They said this senior dog doesn’t like kids. But Maria, who has two toddler daughters, adopted him anyway.
She named this senior Chihuahua, Winston Shingle Decker. And contrary to what she was told, Winston Shingle Decker loves kids. Or maybe it’s just her kids that Winston loves?
Maria’s daughters and Winston do a lot of things together. They take naps together. They eat together. They lay on the couch and watch TV together.
And Winston is just chilling with them the whole time. He has nothing but love for the girls.
That’s also because Maria and her kids have showered him with love since he came into their lives.
He was an abused dog almost his whole life. When they got Winston, he suffered several injuries while at the rescue shelter. He had a head injury from the rescue shelter. Plus, he’s completely blind in one eye because another dog bit him there.
Winston has not had the best life, and Maria is determined to make sure that he feels loved every minute of every day.
The viewers who saw the video thanked Maria for adopting Winston, a senior dog who has special needs. It’s not easy to take care of a dog like that. But her whole family was committed.
“Such a precious video. God Bless You for rescuing this baby,” Janet said.
“What lovely family. Teaching them such valuable lessons. Amazing parenting, thank you for helping little one,” jobe2231 added.
And Maria had one response that summed up why she rescued Winston.
“I make it a point everyday to make sure he’s living his best life… he deserves it !!!” Maria replied.
Adopting a senior dog, and a special needs dog at that, is quite challenging, and only a few people choose to take on this responsibility.
You will really have to give your time to make sure that you’re available to take care of them. Plus some of them, like Winston, can come from abusive and traumatic homes. You will need to give them extra care and love because the smallest detail or act can be an abuse trigger for them.
According to The Grey Muzzle Organization, there are five things you need to reflect on before you adopt a senior and special needs dog.
You need to be ready financially.
Special needs and senior dogs may require specific training, specific equipment, a special ramp built in your home or car, or a special diet. And this can cost money. If you’re not sure how much it can cost, ask parents of special needs animals.
Be emotionally ready.
You already know they will pass away eventually, you just don’t know when. Prepare yourself by having a plan on how to emotionally cope after their death.
The whole family must be okay with the adoption.
It’s going to be emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausting to take care of a special needs senior dog. It can’t be just you. You need help. And in this case, hopefully, your family will be there to help each other help your dog.
You need to readjust your lifestyle.
This is why it’s best to have the whole family helping so you can all take turns taking care of your dog. You will have to adjust your lifestyle. You can’t be gone for hours, leaving the dog alone in your house. When you go out, you may need special equipment so they can walk freely. It depends on what your dog needs.
Know your why.
Why are you adopting a senior dog with special needs? Why are you willing to adjust your life to take care of them? Know your reasons and make sure they’re strong reasons before you adopt a senior dog with special needs.
Watch the video below and see how Winston changed his mind about kids.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
@mariashingle #rescuechihuahua #besties #sweetboy #rescuesarethebest❤️ #specialbond❤️ #winstonshingledecker #loverboy ♬ Surrender – Natalie Taylor
