Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy was rescued from a hoarding situation in Georgia along with his mother and 3 litter mates. He is a Dachshund Chihuahua mix, and the product of two dapple colored parents. Dapple to dapple breeding results in a 25% chance of each puppy being “double dapple.” This double dapple color pattern is linked to congenital ear and eye defects that may result in partially or completely deaf/blind puppies. Piglet is deaf and blind. After a lot of love and attention, Piglet is now a happy, healthy dog who raises awareness and fundraises around the world. Here, his mom shares a recent adventure.
Piglet and his canine sisters Susie and Evie visited a very special bilingual classroom in Bridgeport, CT on Thursday May 24. The third graders had already learned about Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy from his YouTube video so they were anxiously awaiting this visit from the tiny Pink Prince who arrived in his new very comfortable carriage.
The children listened attentively while we discussed what it’s like to be blind and deaf like Piglet. They closed their eyes and cupped their hands over their ears so they could get an idea of how isolated Piglet might feel. We talked about how Piglet gets along without being able to see and hear, how his family keeps him safe, and how we communicate with Piglet via taps and touch signals. The children knew that Piglet uses his senses of smell, touch, and taste to help him feel comfortable as he maps his living environment at home, and when he is out and about. Being a bilingual classroom, the primary conversation was in English with ongoing translation into Spanish by the very kind, patient teacher.
Piglet waited quietly in his familiar stroller until it was time for him to come out to meet the children and show them just what he’s made of! He demonstrated his sit/stay/come routine with Susie and Evie, and then we talked about other taps and touch signals he understands. The students asked many intelligent, thoughtful questions. They found it very funny that Piglet has learned the touch signal for “go pee.” They were fascinated that Piglet could understand what he was being told without the advantage of being able to hear a voice and see hand signals, as most dogs do. Piglet actually learns just like any other dog but it takes a little more creativity and planning.
We were very lucky to meet Joseph, a very inquisitive second grade boy who happens to be blind. Joseph asked insightful questions and was able to explain the various safety precautions we have to take as we supervise and care for Piglet. It was a special moment when Joseph stroked Piglet’s neck and back. Joseph is a gentle kind boy with a beautiful smile. He also has a great sense of humor as we found out when we discussed his many talents and antics.
All the children got to mingle with Susie and Evie who provide a perfect buffer when we visit large groups of children who understandably want to pet and hold Piglet. We respect that Piglet takes time to adjust to new environments and situations. Each child was given a pink Piglet flashlight to take home as a souvenir from their visit with Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy.
Piglet’s mission is to educate and inspire, as well as create smiles. This mission is easily accomplished in an elementary school classroom. Sharing my tiny pink Piglity with children is the ultimate reward for caring for such a disabled little dog.
Read more about Piglet’s mission and adventures here!
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