If Only They Could Have Remained a Pair

This is a very special request coming from our Founder Sharon Maag. One of her current fosters needs an extraordinary forever home. SNUGGLE Pet Rescue does not manage the adoption of our kittens and puppies. This is done by animal organizations we partner with. However, there can be exceptions, and this is one of the few.

Yang and his sister Ying arrived on November 4, 2023, when they were just over 4 weeks old. They came from St. Genevieve, Missouri. After they were born it soon became apparent to their family something was not right with both kittens. When they realized the pair needed some serious medical help or they would most likely die, SNUGGLE Pet Rescue was contacted.

Both of Yang’s back legs were twisted because of tightened tendons making it impossible for him to use them to walk. He is also incontinent, so pee pads are put under him. Ying was born with spina bifida, a type of neural tube birth defect causing problems with the spinal cord and the structures that cover it. Treatment plans were created by our veterinarian for the kittens but before we were able to fully implement Yings, she passed away on December 5.

The initial treatment to try and correct Yang’s legs was physical therapy. For two months Sharon took him to the vet six days a week for a 30-minute session. The therapy was uncomfortable which is why Sharon didn’t want to be the person Yang would associate the pain with. When almost no improvement was made, we went to plan B. Casts were put on Yang’s back legs and removed a month later. Again, there was little change. The casts had also caused Yang’s legs to be rubbed raw, so it was decided to move on to plan C.

We were starting to accept that Yang would never have use of his back legs. To support him in getting around he started using a wheelchair. He got used to it quickly and Sharon’s famous saying, “You don’t have to be whole to be happy,” Yang proved to be true. When not in his wheelchair, Yang is in a large playpen with a top because he did learn quickly how to use his front legs and claws to climb out.

Another option we did not know of previously was discovered 5 months ago when one of our fosters, who too could not use his back legs, went to his forever home. His new family got Froggy a drag bag. Yang's drag bag and skateboard will be going with him to his new home. To learn more about drag bags and the skateboard that it can be attached to read Sharon’s Monday Share which follows this post.

Yang has been living with Sharon for just over 19 months. She loves him as one of her own, but she also knows that he needs to have a forever home of his own. Caring for an animal with needs that will continue to consume time, and money though is not what everyone is prepared to do.

If you’d be interested in learning more about Yang, please call the SNUGGLE Pet Rescue phone number which is 636-229-2796 and leave a message for Sharon. She will be doing the initial screening, the meet and greet with Yang and the home inspection. The adoption will be handled through the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center.