Tag Archives: biped

Saying goodbye to Faith

Posted on September 26, 2014 | Leave a comment

Faith the dog 1

Faith, the biped dog who stole many hearts since being born in 2002, passed away on September 22, 2014.  Her family says that she was increasingly uncomfortable with arthritic pain over the last few months and it was time to let her go.

I first wrote about Faith in 2011 when I was doing some research on special needs dogs.  Faith’s adoptive family taught her to walk on her hind legs, rather than heeding advice from many ‘experts’ that she be put down.  She went on to become a wonderful therapy dog and an ambassador for special needs in general.

Faith with her manager, Mike Maguire

Faith with her manager, Mike Maguire

According to her family, Faith is probably running on all fours on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.  They are accepting messages of condolence on Faith’s Facebook page.

You can read more about Faith’s inspiring story in the book by Jude Stringfellow, Faith Walks, available through Amazon.

Faith Walks

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand

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Faith the dog

Posted on March 20, 2011 | 1 comment

I’m very interested in special needs dogs.  These dogs often have physical limitations that can be assisted with massage, acupressure and laser treatments (which I can provide).

In my research on special needs dogs, I have come across the story of Faith – a biped dog who was born with her front legs so deformed that she was unable to walk on them.  (of added interest, my sister’s name is Faith)

Faith the dog

Faith the Dog’s website isn’t the most professional I’ve seen, but it certainly tells a heartwarming story of a dog that was going to be killed by its mother and was saved by a young man.  Despite recommendations that Faith be put down, her adoptive family persisted and trained her to walk on her hind legs using treats like peanut butter.  Faith is now a loyal family pet who also serves as a therapy dog.

Faith’s story has been told on the Oprah Winfrey Show.  Watch the Oprah segment here.

So now you know why Faith’s story carries the byline Hope and Love on Two Legs!

Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, The Balanced Dog, Christchurch, New Zealand

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