In our eyes, all dogs are brilliant, beautiful, perfect creatures.
But in our world, there are monsters who have abandoned their pets due to perceived "imperfections," like the owners of this shy pit bull pup that was born blind in one eye.
However, one family from Portland, OR, has chosen to embrace their dog's wonderful "imperfection" — and, upon a closer look, you'll learn that it is no imperfection at all!
Rowdy, a 13-year-old black labrador, lives with vitiligo, a non-fatal condition that changes the appearance of his skin.
While many may find the unusual patches across his face quite unsettling, there's nothing weird about this pooch at all.
In addition to living with this rare medical condition, Rowdy has survived quite a few life-changing ordeals in the past… and has only come out stronger than ever before.
Read on to discover Rowdy's heartwarming story, and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Niki and Tim Umbenhower, of Portland, OR, live with their two wonderful children, Ally and Josh. They have an incredible fifth family member — a beautiful Labrador, who has miraculously survived a couple of life-threatening ordeals.
This is Rowdy — the Umbenhowers' family dog, and local celebrity around town. There are several reasons why he became so famous.
The 13-year-old pooch has narrowly escaped death twice. He was once poisoned by river water, and needed to get his stomach pumped. Another time, he was shot by the police, who mistakenly thought he was part of a burglary.
But what truly sets Rowdy apart? The striking patches on his eyes and tummy. The unusual set of spots on his body is a result of vitiligo, a chronic skin condition characterized by the loss of pigment.
'Everybody loves to stop us and wonder what we did to him, or if we painted it on there,' said dad Tim to KPTV of Rowdy’s curiously patterned coat.
Fortunately, there’s nothing life-threatening about vitiligo. Rowdy is a perfectly healthy, happy pup — who just happens to sport a very unique coat!
The condition only makes Rowdy even more exceptional and stunning inside out!
What do you think of this pup's unique coat? Let us know in the comments below!
Please SHARE if you think Rowdy is a gorgeous, perfect dog!
