About the Author

Melissa Shapiro, DVM is a veterinarian, a lifelong animal welfare advocate, and a mom to three children and many rescued dogs and birds.

Since bringing Piglet home in 2017, she has used his social media platforms to educate and inspire others to adopt pets with special needs. Her nonprofit, Piglet International Inc., supports Piglet Mindset educational outreach, a free downloadable curriculum that teaches growth mindset, acceptance, inclusion, empathy, and kindness to students and to others in the community as well. The organization also raises awareness and funding for special needs dog rescue groups and various other animal welfare causes.

Dr. Shapiro lives in Connecticut with her husband, Warren, six rescued dogs, one rescued parakeet, and Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy.