SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) -
Rebecca Young has been a frequent visitor at the Benton Animal Hospital. She runs a group called Becky's Bridge, a non-profit organization that rescues animals. She has rescued an abandoned dachshund named Andy who has little to no feeling in his back legs. He is a potential candidate for a costly surgery to repair his hind legs but if that fails he will be fitted for a wheelchair making him a special needs pet.
Young is one of 100,000 of rescue groups across the country who seek out animals like Andy and give them a second chance.
"It takes a little extra effort but it's worth it to know that you've saved his life."
People like Young have become part of a growing trend across the United States. Pet owners have started spending more and more on technology and doctors who will save unconventional animals.
Nicole Capito has one of those unconventional pets. She is the owner of Lucy, a one-year-old hamster who needed surgery to repair a torn pouch in its cheek.
"If you're going to have a pet you've got to take care of them. And you can't just throw them away for something they can't help," said Capito.
Pet care has come at a price for the Capito family. They purchased the hamster for $9 and have already spent more than $200 on vet bills.
According to the American Pet Products Manufacture's Association, the United States spent more than $14 billion on vet care in 2011. They spent another $11.4 billion on medicines and supplies. That was more than $1 billion more than pet owners spent in 2010.
Dr. Karen Gordon has worked at the North Shreveport Animal Hospital for more than 40 years. It is one of the only clinics in the Ark-La-Tex that specializes in unique pets. Gordon has taken her expertise across the globe to save some of these animals who would otherwise go without care. She traveled more than 8,000 miles to Southeast Asia to treat wounded creatures.
Back at home, she typically cares for pets of a small variety. Gordon said the growth in the amount of money people have spent on their animals does not leave her surprised.
"It is truly one of their family members just like our dogs and cats."
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