Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy�Melissa Shapiro, DVM

© Copyright 2024 Piglet International Inc, Melissa Shapiro, DVM�Piglet International Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

PIGLET MINDSET®

Piglet and the Three Senses

Piglet and the Three Senses�Part 2

PIGLET MINDSET®

Piglet and the Three Senses

Everyone knows about the good old 5 senses. But there are actually two more senses, and I definitely have both of them.

The first is called proprioception and second is common sense.

Proprioception is our sense of balance and orientation in space. This is what allows us to know whether we are upright without opening our eyes. It helps us keep our feet planted correctly on the ground.

I have great balance even without being able to see and hear, I have a good idea where I am in my environment.

There are actually two other senses that I learned about

PIGLET MINDSET®

Piglet and the Three Senses

The second sense is common sense. It is the sense by which we perceive and act on the unseen world around us.

As I’ve grown up, I’ve learned to be sensible when I react to new people, places, and other pets. I’m figuring out how to manage my limitations in logical ways.

Even without being able to see and hear, I have a very good idea about what is going on around me and how to use my senses of touch, taste, and smell in the most effective ways.

I’m a common sense kind of guy

PIGLET MINDSET®

Piglet and the Three Senses

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Discussion Question:

What is a sense that you use and how does it help you?

PIGLET MINDSET®

Piglet and the Three Senses

I’ve learned how to optimize the way I use my other senses to make up for my lack of hearing and sight. It’s not that I have a better nose than other dogs. I just use mine in a different way.

I’m more aware of different scents in my environment because that’s how I know where I am, who I’m with, and what’s going on around me.

There are also some advantages to what I don’t have!

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PIGLET MINDSET®

Piglet and the Three Senses

Since I can’t hear, I get an amazingly good night sleep. Nothing disturbs me. In fact, when I’m napping, anyone can walk into the house and I usually don’t wake up. Of course, there are times that my nose continues to work even when I’m sleeping so I can tell right away if my Favorite Dad comes into the room or when my dinner is being prepared.

I can’t hear thunder, fireworks, or other scary sounds, so I don’t have to feel afraid.

What am I really missing?

PIGLET MINDSET®

Piglet and the Three Senses

Since I can’t see, I get to use my imagination in all sorts of creative ways.

When I’m going up the back steps, I feel like I’m climbing the Empire State building. When I step down into our side room or off a curb into the street, I feel like I’m sky diving off a mountainside.

And doing these simple things gives me a great feeling of accomplishment.

I have a great imagination!

PIGLET MINDSET®

Piglet and the Three Senses

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Discussion Question:

Are there benefits to not having all five senses?

PIGLET MINDSET®

Piglet and the Three Senses

Not being able to see and hear, my family does have to take extra steps and precautions to keep me safe. As long as my environment is familiar and predictable, I get around quite well. When it isn’t familiar I am careful to map out where I am so I can feel comfortable in a new place.

These are different safety measures that keep me safe:

• Leash and harness to keep me from wandering into dangerous areas
• Gates in front of stairs and dangerous areas
• Fencing to prevent him from roaming into the road
• Supervision- keeping his areas free of unexpected obstacles
• Guiding Piglet when walking in unfamiliar areas, similarly to a seeing eye dog for a person

How does my family keep me safe?

PIGLET MINDSET®

Piglet and the Three Senses

My family guides me when I’m out and about. I wear a comfortable harness and a very light leash. I trust the person on the other end of the leash to help me up and down curbs when we are taking a walk. I also know that I will be helped into stores, the vet hospital, and other places I visit. I don’t like to bump into things.

At home, I am not allowed to go down stairs, or sit on the couch alone. I’m just too small to jump down. But I do go up the stairs and I have learned to climb up onto my mom and dad’s laps to sit on the couch with them.

When we go on very long walks and places where I might not be completely comfortable, I ride in my stroller!

Keeping Piglet safe

PIGLET MINDSET®

Piglet and the Three Senses

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Discussion Question:

How do Piglet's parents keep him safe?

PIGLET MINDSET®

Piglet and the Three Senses

Despite my disabilities, I lead a very active, productive life. Anyone who meets me knows that I am happy. I prance around with my head up and tail wagging. I bark enthusiastically for my treats, and when I want to play with one of my dog siblings or my people.

I have friends, I travel, I play, and I have fun. I wiggle and wag when I get to visit with my BFFs.

I help educate children and adults about spay and neuter, animal rescue, and special needs pups like me.

My Piglet Mindset Educational Outreach Program teaches students about facing challenges with a positive attitude, acceptance, inclusion, empathy, and kindness. And I make people smile!

I have a very good quality of life

PIGLET MINDSET®

Piglet and the Three Senses

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Reading response journal:

• Draw a picture and write about a time you were learning something new.
• Who or what helped you?
• Did you learn it right away or did it take practice?

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Activities (further detail in Piglet Mindset Activities Collection):

• Identifying scents: create a maze or map with textured stickers to simulate Piglet's mapping experience

Relevant reading response journal and related activities

Signed copies, and signed bookplates available

Visit PigletMindset.org for details

PIGLET MINDSET®

Piglet and the Three Senses

Piglet book activities

PIGLET: The unexpected story

Adult book available in hardcover, e-book, audiobook, large print, paperback

Piglet Comes Home

Picture book for children

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Book activities:

• Read Piglet's adult book to the class chapter by chapter to tell the complete story of Piglet and his family, with editing as needed
• Read Piglet Comes Home, an adorable picture book for elementary school aged children
• Students can read it on their own or it can be read aloud with discussion
• It makes a great end of year or holiday take-home gift

E-mail: pinkpigletpuppy@gmail.com

Facebook: Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy

Website: PigletMindset.org

Instagram: @pinkpigletpuppy

YouTube: Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy

People Magazine Online Article

The Dodo videos:

Piglet’s video Impact video Little but Fierce

Piglet Mindset Visit to 3^rd Grade Class in Massachusetts

Info about double dapple & double merle dogs:

https://www.doublemerles.info

Piglet International Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation

Resources and links

Advocate for and support rescued animals through education and Piglet’s Rescue Fund

Inspire and motivate others to adopt pets with disabilities and special needs

Facilitate Piglet Mindset Educational Program to teachers, students, and others in the community

Encourage Positivity, Inclusion, and Kindness through the example of Piglet’s Inclusion Pack (Piglet’s pack of 8 rescued dogs)

Distribute Piglet Comes Home children’s book through Piglet’s Book Donation Program

Piglet's mission

Piglet International Inc.�Melissa Shapiro, DVM

© Copyright 2024 Piglet International Inc, Melissa Shapiro, DVM�Piglet International Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.