how having a dog that is blind really isn't any harder than a sighted dog. They are amazed that she has learned her house and doesn't run into everything and destroy all my valuables!

Herve Leger est une marque britannique de trésors nationaux. En 1891, le designer britannique Thomas. Babo Li Haymarket à Londres, a ouvert en premier de la capitale britannique magasin Herve Leger, et maintenant il est toujours le siège de l'Burberry's. Avec traditionnels, les produits raffinés comme le style de conception et de production,Herve Leger en 1955, Herve Leger a été obtenu de la reine Elizabeth accordé le ?Royal Warrant (Royal Warrant)" badge. Aujourd'hui, le plaid classique Herve Leger, les caractéristiques uniques et élégants tissus et la couture élégante, est devenu synonyme de style britannique.Herve Leger

I think this article is a little over the top, to be honest. I am happy that these dogs can continue to live a full life and that someone loves them... period. I hope it helps people realize that a physical disability doesn't prevent the soul within from realizing its full potential, animal or human. Not to mention, the vast majority of amputee dogs that you see weren't poor shelter dogs that were lucky enough to make it out without being euthanized, but pets who have fought battles with osteosarcoma and other aggressive cancers where amputation was the only option. Kudos to their owners for not giving up on them, and accepting the challenge, and both financial and emotional burden that comes with caring for a loved one with a disability, even if it is 'just a pet'. If perseverance and spirit are "cute" to those who see these dogs, and they are accepted as they are, then so be it. There are bigger issues we face.

Im adopting a three legged dog, tomorrow infact!! I'm adopting this dog, his name is Draco, he has been in the shelter after being release by the vet who removed his leg. His owner, (this pup of 8 months had an owner)abandoned him to his fate after being hit by a car. He is being adopted because he has been abandoned because of being an amputee...I think he is a beautiful dog.. I hope he is a good fit in my family... I have three young loving kids who think he is a good fit. Shame on you to judge people for caring when others run!!!

Out of curiosity, why does it matter to you? How do you know people are doing it for any other reason than wanting to help an animal that others might avoid? I think you need to find a real cause to champion, one where you can help instead of just judge.

I haven't noticed this trend at all, but then again I live in a pretty rural area. Dogs are valued as much for their ability to perform a function as for their companionship. I do see three-legged or blind or deaf dogs on occasion but I don't think I've ever seen someone with a wheelchair dog. I often find myself wondering where the line between compassion and cruelly extending a life for selfish reasons exists. Should these animals have to live like that? They're not people, maybe it would be more humane to euthanize them. I think people need to stop seeing their pets as human, I LOVE my pets dearly (I even call them my furbabies) but I never forget they're animals.

"As a disabled woman, part of me wants to love it." Tiffany Carlson: That is the part you should be listening to, it's called "your humanity". When you became disabled, did you ever imagine you might be put down as "defective," or are you still able to enjoy life? Why is there any difference with a pet who has lost a leg in an accident, or to cancer, or a birth defect? These pets still enjoy life and bring love and light to thousands of pet owners like myself. I have hundreds of friends with disabled pets, and we network online to arrange transport & place disabled pets in loving homes all around the world. Your comments seem shallow and quite frankly ironic. One would think that your own physical condition would lead you to have more empathy and compassion for living things, not less. Mom to two differently-abled pets, Lexington KY USA

I had a three-legged dog who ended up that way after we opted for amputation to extend his life when he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Believe me, it was not a trend nor a cute thing. He was in pain and the choice was amputate or euthanize. Having a special needs dog is extra work, time and money. But I'd consider it again if it meant more pain-free time with a beloved pet.

wow--really---you're bitching about pets with special needs are finding happiness???? wow..wish I had more free-time on my hands to gripe about things like that are actually HELPING--oh well..good luck with all that...

"...because the trend-whores are purposely seeking out the hard-to-find three-legged cats and dogs because OMG squee no leg! So cute! they just have to have them." PS: Here's a link to more than 24,000 "trend-whores" and our supporters, trying to problem solve issues for beloved disabled pets. You're welcome. https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-newly-created-page-for-special-needs-animals/382895568404793

As a disabled person/disabled pet owner I have to say you are just a grouch who has no clue! After my injury I came across an injured animal and learned there is a special place in my heart for these animals! I (as a human) understand my disability!! These poor animals don't. They NEED our love and our care. You should be ashamed of yourself for posting this!!

I've been sitting here in disbelief trying to come up with the right words in response to this. Unfortunately, all I can come up with is that the ignorant, uneducated, judgmental, inflammatory opinions of Tiffiny Carlson are nothing short of disgusting. Trying to come up with any further response to this garbage is not worth my time.

What is called a "trend" here, I would call "awareness" through social media. Disabled humans can voice their needs, frustrations and bitterness as it is well displayed in this article. Those needy animals don't have a voice, only love to give in return when we care for them. "Fickle" would be a human who would NOT care about disability of a friend, furry or not. Of course this is only my humble opinion...

Not so sure you get the TREND per say. More people are understanding the are not DISABLED at all they are still very able animals and still fun loving and a complete joy to have as a family pet the missing leg does not make them any less of a pet. They are not bitter or angry because they only have three legs like a large number of humans with disabilities seem to be. Even the wonderful cart animals you seem to speak so lowly of have no bitterness or anger they are grateful for a second chance at mobility and life in a cart and love to motor around in them so please THINK before you judge people with what you call DISABLED pets. Those are part of our families and we love them more then we love anything else most of the time as we spend large sums of money on them and their care because we WANT to not because we HAVE TO!!!

Are you kidding me!!!!!!!!! It's called AWARENESS!

It's like this. People have learned to think differently about disabled pets now, and make an effort to give them a good quality of life despite their disability, because we are intelligent enough to know that losing a leg or an eye doesn't mean a pet automatically becomes worthless. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Similarly, more people understand now that just because someone is in a wheelchair, that doesn't mean they are a useless freak, helpless cripple, or defective human being......does that help you "get it"?

I think yor article is totally out of line..The ones that are brave enough, loving enough and willing to take the financial burden to give these fur babies a chance for love and life should be applauded not ridiculed..I ask you should the children with special needs be put aside and ignored, and not be allowed to be adopted into a loving home willing to give them all the love they deserve...I am sorry you are disabled but let me ask you...Should the doctor, your friends, and your family have tossed you aside and took the attitude that you were not perfect so they just didn't want to assume the burden of loving you and cheering you on for each new accomplishment...I feel sorry for you, not because you are physically disabled, but because your attitude and views are disabled.

This is not a TREND, like wearing Prada or listening to hip-hop. This is simply one of the last bastions of disability to be overcome. While they often do look cute, the pets that have these special devices are normal pets, not accessories. To suggest that they will be "manufactured" to suit is an evil thought that even I, a man with many evil, vengeful thoughts, would never even begin to formulate. The problems garnered and attention needed for such special needs pets would often be too much for a trendoid personality. I am disabled and we have a blind cat. She's just like the rest of the family and can hold her own, but I end up worrying about her even more. Disabled pets may look cute, but they don't work well in an ensemble that isn't a happy family.

I find your remarks to be made from a narrow perspective. Any animal who has lost a limb(s)has every right to live a full life in a loving home. Referring to people as "trend whores", I feel, is completely out of line. Also for your comment regarding "wheel chair pet". Animals in wheel chairs can get around quite well and run and play with others. Do they need more assistance from their guardians, yes they do, but they can still lead full, happy lives. If you are going to take the time to post something in this forum, you should really do your homework more before you spew incorrect and slanderous remarks.

I think the 'trend' in pets in wheelchairs boils down to one very simple idea - every animal that is born deserves a chance to live their life! And if advancements in wheelchairs now allow pets to have that kind of mobility, isn't that an amazing thing!! I am inspired by a dog Scooter in Tennesee who was shot thru the spine and except for his rear legs not moving, he can do everything. Put him in his wheels and he's faster than his german shepherd brothers. I have never seen anyone want this as a TREND - the care involved and the expense for these wheelchairs is IMMENSE! Scooter isn't hindered at all - go to Scooter's Page on FB and watch his videos. I guarantee once you read about him and see his life, that you won't find it trendy or sad either one.. he's AMAZING!

You think this is a fad? That is sick, very sick. I happen to own and love a disabled dog. After her surgeries she did not regain use of her back legs completely, she uses a wheelchair to get around. And then she got certified as a therapy dog so she can (and does) inspire disabled people in my community. We ran into a Middle School student in a wheelchair and he said "What happened to her?", which seems to be a common question. I would never dream to ask him what happened to him. I happily answered him, he smiled, it made his day, it made mine too. So before you so broadly claim it's a "trend" you should think about the happiness my dog brings to others. My dog is an inspiration, too bad I can't say the same for you.

I wanted to say more than my previous post but words just fail me... I am just at a loss of words that anyone can not be inspired by these beautiful creatures...Wait I did find some words!!! I have rescued my dog and 3cats and previous cats. My next pet will most likely be a pet with a disability because I had no idea how many were out there and THANKS to forums and posts like the page for special needs animals they have brought AWARENESS to me. This does not nor should not ever diminish any human who is disable but to say this is a "weird trend" is just mind boggling! Special needs sites gives a voice to those who can't speak. I never EVER comment on controversial threads because I try to keep social media to other things but I could not keep quiet on this...

I think people love disabled pets, because they're so helpless...but they still love life and are joyful. That's what makes them precious. A bitter, grumpy, disabled pet that feels the world owes them, on the other hand, will be avoided.

I am a disabled military veteran and I disagree that adopting special needs animals is a trend as Paris Hilton and the Kardashians aren't doing it. It is my opinion that you should really be ashamed of yourself for even thinking that. Yes, there are people that can be that shallow and care only about image, but those that adopt special needs animals know and understand the commitment, patience, love, and expense involved. There is not "manageable" amputation that doesn't require extra time and expense. Shallow people are too selfish to give that much of themselves, even for their image, so they would not be bothered with these special animals. It's for the best as well because these animals deserve the best and those that do adopt them give them more than they could have ever imagined. Shame on you.

I have a three-legged dog who was left tied to a telephone pole after being hit by a car. I am also in a relationship with a USMC combat vet who is missing part of his index finger among several other injuries. I must be the trendiest of all.

Really? I dont even know what to say to that artical. Oh second though, yes I do know what to say, GET OVER YOURSELF. People are just starting to learn that pets can survive on 3 and 2 legs, this is why, if they have the money and time, they have decided to adopt these pets, not to show off. Thisperson is beyond sad

And who decides if a person adopted a disabled pet out of love and compassion or as a result of a trend? You? How do you make that determination? I think any factor, including trends, that help to get homes for disabled pets is a good thing. I find it interesting how you gave it a selfish spin. Anyway, I hope that the trend continues.

I would like to invite you to this page so you can see for yourself how wrong you are. https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-newly-created-page-for-special-needs-animals/382895568404793

A more important issue would be to outlaw puppy mills and uncaring breeders that are cause of many abandoned animals with physcial handicaps. I am a foster mom for a dog that is barely mobile due 5 leg surgeries. I do not consider her physical issues a trend and the time she requires for daily care in my home in no way compare to the few moments of attention she receives while I am in public with her. She is certified as a therapy dog and brings smiles to seniors and autistic young people on our visits to their facilities.

If this is a trend, I hope it never goes out of fashion. As societies progress, the people withing them have more capacity to help. So why shouldn't this progress to animals? I've never heard someone take the time to bitch about the ways in which people chose to help. Thanks for raining on the compassion parade.

I just don't get how the notion of "trend" can even have risen in your mind; to me, a trend is made up, like fashion designers who design clothing willing to start a trend. Using this word with disabled dogs would imply that there are people who willingly maim or breed dogs that way, which is of course not the case. It's just that now, they are not all being put to death (still too many are I'm sure) because some people have realized these little pups also had the right to live. And since you are drawing a parallel with humans, what if I said that keeping a child who is born disabled or an adult who has become handicapped was a trend? It is exactly the same sick reasoning you're making Ms Carlson, and it is deeply sad.

I don't understand or agree with this article. I respect the writer's right to write, but think she's way off the mark. This isn't a "trend," but a growing movement to save animals that deserve a chance. Just like people facing these challenges, we know better now, but it took a little longer to see rehab as an option for our beloved animal friends.

I think that since you are handicapped as well, maybe you are a little bitter that no one has adopted you! What does this matter to you? I think that you just want to see what you can stir up. Grow up.

i have a dissabled dog.i am my self also dissabled.i wanted my dog becasue he was diffrent.i knew full whell what i was getting in to when i adopetd him.i too squee at dog with missing limbs they are in my opion far cuter.i would do the same thing to a prerson with a missing limb but most people with a disabilty would be deeply offendif i did that. or if i told them how cool i think it was they wehre dissabled.as someone with a dissabilty i do get upset when people treat me diffrent because of it.and i find that im not the only one be tthat dissabilty be phyical or mental.perhaps its not a passing trend but people understaing that just because a anmial or person isnt perfect(as so many things in our socity must be)that it still desrives a good home and love.ive learned that one cant demand to be treated like everyone eals with the good and the bad but expected to be treated diffrent becasue of there dissablity.but what do i know.im just a disabled person with a dog in a wheelchair.

I have volunteered at animal shelters and rescues for the past 3 years and it's not a "fad"... it's just that now shelters are starting to try to adopt out more dogs with handicaps, rather than euthanizing them. Also with the advent of social media, rescues have be enable to take in dogs with severe injuries because now they can raise more funds to cover surgery. What you're seeing is just a greater availability of dogs with disabilities, not an increase in their desirability. people adopt animals they bond with. I can't imagine why anyone would want to assume otherwise. For rescues, shelters, adopters and all of the animals in question, this is a beautiful thing. Why not just focus on the positive and not try to pick it apart?

Physically challenged (disabled) pets are NOT "eye candy"!!!!!!!!

This disturbed me.I belong to several groups working with "able dogs". I had a dog disabled because of arthritis - he had wheels to help. Another friend died leaving me her 3 legged beagle who was born that way. None of the people I know care for disaabled animals because they are cute or a fad but because they are beloved pets. It does them good to be out and out socializing as it does humans, so perhaps you are seeing more now. It isn't a fad. It can be easy or it can be hard, costly and time consuming. We all strive to give our animals a good, painfree, happy life. I wish the same for all people with different abilities, too.

I am inviting the author to come to our page and read the stories from caregivers of special needs animals.https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-newly-created-page-for-special-needs-animals/382895568404793