In last week’s Herald column of adoptable animals with the Alliston & District Humane Society, I noticed the headline "Three-legged Hank loves hanging out with dogs." Two thoughts entered my mind. One was that many people feel sorry for, and shy away from, animals who are physically challenged and that Hank may have a long wait before he is adopted. My second thought acknowledged the fact that Hank would only be slightly inconvenienced with his lacking a leg and that he would no doubt make a wonderful companion - if given the chance. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting numerous three-legged dogs and cats and they were all wonderful animals who lived full, active lives. Unfortunately, physically challenged pets are often overlooked when people are searching for that special, four-legged family member.

Physically challenged people who lead active lives are highly regarded by society. Their perseverance and will to lead as normal as lives as possible is impressive and honourable. Rising to meet a challenge is an important part of life. People trying to overcome a physical liability are usually given much encouragement and assistance from family, friends and others.

While physically challenged people receive respect, praise and assistance in overcoming their physical limitations, companion animals rarely receive the same recognition or help.

Companion animals can be humanely killed. This is a mixed blessing. It is reassuring to know that an animal, unlike a person, can have his/her life humanely ended. This is beneficial to those animals who are suffering and whose suffering cannot be alleviated or appropriately reduced. Unfortunately, many animals who have considerable life left in them are also destroyed.

Lynn and I first met Samantha while she was at my cousin's veterinary hospital. Samantha was one of several puppies in a litter taken to my cousin's clinic. While the other puppies were healthy, "Sam" had malformed legs. Her legs were so affected that when we first met her when she was three months old, she had never stood up. The caring staff at the veterinary clinic did not want to destroy the puppy and improved her condition significantly with physiotherapy. They hoped that she would progress enough to lead a semi-normal life.

When Lynn first set eyes on the tiny puppy, I knew that we would not be leaving without adopting the little dog. That day Sam stood for the first time. She stayed at the veterinary hospital for another month so that she could receive more physiotherapy as well as treatment for an infection that she had developed.

Sam came home a month later. She had progressed to the point where she could "walk" a little. Actually, it was more of a wriggle, but she could move about, albeit slowly.

Sam has been a part of our family for close to twelve years. Her hind legs are small, but her front legs became very strong enabling Sam to move about efficiently. What Sam lacks in speed and grace she makes up in perseverance and spirit. Her never give up attitude has enabled Sam to do many things we never thought possible - including jumping up on the couch and running modest distances. Although her feisty character has allowed Samantha to reach her potential, it occasionally gets her into trouble when she instigates altercations with our other, larger dogs who are only so tolerant of her bossy actions. This affectionate dog has been a joy to live with. I hope that Hank gets the same chance for a long and happy life.