Piglet International Inc.
Piglet International Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation formed in Connecticut and duly qualified with the US Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We are growing our organization with the mission to bring the Piglet Mindset® educational outreach program to children and adults around the world. We are currently 100% funded by the generosity of our supporters and profits from the sale of Piglet merchandise such as t-shirts and stickers. We measure our success by the growing number of schools that bring our Piglet Mindset program to their students, and the positive feedback we receive from teachers, administrators, parents, and the children.
In addition to our Piglet Mindset® program, we educate, advocate, and fundraise for pets with disabilities. Piglet’s Rescue Fund was created to support rescue groups and other nonprofits that share our message of kindness.
About Piglet International, Inc.
Mission: The mission of Piglet International Inc. is to support our Piglet Mindset Educational Outreach Program as well as special needs dog rescues and related organizations.
Definition: A Piglet Mindset is facing and overcoming challenges with a positive attitude. It is focusing on what you have and moving past what you don’t. It is accepting individuals for who they are and including them despite their differences. It is having empathy and understanding towards others and following up with positive actions. And it is being kind to all people and animals.
Explanation: Piglet is an adorable little deaf blind dog who acts as a vehicle to engage children as he faces his challenges with a positive attitude. Piglet uses the 3 senses he has to live a happy, meaningful, productive life. His adventures with his supportive 6-pack of rescue dogs gives children an authentic, real-life example of acceptance, inclusion, empathy, and kindness regardless of looks, abilities, and disabilities.
Strategy: Through online materials to be used by teachers, parents, scout leaders, counselors, and others, the Piglet Mindset Educational Outreach Program reinforces Growth Mindset lessons and emphasizes Acceptance, Inclusion, Empathy, and Kindness. We also teach children about animal rescue and how to become effective animal advocates. In-person and virtual school visits, and appearances at fundraisers and other events support our mission. Fundraising via direct donations and Piglet Merchandise sales supports Piglet Mindset Educational Outreach as well as special needs dog rescues and related organizations.
Donate: We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation so all donations are tax deductible! Donations directly fund our Piglet Mindset Educational Outreach Program materials, school visits and other outreach events, travel expenses, and support for teachers and others using our online Piglet Mindset Curriculum. Donations also support special needs dog rescues and other organizations that share our mission.
Our Board
Melissa Shapiro, DVM, a licensed Veterinarian with 36 years in practice and 30 years as the owner of the Visiting Vet Service. She is a lifetime animal welfare advocate providing veterinary services to dog, cat, and wildlife rescue organizations. She is the CT State Representative for the HSVMA. She is mom to Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy and his pack.
Warren Shapiro, MSW, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker with 20 years of experience working for private, public, and nonprofit organizations. He has worked in biotech pharmaceutical sales for the past 20+ years and is currently employed by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. Warren is Piglet’s Favorite Dad!
Marc Shapiro, Esq., a licensed, commercial real estate attorney with 38 years in practice and currently a partner at Norton Rose Fulbright, the 4th largest law firm in the world. Marc provides the organization with legal services on a pro bono basis.
Ann Glover, a retired Consumer Marketing executive recognized for repositioning established brands, building new brands, and developing award winning, innovative, and revenue generating marketing solutions. Her last three senior executive marketing positions were with Voya Financial, The Hartford Financial Services Group, and PepsiCo Inc.
Tricia Fregeau, an innovative Massachusetts elementary school teacher with 22 years teaching experience. In July of 2017, her insight into the potential of Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy to be a growth mindset teaching model for her students led to creation our Piglet Mindset educational outreach program in her classroom. She coined the phrase Piglet Mindset!
