Gwen Cooper wasn't looking to add a special-needs pet to her brood when her vet called her well over a decade ago with a story about a blind kitten. In fact, she already had two cats and was reeling from a recent breakup, so adopting another cat wasn't even on her radar.
However, the sightless little kitten changed Cooper's life, even inspiring her to write the best-selling book "Homer's Odyssey," which we interviewed her about in 2009. Now, Cooper is back to chat with Paw Nation about giving a home to a special-needs pet.
Adopting a special-needs pet is intimidating to even the most passionate pet lover. Could you speak to some of the challenges you've faced or adjustments you've made to make things a bit easier on him?
The first thing to remember is that a special-needs pet is still a pet, still capable of loving you and providing you as much joy as any other pet. The only difference between Homer and any other cat I've had is that Homer has forced me to be neater -- I don't want to leave things out for him to trip on. This is arguably a good thing.
The first thing to remember is that a special-needs pet is still a pet, still capable of loving you and providing you as much joy as any other pet. The only difference between Homer and any other cat I've had is that Homer has forced me to be neater -- I don't want to leave things out for him to trip on. This is arguably a good thing.
Some medical conditions require a lot of extensive care, but if you're talking about some of the more common ones, like blindness, deafness or a missing limb, there's essentially no more dependence than there is with any other pet.
What advice would you offer someone inspired by your book to adopt a special-needs pet?
The one precaution I'd give is that some households will be better for special-needs pets than others. If you've got four dogs and lots of kids running around, it might not be the best fit for a blind or deaf pet, so consider how chaotic the household is. But depending on the pet's personality, it might be fine! Think things through [regarding accommodating the pet's special needs], but don't overthink it.
The one precaution I'd give is that some households will be better for special-needs pets than others. If you've got four dogs and lots of kids running around, it might not be the best fit for a blind or deaf pet, so consider how chaotic the household is. But depending on the pet's personality, it might be fine! Think things through [regarding accommodating the pet's special needs], but don't overthink it.
Do you have plans to adopt any more special-needs pets?
That's hard to answer because I have no plans to bring in any more pets until these guys [Homer and her other two cats] are gone. But eventually, yes, I would absolutely adopt another special-needs pet, although I don't want to say I have a definite plan because I've found that my pets tend to find me. But when the time comes, I'll definitely go to rescues first. Rescue is my first and only option.
That's hard to answer because I have no plans to bring in any more pets until these guys [Homer and her other two cats] are gone. But eventually, yes, I would absolutely adopt another special-needs pet, although I don't want to say I have a definite plan because I've found that my pets tend to find me. But when the time comes, I'll definitely go to rescues first. Rescue is my first and only option.
Has Homer let any of this fame go to his head?
It's tough to tell! I'd probably say no, but we get so many gifts from readers, he might be a little bit spoiled. It's a carnival of treats and toys over here. That's probably the biggest impact.
It's tough to tell! I'd probably say no, but we get so many gifts from readers, he might be a little bit spoiled. It's a carnival of treats and toys over here. That's probably the biggest impact.
Do you have plans for any more pet-related books?
Yes! I'm actually in the middle of writing a novel called "Love Saves the Day." It's due out in summer 2012, and it's narrated by a cat.
Yes! I'm actually in the middle of writing a novel called "Love Saves the Day." It's due out in summer 2012, and it's narrated by a cat.
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