the walk n roll dog

How Faith, the Dog with Two Legs Helped Frankie and Me

Below you will read about Faith, a very special dog, born without her front legs.  I know many of you have heard of her, but some may have not.  Quite often someone sends me the story of Faith in case I don't know of her.  So I thought perhaps I should share how I came to know about Faith.  It was no doubt divine intervention.

When Frankie was about 2 1/2 months into her physical therapy (PT) after her back surgery, the odds were diminishing she would walk again.  She was not repsonding to the PT.  I began to feel sorry for myself and Frankie, and was down in the dumps.  One afternoon as I was doing PT with Frankie I had the Oprah show on.  I wasn't really paying attention, when I heard Oprah announce her next guest.  Faith a two-legged dog.

As I looked up to the TV I saw Faith hop/walk across the stage.  Just writing this again today and remembering the moment, instantly brings tears to my eyes.  It was exactly what I needed to see and hear in that moment.  Faith and her owner helped me to realize I had a choice.  I could feel sorry for Frankie and me the remainder of Frankie's life, or I could look for the blessing.  As you may know, I chose to look for the blessing.  <Grin>  I am so grateful for Faith and that her owner shared her story.  It gave me such hope and I just knew everything would be okay.

Now to Faith's story.  Enjoy!!  To see photo's of Faith, visit his website

This is 'Faith'

This dog was born on Christmas Eve in the year 2002. She was born with 2 legs.

She of course could not walk when she was born. Even her mother did not want her.

Herfirst owner also did not think that he could survive and he was thinking of 'putting her to sleep'.
But then, her present owner, Jude Stringfellow, met her and wanted to take care of her.
 
She became determined to teach and train this little dog to walk by herself.  
 
She named her 'Faith'.
 
In the beginning, she put Faith on a surfboard to let her feel the movement. 
Later she used peanut  butter on a spoon as a lure and reward 
for her for standing up and jumping around. 
Even the other dog at home encouraged her to walk. 
Amazingly, only after 6 months, like a miracle,  
 
Faith learned to balance on her hind legs and to jump to move forward. 
After further training in the snow, she could now walk like a human being.
 
  

Faith loves to walk around now. 
No matter where she goes, she attracts people to her.
 
She is fast becoming famous on the international scene and 
has appeared on various newspapers and TV shows.
 
There is now a book entitled 'With a Little Faith' being published about her. 
She was even considered to appear in one of Harry Potter movies.
 
 

Her present owner Jude Stringfellew has  given up her teaching post and plans to take her around
the world to  preach that even without a perfect body, one can have a perfect soul'. 
 
 
 
In life there are always undesirable things, so in order to feel better 
you just need to look at life from another direction.
 
I hope this message will bring fresh new ways of thinking to everyone 
and that everyone will appreciate and be thankful for each beautiful day. 
Faith is the continual demonstration of the strength and wonder of life
. 

A small request: All you are asked to do is keep this story circulating
. 

Handicapped Pets Proud Sponsor of the Integrative Health Pet Expo

Before I mention Handicapped Pets, just want to give you a link to the radio show I did yesterday with Dr.’s Kim Bloomer and Jeannie Thompson, as well as children’s author, Kevin Coolidge and his cat Hobo.  This show was packed with passion!

Now, just to tell you about what sounds like a FANTASTIC pet expo in Massachussets in September.  Wish I could go!!  I love all that Handicapped Pets is doing for animals, so wanted to share this announcement they had on their Facebook page about this wonderful expo.  If you are in the area, be sure to go and check it out… then let me know how you liked it!

Handicappedpets.com is proud to be a sponsor of the Integrative Health Pet Expo
Integrative Health Pet Expo
Bringing together pet caretakers and veterinarians for healthier and happier petsFitchburg, Massachusetts September 10-11, 2009

Courtyard by Marriott – Fitchburg

Thursday, September 10, 2009 • 2:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Friday, September 11, 2009 • 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

There will be time to reflect on the anniversary of 9/11

This inaugural event will give the public the opportunity to hear cutting edge information on integrative health care options for their animals including acupuncture, homeopathy, nutrition, vaccinations and more.

Have you ever wondered how your pet can have access to the same treatments such as acupuncture and homeopathy that make you a healthier person? How about nutrition? What are the fresh organic options available for your dog, cat, horse, bird? At the Integrative Health Pet Expo, you will learn answers to these questions and many more!

Don’t miss this unique event for you and your pets!
This two day health and wellness event includes:

Lecture Series – Lectures from leaders in integrative health care for pets
Exhibition Hall – Exhibitors from natural and healthful products companies
Resources – Non-profit organizations that support holistic animal care
Silent Auction – Featuring a wealth of integrative health care products
All proceeds raised through the Integrative Pet Health Expo will benefit the following non-profit organizations:

The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) explores and supports alternative and complementary approaches to veterinary healthcare and is dedicated to integrating all aspects of animal wellness in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. All fundraising proceeds support student scholarships and research for integrative humane education.

The Center for Integrative Veterinary Care is a non-profit organization that is committed to educting and informing the general public, animal caretakers and the veterinary community about the integrative healthcare options available for the benefit of both animals and their caretakers.

The Dr. DoMore™ Project is a documentary film series that highlights the significance of integrative veterinary medicine and the importance of it becoming a mainstream model of veterinary care. The Dr. DoMore Project is sponsored by the non-profit Center for Integrative Veterinary Care

go to: http://www.ihpe.info/ for more information