Piglet – The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind Pink Puppy and His Family
Today’s featured guest is Connecticut veterinarian Dr. Melissa Shapiro. Tune in to hear the story of how she got a a call about a tiny deaf blind puppy rescued from a hoarding situation in need of fostering. She didn’t hesitate to say, “yes.” Little did she know how that decision would transform her, her family, and legions of admirers destined to embrace.
One of the most anxious dogs Melissa had ever encountered, the traumatized Piglet weighed under two pounds upon his welcome into the Shapiro household—which included Melissa’s husband Warren and their three college-aged kids, plus six other rescued dogs. After months of reassurance, and lots of love, Piglet connected, gained confidence, and his extraordinary spirit emerged. Melissa soon forged a powerful bond with Piglet, allowing the two to communicate without sound or visual cues.
When the day arrived to say good-bye to the now dashing, six-pound pink boy dog with the larger than life spirit, Melissa faced a heart-wrenching decision. Could she hand him over to someone willing to give Piglet the full-time attention he required or could she adapt her schedule and her household to make a permanent place for him in her life and work? Of course, the answer was simple: love would find a way.
Curious, engaged, and incredibly eager to learn, Piglet quickly became part of the family. What started out as a few simple Facebook posts of Piglet and his pack rapidly evolved into a global celebration of Piglet’s infectiously positive mindset. Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy and His Family fully illustrates this heartwarming story of one special little puppy with a purpose to teach the power of empathy, love, and kindness.
BIO:
Dr. Melissa Shapiro is a graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine. She did a rotating internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, and a residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She worked in a number of small animal practices in Massachusetts and Connecticut before opening the Visiting Vet Service in 1991. Realizing that house calls are particularly beneficial to her geriatric patients, in 2013 Dr. Shapiro created Your Senior Pet's Vet, an in-home service dedicated to providing the highest level of custom veterinary care to senior and special-needs dogs and cats in the comfort of their own homes. Dr. Shapiro has been a dedicated advocate for animal welfare for decades.