THE POWER OF LOVE - "FAITH" THE TWO-LEGGED DOG

By Debbie Bulloch



It has often been remarked that there is no greater power than the power of love. When love and faith are joined together, their combined power is enough to move mountains or, at the very least, work miracles in the lives of humans and animals. Case in point: FAITH, the two-legged walking dog.

This story begins seven years ago, in Los Angeles (the City of Angels) on Christmas 2002. That is when in a junkyard a puppy was born without her two front legs. Veterinarians will tell you that in nature this is not an unusual occurrence. Usually, the doctors say, the pup will die shortly after birth and that is the end of the story.

Faith, however, is a not your usual pup and her story was not going to end so quickly. Right after her birth, Faith was rejected by her own mother who tried to smother her. Faith’s mother was not being cruel. The mother was doing what her natural instincts told her was the best possible solution – after all, what are the chances of survival for a two-legged dog?

Well, as it turned out, Faith’s chances of survival were better than most. She was rescued by Rueben Stringfellow, now an Army E-4 specialist, who had been asked to bury other puppies in the litter.

"Can we fix her? Stringfellow (who was then 17 years old), asked his mom. "No” his mom replied, “but maybe we can help her."

What transpired since that Christmas has been nothing short of a miracle. At first, the family had to carry Faith to keep her off her chest and chin. But with lots love, plenty of patience, peanut butter and practice, Reuben’s mother, English professor Jude Stringfellow, was able to train Faith to walk on her two hind legs.

Faith’s triumph on the face of adversity brings a powerful message about overcoming hardships. "Faith has shown me that different is beautiful, that it is not the body you are in but the soul that you have," Jill Salomon of Montreal, Canada, wrote on Faith's Web site.

Then there is the story of the woman that Jude Stringfellow and Faith met on a New York street. According to Stringfellow, the woman was depressed after losing both legs to diabetes. "She was in her wheelchair and saw us.” Stringfellow said. “She was crying. She had seen Faith on television. She just held her and said she wished she had that kind of courage." Stringfellow added. "She told us: 'I was on my way to pick up the gun.' The woman handed the pawn ticket (for the gun) to a police officer and said she didn't need it anymore."

Hope is the most important message that Faith brings along on her visits to Army bases. "She just walks around barking and laughing and excited to see them all," Jude Stringfellow said. "There is a lot of crying, pointing and surprise. From those who have lost friends or limbs, there can be silence. Some will shake my hand and thank me; some will pat Faith on the head. There is a lot of quiet, heartfelt, really deep emotion."

Life is full of obstacles and challenges. Navigating our way around these obstacles can sometimes be a daunting mission; this is especially true during the holiday season.

But please do not be discouraged by the bumps and hurdles that life has thrown on your way. Think about a little Christmas puppy named Faith and how she overcame overwhelming odds and in the process became an inspiration for those who are less fortunate.

Love, faith and the help of caring persons is a potent formula.

As we near the Christmas Holiday, I encourage each of you reading this, to reach and make a difference in the life of another person (or animal). The reward that you will receive will not be measured in dollars and cents; rather, it will be measured in the smiles coming from the hearts of those whom you have helped.

Bless you all!

For more information about Faith, the two-legged dog, and her family please go here: Faith – The Two-Legged Dog

FAITH - The two-legged walking dog.