Piggy is an unusual dog in 2 respects. First of all, he only has 3 legs. Secondly, he seems to have a gift for knowing just when people are feeling down, according to his human,Tod Emko.
Source: Tod Emko
Emko, founder ofDarwin Animal Doctors, saved Piggy in 2009 on a visit to the Dominican Republic. The young canine was covered in ticks and fleas, and living on the streets after being hit by a car. One of his legs was gravely injured by the incident and he spent nearly a month on his own before the association's team found him.
Source: Tod Emko
The medical team decided to amputate his twisted leg, which was causing him a lot of pain and had become infected during the month he spent alone. In Emko's opinion, Piggy's empathetic skills come from this sad and near-fatal time in his life. The pup arrived in New York City in 2009 and soon, Emko noticed Piggy's 'special power', as he explained to The Dodo:
He was skinny, hairless and barely able to hop for more than a couple blocks. But he was determined to gain strength and walk farther each day. And even though it was easier for him to stay on park paths, one day, he veered off the trail in Central Park, singling out one person out of the crowd.
Source: Tod Emko
Piggy made a beeline for a man sat alone on a bench, lay down next to him, and put a paw on his shoe. The man immediately burst into tears. When Emko asked him what was wrong, the man replied that his own beloved dog had just died that morning, but that Piggy's sweet gesture had made him feel a little bit better.Ever since, Piggy takes every occasion to help people in need. Always heading for people having panic attacks, or suffering from illnesses, trauma and injuries on the streets of New York, he's become a true therapy dog.
Source: Tod Emko
In 2016, Emko decided to take Piggy into hospitals and schools to visit children. For children especially, his quiet and loving nature makes him the perfect therapy canine:
There is one encounter that I will always think of when I think of how remarkable Piggy is. One day Piggy was volunteering at iHOPE NYC for kids with severe brain injuries. And one girl we came across, the social workers said she had a huge fear of dogs. And she didn't have much range of movement either, so do not expect her to interact with Piggy.
Source: Tod Emko
However, Piggy worked his magic, and the little girl slowly got used to him until she could stroke him with no problems at all.
Source: Tod Emko
The kind-hearted pooch doesn't only help humans; he's been incredibly helpful towards his fellow animals too! During another walk through Central Park, Piggy went up to a little dogand covered her with loving kisses. The other dog's owner told Emko:
'This old girl is dying. This is her last trip to Central Park before she goes to the vet for the final time". I looked down, and Piggy kept nudging and kissing her, until she perked up, and began wagging her tail. Once she was perky and smiling, Piggy was finally ready to leave the park.
Source: Tod Emko
Emko sometimes proudly says that his dog has a sort of 'super power', although he also thinks that Piggy just knows how to do his job very well:
Border collies and Aussie shepherds usually want a job to do — it's how they are. Piggy is being the ultimate example of a dog. He’s looking for good to do, and looking for lives to save or make better. And teaching us how we could do the same.
Source: Tod Emko
H/t: The Dodo
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