Regrettably, some breeders overlook potential health concerns when breeding dogs. Piglet, the pink and endearing puppy, is the result of a cross between a Chihuahua and a Dachshund, both of which were dappled. When two dogs of this coloring are bred together, their puppies have a 25% chance of being “double dapples,” a condition often associated with partial or complete blindness and deafness. Piglet falls into this category, being both blind and deaf, but his spirit remains undeterred.
Piglet earned his name due to his light pink puppy coat, and while he is undeniably beautiful and charming, his unique needs required a family willing to provide him with extra love and care.
Piglet’s Journey
Piglet and 37 other puppies were discovered in a hoarding situation in Georgia before being sent to Connecticut, where veterinarian Melissa Shapiro first encountered him. Initially intending to foster Piglet, Shapiro quickly formed a deep bond with him. In just two months of fostering, she realized that Piglet belonged with her.
Despite already caring for six other dogs, Shapiro eagerly embraced the challenge of caring for Piglet. Initially, it felt like a full-time job as Piglet would vocalize his anxiety frequently and was highly attached to Shapiro. For the first month, she couldn’t leave him alone due to his severe separation anxiety.
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Over time, Piglet settled into his forever home, establishing routines and becoming more comfortable. Playing with his doggie siblings, going for walks, and even joining Shapiro on her business trips became his favorite activities. Piglet refused to let his unique needs hinder his ability to lead a contented dog’s life.
Piglet’s Inspiring Rebirth
In Plainville, Massachusetts, a third-grade teacher found inspiration in Piglet’s story and shared it with her students. She highlighted Piglet’s unwavering positivity and how it allowed him to conquer challenges. Piglet became a symbol of embracing diversity, and the students adopted a “Piglet frame of mind” to tackle difficulties, asking themselves, “What would Piglet do?”
The children regularly send hand-drawn cards to Piglet, which he and his family cherish. Piglet’s family also organizes fundraisers for rescue dogs with special needs, selling Piglet-themed merchandise like t-shirts, magnets, stickers, and bags, raising over $30,000 to date.
Piglet’s website offers educational PDFs for classroom use, as he tirelessly promotes adoption and brings smiles to people worldwide. He serves as an inspiration not only to humans but also to dogs with unique requirements.
In the years to come, Shapiro and Piglet remain committed to inspiring and motivating people. Despite his challenging upbringing, Piglet embodies the values of kindness and acceptance. His story inspires many to adopt pets with special needs, recognizing that they may require extra care but are unquestionably worth the effort.