Some dogs affect people on a personal level, and this is quite a remarkable thing. A good example of such a dog is Piggy.
Piggy was an abandoned dog in the Dominican Republic. Tod Emko, the dog’s rescuer, gave him that name because he was hairless and resembled a piglet when he first saw him.
Piggy had a limp and this happened after he was struck by a bus. He was also starving and appeared to have little time left to live.
Tod’s heart broke seeing him in such a state. Piggy looked like he was begging for help, and Tod understood that the dog wanted to survive.
The man was fortunate to be traveling with a group of vets who claimed that they could assist Piggy. They were unable to preserve his leg, and emergency surgery was needed to amputate it.
After that, they told Tod that Piggy would no longer receive veterinarian treatment from them because they had to leave already and go back home. Someone must take Piggy in order to assure his survival.
Tod decided on the spot to take him back to New York City. Piggy continued to receive medical treatment and physiotherapy there and soon made a complete recovery. Piggy grew unexpectedly large, and his fur was exquisite.
Tod learned something else astonishing about the dog. Piggy could tell when someone was in need of comfort. Even when he is walking in a public area, he will single out an individual and approach them to offer his paw. This person would forever be thankful to Piggy for his or her comfort, and would tell Tod that they were going through a difficult time.
The man believed that Piggy could sense pain in others because he himself had experienced it in his past. Piggy understood what it was like to be truly alone. He could connect to their suffering and wished to comfort them.
Tod wished to showcase Piggy’s extraordinary talent to the world. He wanted Piggy’s narrative to encourage children and adults to just hold on.
There certainly is no better way to get the interest of children than with a comic book. So Tod and comic book artist Ethan Young collaborated to develop A Pig’s Tale. Tod’s housemates, Piggy and Simon the cat, became the inspiration for the major characters.
Piggy would tour hospitals and schools. He had the greatest impact on youngsters suffering from injuries. They were inspired by Piggy to confront and overcome their own obstacles.
Piggy was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2018. Many children sent him get-well cards and well-wishes. He endured numerous operations and rounds of chemotherapy. Despite each adversity, he managed to maintain a smile.
He fought for two years with valor. Until his final hours, when he noticed that Tod was sad, he did his best to comfort his father.
Piggy enjoyed a long and prosperous life, and he left a lasting legacy that will be around forever.
Source: The Dodo
