Inspire Me Monday #4: Introducing Faith, The Wonder Dog

Some of you may remember Faith from the Animal Planet show "Underdog to Wonderdog." I encourage you to watch the recap of her episode as your first introduction to her adorableness! Faith is now 3 years old and has yet to be in one family for very long. She has traveled from foster to foster and thought she found a home once, but it didn't last long.

Like many of us, my heart aches for Faith and I begin to go to a place of pity and empathy, but after meeting her, I realize that she doesn't really know that she is different. She doesn't know her limitations and she has as much energy as any 3 year old pup. She wants love, to play, to eat and to belong. And, she's finally in a home that is committed to her both emotionally and physically.

I got a chance to meet Faith this past weekend. She rolled over my foot a few times, bumped into the couch a bit too, but all and all was just an adorable dog looking for attention. I watched her play with the other furry friends in her household and have this video to share:

I'm introducing Faith to you so you can get to know her and see her progress as she settles into life with my friends, Heather and JD. After a few days she already began to come out of her shell and her personality is really starting to show. With Heather's help and updates I'll be sharing Faith's story and progress. She has a physical therapy appointment on Saturday, February 2nd. I'll share the feedback she receives from that, as well as an update on how she is doing in general. Right now there is hope for increasing movement and strength in her hind quarters. Keep your paws crossed for her!

Faith enjoying some attention

Everything shared here will come from direct updates from Heather and JD. Here is what Heather shared on her Facebook page today, "She is doing very well. I was definitely slightly overwhelmed by the extra care she needs at first. I think we are finding our routine though and we are doing well. She is coming out of her shell more and more every day.

"I think it is easy to feel sorry for dogs with disabilities at first. I mean I was heartbroken by her condition when I first met her. But it is important that people understand that dogs with disabilities are not unlike other dogs. They have to work a little harder at things that come naturally to most. If it was a person that did this to her, then I would be very angry with that person. It is possible this is a birth defect though. The thing that I love so much about animals is that they are determined to do anything. They have such a spirit about them. I think a lot of people in their condition may be feeling quite a bit sorry for themselves. I love that you don't see that kind of negative attitude with dogs though. They just accept it. So for that, Faith is kind of my encouragement every day. I think many people could learn a lot from that kind of attitude and just watching her do day to day things every day. She's an inspiration."

I couldn't agree more with that. Faith IS an inspiration, and I hope her story inspires you, too.