Some dogs’ impact on humans is personal. Some dogs’ influence is phenomenal.
Piggy was a homeless puppy in the Dominican Republic. When Tod Emko first saw him, he was hairless and looked like a piglet, so he got the name Piggy.
Piggy limped because he was hit by a bus. He was hungry and looked as if he didn’t have long to live. Tod’s heart broke to see him that way. Piggy had this pleading look, and Tod knew he wanted to live.
Luckily, Tod was traveling with a group of veterinarians, and they said they could help Piggy. They could not really save his leg, so they did emergency surgery to amputate it. They warned Tod that he would not have veterinary care afterward because they had to leave. Someone would have to take him to ensure his survival.
Tod decided then and there to take him back home to New York City. Piggy continued to have medical care and physical therapy. He made a full recovery. Piggy grew unexpectedly big, and he sported beautiful fur.
Tod discovered another remarkable thing about him. Piggy could somehow sense when someone needed comfort. Even when he’s walking in a public place, he would single out a person and goes to him or her to offer his paw. That person would always be grateful for Piggy’s comfort because it turned out that he or she was going through an ordeal.
Tod thought that Piggy could sense suffering because he experienced pain, too, when he was a puppy. He knew how it really felt like to be alone. Somehow, he could relate to their pain and wanted to give comfort
Tod wanted to share Piggy’s fantastic talent with the world. He wanted to inspire children and adults with Piggy’s story.
What better way to catch children’s attention than a comic book? Tod worked with Ethan Young to create A Piggy’s Tale. The main characters were based on Tod’s real-life roommates, Piggy and Simon the cat.
Piggy would visit schools and hospitals. He had the most significant impact on children with traumatic injuries. Piggy inspired them to face and try to overcome their own struggles. Many children adored him.
In 2018, Piggy was diagnosed with lymphoma. Many children wrote him cards and wished for him to get well. He went through quite a series of surgeries and chemotherapy rounds. After each ordeal, he still managed to smile.
He fought bravely for two years. Until his last few hours, when he sensed that Tod was upset, he tried to comfort his dad as best he could.
Piggy lived a happy and fruitful life. He left a legacy that would surely live on forever in his family and friends.
Source: The Dodo via YouTube