Disabled dog inspires woman to create special animal rescue organization

There are many animal rescue organizations throughout the world, and some even focus on specific attributes such as breed or age. However, it is rare to find those that are dedicated to the "underdogs,” that is, animals with disabilities. Disabled animals can require a lot of work, but the rewards of helping these creatures makes it worth it! Just ask Christie, founder/president of Nakio’s Underdog Rescue, Inc.

Christie was inspired to start an organization by her adopted dog Naki’o. When he was a very young puppy he was left in an abandoned home in the harsh Nebraska winter. Not only was he malnourished and had mange, but he was also frozen into a puddle. He had severe frost bite that took all his toes, part of his tail and nose. When he was 8 weeks old, Christie stumbled upon Naki’o's story and instantly fell in love with him. She adopted him and was ready to take on the ups and downs of having a special needs pet. As Naki’o got older and heavier his nubs had a harder time supporting him and he began limping. Christie knew he needed help if he were to lead a quality lifestyle so she got prostheses for all four of his legs. It made a dramatic difference in his lifestyle. Now he can run and chase the ball with the best of them! (Watch Naki'o run in the video link below and check out the slideshow above for photos of Naki'o and his friends.)

Naki’o not only brightened Christie’s life but also inspired her to help other animals with disabilities. This is why Nakio’s Underdog Rescue, Inc. has been created - to help these wonderful and beautiful creatures. The mission of Nakio’s Underdog Rescue, Inc. is "to rescue dogs and cats with disabilities, to find loving homes for them, and to provide resources and education to help adopters better understand and provide for their pets' disabilities.”

Located in Colorado Springs, Nakio’s Underdog Rescue, Inc. is a non-profit organization focused on pets with disabilities. They have just started running and operate mainly off of donations. They are not yet a tax-free 501c (3) non-profit organization but are working on it. Therefore, even though donations are not yet tax-deductible, they still offer the satisfaction of helping these disabled animals!

If you are in Colorado, Nakio's Underdog Rescue, Inc. is having their first annual disABLED Pet Rally to raise awareness for animals with disabilities. There will be an agility course for disabled dogs to run through and see how ABLED they really are and how much they love life and do not let obstacles stop them. In addition, there will be wheelchair races, a doggie fashion show, silent auction and more.