Westport vet shares story of disabled pup
WESTPORT DOG MOM WRITES A BOOK ABOUT HER DISABLED, INTERNET FAMOUS PUP
Melissa Shapiro had been fostering dogs for years before she met her Instagram famous pup, Piglet.
In 2017 the Westport veterinarian agreed to foster a tiny, pink puppy who was deaf and blind, and she quickly fell in love with him — which led her to adopt him two months later. She documented Piglet’s life online and quickly became an internet sensation. Now Shapiro is sharing the story of how raising Piglet has changed her life and the lessons she has learned from caring for her disabled dog in her book “Piglet, The Unexpected Story of a Deaf Blind Pink Puppy and His Family.”
Before the book’s release on Aug. 3, Shapiro chatted with Hearst Connecticut Media about the educational program Piglet inspired and what it’s like to have her dog be internet famous.
Q. How has being Piglet’s mom changed your life since adopting him in 2017?
A. Piglet is a tiny profoundly disabled dog. When he came to live with us as our foster puppy, he was anxious, barked constantly and essentially turned our household upside down! But connecting with him was easy — he loved sleeping in our arms, settled into our predictable daily routine and made it very clear that he was here to stay.
After two months, the uncertainty of who would adopt Piglet was resolved. He was ours and we embarked on a new exciting adventure. Piglet is so endearing and engaging that he immediately pulled us into his world of positivity and optimism. He has given me social media platforms where I can advocate for rescued animals like him. And our educational program reaches children all around the world with a positive message of inclusion, empathy and kindness.
Q. How would you describe Piglet, beyond his disabilities?
A. Piglet wants to be actively involved in every aspect of his life. He diligently interacts with his people, dogs, and his surroundings. He has learned to optimize his sense of smell and touch which keeps him centered and involved in whatever activity is going on around him. He builds on his experiences in the most remarkable, intelligent way. He is a smart, determined, engaged little dog who doesn’t want to miss out on anything, and he definitely does not want to feel alone.
Q. What’s it like to know that your dog has international fame?
A. Having a famous dog is a lot of fun. It really is an unusual unexpected position to be in, and it carries quite a bit of responsibility. We have an authentic, educational and entertaining platform. Our followers expect to be drawn into a variety of topics, emotions and heartwarming pictures and videos. Piglet Mindset™ educational program continues to grow which is very exciting.
Q. What made you want to share Piglet’s story?
A.As our social media following grew, our messaging and programs also grew. We were advocating for dogs with disabilities, collaborating with nonprofits that focus on people with disabilities, and we were developing our Piglet Mindset™ educational program, reaching thousands of children each year. The impact Piglet was having on more and more adults and children was becoming somewhat of a movement.
Q. How does it feel knowing your dog inspired the Piglet Mindset and has helped others just by being himself?
A. Piglet is a very happy, positive individual. His Piglet Mindset™ has become a well-received educational program in schools all around the U.S. and the world. Collaborating with teachers and parents who have chosen my dog Piglet to teach their students and children about facing challenges with a positive attitude, having a growth mindset and being inclusive and kind, is more than I ever dreamed for him. I am thankful to Ms. Tricia Fregeau, a third grade teacher in Massachusetts who initially brought Piglet into her classroom four years ago and coined the phrase “Piglet Mindset.” Children identify with and relate to Piglet and our other rescued dogs which makes them an exceptionally effective growth mindset and inclusion teaching mode.
Q. What do you think draws people to Piglet’s story?
Piglet’s story is about survival, facing challenges, inclusion and being kind, all wrapped up in one tiny adorable deaf blind pink dog. We present Piglet in an authentic, relatable manner that people can identify with on many different levels. And they can take from the story and bring Piglet into their lives wherever they need him. Most of all, when people of all ages learn about Piglet’s positivity, and they see him in action, even in pics and videos (most not in person), they can’t help but smile. And everyone deserves and enjoys a good reason to smile every day.
Q. What lessons has Piglet taught you?
A. Piglet is a positive, happy, energetic little dog. He lives a growth mindset, which we call a Piglet Mindset. Caring for him and bringing his message to adults and children around the world has given me an opportunity to step back, live more in the moment, accept the unexpected and face my own challenges in a more positive, flexible way.
For more information about Piglet, visit PigletMindset.org.