Let’s show some love to this little guy before we scroll past! Unfortunately, some dog breeders overlook the potential health issues that can arise when breeding certain dogs. Meet Hog, a Chihuahua-Dachshund mix with dappled coloring from both of his parents. When two dogs with this coloring are bred together, there is a 25% chance that the puppies will be “double dapples,” which often leads to partial or complete blindness and deafness in the pups. Hog was one of these puppies, and he is completely blind and deaf, but that doesn’t stop him from being an adorable and lovable dog. He earned his name from his light pink coloring as a puppy. Due to his special needs, Hog needed a family that was willing to provide him with extra care and affection.
Piglet was one of the 37 puppies found in a hoarding situation in Georgia. He was later brought to Connecticut where he met Melissa Shapiro, a veterinarian. Initially, Shapiro planned to foster Piglet, but she quickly developed a strong attachment to him and decided to keep him as her own. Despite already having six dogs, Shapiro was more than happy to welcome another furry friend into her home. Although taking care of Piglet was a lot of work, Shapiro found it all worth it. At first, Piglet’s separation anxiety was so severe that he would cry whenever Shapiro left the house, making caring for him feel like a full-time job. However, Shapiro’s dedication to Piglet paid off as he became a loyal companion who brought joy and love to her home.
After spending a few months in his new home, Pig the dog found himself settling into a comfortable routine. He loved playing with his furry brothers, going for long walks, and even accompanying Shapiro on business trips. Despite his unique needs, Pig refused to let them get in the way of living a happy and fulfilling life.
Pig’s story reached the ears of a third-grade teacher in Plainville, Massachusetts, who was inspired to share it with her students. She spoke to them about Pig’s positive attitude and how it helped him overcome obstacles. Pig’s example also encouraged the children to embrace diversity and celebrate differences.
The students use Piglet as a tool to improve their critical thinking skills, so they strive to maintain a “Hog mentality.” Whenever faced with difficulties, they ask themselves, “What would Pig do?” As a result, the children frequently send handmade cards to Piglet, which both Shapiro and Pig find delightful.
Piglet and his kin are not just cute, but also compassionate towards rescue dogs with special needs. Through their fundraising efforts, they offer a variety of Piglet-branded merchandise such as t-shirts, stickers, magnets, and bags. Their efforts have paid off as they’ve successfully raised over $30,000 so far!
Furthermore, the Hog’s website offers a range of educational PDFs that can be utilized in schools. Piglet is an exemplary figure for both humans and animals alike as he tirelessly advocates for adoption and brings joy to people from all corners of the world.
Moving forward, Shapiro and Pig will persist in assisting and impacting individuals. Despite having a challenging childhood, Pig has become an symbol of compassion and inclusivity thanks to Shapiro’s guidance. Pig’s story inspires people to welcome animals with special needs, like himself, who may require extra attention but are undoubtedly deserving of it.
