RaveDash

One of the biggest considerations for prospective pet owners before taking responsibility for an animal is whether they can financially afford to do so.

Monetary issues are one of the most common reasons that people are forced to give up their pets, either placing them in shelters or sometimes abandoning them to fend for themselves on the streets.

One kitten with an uncertain start in life has been given a second chance after getting adopted while at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Animal Medical Center (MSPCA-Angell).

In a post to its Facebook account, MSPCS-Angell said that Grumby is an 11-week-old kitten with "severely deformed" back legs.

"But he has learned to function really well despite his condition," the post continued. "He is able to get around and he acts like a regular kitten—he loves attention and can be a little mischievous. He doesn't let anything get him down!"

Grumby was taken from a rescue center in Texas "in an effort to help an overcrowded shelter." MSPCS-Angell's veterinarians are collaborating to find ways to manage his condition, but he can walk and use a litter box "so no intervention is needed at this time."

"However, he will need a very special adopter who can accommodate his needs as he is. Interested adopters should have a close relationship with a veterinarian," MSPCS-Angell said.

Like senior pets, those with disabilities are harder to re-home because of the inevitable extra time and care they require. Happily, Grumby, now renamed Noodles, was recently adopted by wildlife photographer Danielle Murr, and he even has his own Instagram account.

"Our boy Gumby (now Noodles) has found an amazing home!! We are happy to share he has been adopted and will get all of the forehead kisses he deserves forever," MSPCS-Angell said in the post.

People thinking about adopting a pet with special needs often go through rigorous screening by shelters.

"Because of the specialized care required for a pet with special needs, shelters don't tend to adopt these pets out to just anybody," says the Hill's Pet Nutrition website.

"Prospective families must meet certain requirements in order to be considered," the site says.

"Apart from demonstrating the ability to provide a pet with the necessary care, [an animal shelter] looks for potential adopters who are undaunted by the challenges presented by the pet," the site continues. "They look for people who listen to the advice and instructions of behavioral counselors and veterinary staff and show a willingness to follow through and take initiative in continuing the pet's care."

Users on Facebook were thrilled with the news about the kitten's adoption.

"I'm so happy! I have been thinking about little Gumby all weekend after I saw his picture last week. I'm so glad he has a loving new family," commented one user on Facebook.

"So happy to hear this. God bless you for adopting Gumby/Noodle," wrote another.

Newsweek has reached out to MSPCS-Angell via Facebook and Danielle Murr via Instagram for comment.

Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@newsweek.com with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

");jQuery(this).remove()}) jQuery('.start-slider').owlCarousel({loop:!1,margin:10,nav:!0,items:1}).on('changed.owl.carousel',function(event){var currentItem=event.item.index;var totalItems=event.item.count;if(currentItem===0){jQuery('.owl-prev').addClass('disabled')}else{jQuery('.owl-prev').removeClass('disabled')} if(currentItem===totalItems-1){jQuery('.owl-next').addClass('disabled')}else{jQuery('.owl-next').removeClass('disabled')}})}})})

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrK6enZtjsLC5jp2cn6eiorKlecqiq62dnmKzsL7Er5yrZZikuqZ5kHFrcWxlZg%3D%3D