Zoom Author Talk with Veterinarian Melissa Shapiro - PIGLET: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy and His Family

Please join us for this Zoom author talk with veterinarian Melissa Shapiro in conversation with Dan Schachner, Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl Referee, in a program co-sponsored by the Ridgefield Library, Books on the Common independent bookstore in Ridgefield, CT and ROAR (Ridgefield Operation Animal Rescue).

In the tradition of the beloved New York Times bestsellers Marley and Me and Oogy, The Dog Only a Family Could Love comes PIGLET: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy and His Family by Melissa Shapiro, DVM with Mim Eichler Rivas, is a charming, inspirational memoir about empathy, resilience, kindness, and an adorable deaf blind pink dog. From the moment of his debut on social media, Piglet’s infectiously positive mindset evolved into a global sensation, and Piglet now has almost half a million combined followers on social media. 

After being featured in such outlets as PEOPLE Magazine, NBC Nightly News, CNN, Woman’s World, CBS News, The Dodo, and more, over twenty-five million viewers have fallen in love with his larger-than-life spirit.

When Connecticut veterinarian Melissa Shapiro first learned of a tiny deaf blind pink puppy in need of fostering, she couldn’t help but say, “yes.” Little did she know how that decision would transform her, her family, and legions of admirers destined to embrace the saga of the indomitable pink pup.

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 nurturing, supportive, rescued dogs. After weeks of constant reassurance, and lots of love, Piglet connected, gained confidence, and his extraordinary calling began to emerge. In the process, Melissa 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 soon-to-be dashing, six-pound pink boy dog and let him go to a new adoptive home, 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-- a cast of characters and supporting players to the pink boy’s rising star—as he helped each one of them recognize strengths they had never seen in themselves and led them in a mission to empower others as well. Using his celebrity status, Piglet and his Inclusion Pack have worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for animal rescue organizations, particularly those that help rescue and care for pets with disabilities.

An embodiment of the unexpected rewards that come from giving more of ourselves, PIGLET brings together this heartwarming story of one special little puppy with a purpose to teach the power of empathy, love, and kindness.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Melissa Shapiro, DVM, is a veterinarian, lifelong animal welfare advocate, and mom to three children and many disabled rescued dogs and birds. Since bringing Piglet home in 2017, she has used his social media platform to educate, advocate, and inspire others to adopt pets with special needs. Her nonprofit organization, Piglet International Inc, supports the Piglet Mindset Educational Outreach, a free downloadable educational program that teaches growth mindset, acceptance, inclusion, empathy, and kindness to students and others in the community, as well as various animal rights causes. She lives in Westport, Connecticut with her husband Warren, six rescued dogs, three rescued birds, and Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy.

This program is part of the Ridgefield Library's Adult Summer Reading Program and is made possible thanks to the Friends of the Library.

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