In the tradition of the beloved New York Times bestsellers Marley and Me and Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love, “a beautiful, inspiring” (Laura Schroff, New York Times bestselling author) memoir about empathy, resilience, kindness, and an adorable deaf blind pink dog.

When veterinarian Melissa Shapiro gets a call about a tiny deaf blind puppy rescued from a hoarding situation in need of fostering, she doesn’t hesitate to say, “yes.” Little does she know how that decision will transform her, her family, and legions of admirers destined to embrace the saga of the indomitable pink “puppy with a purpose” (Good Morning America).

The anxious and 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 other rescued dogs. After weeks of reassurance, and lots of love, Piglet connected, gained confidence, and his extraordinary spirit emerged. Melissa soon forged a powerful bond with Piglet, allowing the two to communicate without sound or visual cues.

Two months later, when the day arrived to say goodbye to the now dashing, six-pound pink dog with the larger-than-life spirit, Melissa faced a heart-wrenching decision. Could she hand him over to someone willing to give Piglet full-time attention or could she adapt her life to make a permanent place for him? Of course, the answer was simple: love would find a way.

Piglet: The Unexpected Story of a Deaf, Blind, Pink Puppy and His Family fully illustrates this heartwarming story of one special little puppy who teaches the power of empathy, love, and kindness. “Feeling hopeless? Pick up this book, savor its heartwarming messages, and share it widely. It is that good” (Marc Bekoff, PhD, author of Canine Confidential).

"“Piglet is just getting started on his quest to make the world a better place.” " - People.com

"Shapiro’s personal tale will inspire even the most time-pressed among us to take time out for the pups — and people — that matter." - The Washington Post

"“A little dog with a big following,helping students learn a powerful lesson about acceptance.”
 " - NBC Nightly News

"“Piglet—a pink, blind, and deaf puppy—inspires others to overcome the odds.”
 " - CBSnews.com

"“Sometimes we need a little inspiration to remember to never give up. . . . And a little deaf and blind puppy named Piglet is just that inspiration.”
 " - theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com

"“Educators and their students, animal advocacy groups, his legion of social media friends, and now readers of this book, will continue to be inspired by Piglet and his pack face each new challenge with resilience. Including serious factual details as needed while creating an emotional bond with touches of sorrow and joy, this book will rightly gain its canine influencer new followers.” " - Booklist

"The heartwarming journey of how Piglet gained confidence and now helps others face their own challenges. Each page of Piglet’s story shows the power of empathy, love and kindness—it’s a joyful respite that is certain to inspire." - Woman's World Magazine

"Shapiro and Piglet’s uplifting odyssey, cowritten by Eichler-Rivas (The Pursuit of Happyness), is touching, emotional, and not to be missed.”  " - Library Journal (starred review)

"“Shapiro's inspirational memoir—candid details of her veterinary career, her family, lovable Piglet and his incredibly sweet, resilient spirit—will win hearts.”" - Shelf Awareness