Eight-month-old Pig was born with short spine syndrome (Picture: File)

Pig the half-dog has become an internet sensation after her new owner shared her story with the world.

The mixed-breed pup has short spine syndrome, which means she has missing ribs, incorrectly rotated joints, and damaged vertebrae – and was taken in by Kim Dillenbeck after she found eight-month-old Pig abandoned in a forest.

Pig is so adorable, and her story so inspirational, that we couldn’t help thinking about what she can teach us about life.

1. That you should always hope for a happy ending


Pig was born in the wild in Atlanta, and wasn’t expected to live very long. However, when a woman heard her and her sisters barking, Pig was rescued – and is now an internet star with a loving family and cult Facebook following.



2. That you don’t need to look like everyone else to be a star

Pig has plenty of siblings in the form of Kim’s two other dogs – but Pig’s the one everyone talks about and coos over in the street. Of course, we’d all rather be healthy than famous – but there’s a silver lining to every cloud, and we’re sure Pig’s LOVING the attention.

3. Having a bad name can actually be awesome

This one’s for every Marmaduke or Ethel who has felt their name holds them back in life. Pig’s name is PIG. She doesn’t even look like a pig. But the name adds to her cuteness – we’re not sure we’d find Pig as cute if her name was something normal like Sophie.

4. To see the good in everything

Look at Pig beaming away. The pooch has severe health problems, an uncertain future and was nearly put down, but she still enjoys every moment with her new family, and that’s all we can do.

5. That if you’re happy, people will love you

Pig’s vet says, ‘I don’t think Pig really knows that she looks different’. But Pig’s so popular: ‘The whole clinic loves her… She comes in and she’s a rock star here.’ Why is Pig so loved? Not only because she’s super-cute, but because she looks like she loves life despite all her problems.

6. That you can turn a problem into something great

Pig – with the help of her owners – has used her fame to help others, with Pig’s Foundation helping to raise funds for individuals who rescue as well as established rescues, believing that ‘if we can help develop and educate good fosters, more homeless animals can stay off the streets and out of shelters.’

7. That an act of kindness can go a long way

Who knew that a lady hearing some dogs barking would turn into such a heartwarming story, with hundreds of people donating for better care for homeless animals? It just shows what one small good deed can lead to.

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