Breed Ambassador- Joan the Pretty Lipless Pittie
For anyone living in Central Indiana and who advocates for shelter animals, it's hard not to have heard the story of Joan, The Pretty Lipless PIttie. But for those fellow Hoosiers (and animal lovers everywhere) who have missed Joan's journey, here's her tale.
Joan, who is now affectionately nicknamed "JoJo", was a resident of the Terre Haute Humane Society in Terre Haute, Indiana. She had been picked up as a stray so her history was unknown but one look at her physical appearance certainly told a story. A story that was written all over her face, her lips were missing.
As any well-run shelter does, Terre Haute Humane Society posted Joan's picture on their Facebook wall in hope of finding help for her. A few clicks later and a life is saved! The Hamilton County Humane Society in Noblesville, Indiana answered their plea and Joan was on the road to a new life to their shelter.
Joan was heartworm positive which meant treatment and a foster home would be needed. Jennifer Judd volunteered to foster Joan while she endured the treatment. After Joan's treatment and evaluation, she would be placed for adoption and, hopefully, find a loving home. Apparently, Joan had no plans of packing her bags and knew she had already found her forever home! Jennifer formally adopted this gal in March of 2011. And although Jennifer decided to keep Joan for herself, she hasn't kept Joan to herself as she shares Joan and their story with others throughout the community. If you've seen these two during their public appearances, in their Facebook pictures or watched their video, you'll understand why. It's unconditional love.
Many animals who survive abuse seem to share an innate sense of hope. Hope that the struggle is temporary. Hope that the damage is superficial. Hope that compassion is all they've dreamed it to be. Joan never gave up hope and now lives her dream of being valued for the wonderful soul within her.
Joan, the pretty lipless pittie, is certainly a beautiful selfless pittie. She's a Canine Good Citizen and helps others to understand that beauty comes in many different forms.
