Faith welcomes you with hugs and licks!
Faith is an incredible dog. She was born just before Christmas in 2002, and we were lucky enough to have her in our family just 3 short weeks later. She was born to a mother dog, believed to be nearly full blooded Chinese Chow Chow, along with several other siblings. Faith wasn't the only puppy born with deformities, but because "Princess", her mother, was not our dog, we are not sure of the exact number of puppies she gave birth to. It is certain, however, that Faith was the only puppy with deformities to live.
Faith was rescued by my son Reuben on January 21, 2003, when he and his friend Johnny, the owner of Princess, jumped over the fence of the flea market area that Princess was raised to guard. Princess isn't exactly the mothering kind. She was literally terminating Faith's life because she knew instinctively that Faith was unable to battle the other puppies for a place to feed. Faith was weak, small, runtish, and mostly she was nearly dead. Reuben grabbed Faith out from under Princess and smuggled her under his jersey. He wore #63 for the Putnam City Pirates football team.
When Reuben brought Faith to us she had 3 actual legs, but the left front leg was badly deformed, placed backward, upside down, and it had more toes on it than normal dog legs. The leg was removed when she was 7 months old when it began to atrophy. People ask me if it was easy to teach Faith to walk upright...the answer is NO! It was not easy, and it was not natural. It was SUPER natural, and therefore, we have to give all of the credit to Jesus. Of course, it took a little....Faith as well.
What you may or may not realize is that Faith was given an Honorary Commission as an E5 SGT in the U.S. Army in June 2006. She was commissioned out of Ft. Lewis near Seattle, WA. There were many many soldiers and civilians in attendance who cheered her on as she accepted her Commission. It was just suppose to be for an hour, but you know, when you're in the Army you're IN the Army. She proudly holds her head up - wearing her custom made ACU jacket (Thanks Jason) with the American flag and the Department of Defense patch as well. She is a therapy dog, and that is also reflected on the ACU jacket. She actually out ranks my son who is at this time an E4 Specialist. Faith can not be deployed and she enjoys no official benefits...but she gives a lot of love and encouragement to the men and women of our Armed Forces - all branches. Hooah!
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Thu, 02/16/2012 - 14:23
#1
Faith
I was working on my web site and by chance I went on your web site. I have had a lot of phisical problems latly Just seeing your dog made my day. It just made me to want to try harder.There are many people that could take a leson from FAITH !
Tue, 12/06/2011 - 11:07
#2
Faith!!!
My husband and I met Faith while on a trip to Oklahoma City I believe in 2004 or 2005. We were in a restaurant, and some people came in and out of the corner of my eye I saw something that I could not believe! A sweet little bipedal Doggie coming into the restaurant too! I went over to the table and met Faith and heard all about her story. She is an absolutely enchanting little personality; Just take a look at that Puppy picture!!! Awwww!!!!! Her people are warm and friendly and also full of faith!!
So glad to read about her here on her very own Web Page. :)))
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you Faith, and also to your Wonderful People!! :)))
Sincerely,
Kim
Thu, 11/10/2011 - 08:25
#3
wow, i received a message
wow, i received a message from my mom about a year ago, and that was the story of faith, i was touched, really touched, that story moved my life, thank you to the people who took care of him, God bless you
Tue, 11/01/2011 - 08:50
#4
faith
i am an animal lover myself and i feel a life isn't complete without the love of an animal! we cAN LEARN SO MUCH FROM THEM. GOD KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING WHEN HE GAVE US THE PRECIOUS GIFT OF ANIMALS!!
Tue, 11/01/2011 - 08:47
#5
FAITH
I SAW FAITH ON THE OPRAH SHOW, WHAT A WONDERFUL STORY!! I CRIED WHEN I SAW THE DOG, SHE IS SO BEAUTIFUL AND
AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL!! GOD BLESS HER FAMILY FOR TAKING HER IN AND TEACHING HER HOW TO WALK ON HER HIND LEGS!
THIS IS A GREAT STORY AND CLEARLY SENDS A MESSAGE OF DETERMINATION AND WILL TO LIVE! I WILL ABSOLUTELY BUY THE BOOK.
THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS AMAZING STORY WITH EVERYONE!!
Thu, 10/27/2011 - 20:06
#6
God Bless precious Faith and her family !! oxox
Definitely will buy the book for gifts over Christmas!! So happy to have found Faith & family's website. Thank you for sharing your story, touching our hearts, & BLESSING us with your love! God bless oxox
Wed, 09/21/2011 - 13:40
#7
I would like to say this is
I would like to say this is heartwarming. Since I'm an athiest, I'll say I bless this dog.
Mike
PS: it said that faith is a chow chow. I'm sorry, but I can't see 1% chow chow in Faith. Trust me, I owned chow chows in my life.
Thu, 09/08/2011 - 19:11
#8
Go Faith!!
This is an incredible story and shows how the love for your dogs can make miracles!
Thu, 08/25/2011 - 09:01
#9
To: I disagree
I'm so sorry you are in so much pain. I don't know you, but I have a deep palpable belief that you in some way are suffering greatly. It may be physical, spiritual, emotional or even existential pain, or maybe all of the above. Your cynicism broadcasts loud and clear to anyone that read your post and I pray that you find the joy, victory and love that Faith's life and story offer all of us. I have to believe that you more than most on this board will benefit from a silent prayer offered from one "visitor" to the other that whatever it is in your life that's causing or caused your unhappiness will improve or heal.
I offer this because I know the pain. I know the angst and sometimes it's so unbearable that it makes one lash out to tear down what seems to brings happiness, contentment and joy that others feel and all because you feel cut off from those feelings.
I've been there and still find myself there more often than I'd like to, but I'm learning to give it to God and though I often fall short I do my very best to do no harm to others happiness because I often lack my own. When I come upon miracles such as Faith's and the perseverance that she and her family have shown, it forces my pain down now rather than causing it to amplify.
I hope my prayer reaches you and that it catches you at a time when your heart is able to receive it and I pray that whatever in your life is causing you such pain heals. What can it hurt if you turn and offer it up to God? Even if you lack the faith, or don't believe in Him or just a Higher Power in general, just close your eyes and and sit alone in a quiet private spot and imagine an all powerful creator listening to you and ask for help.
As for the family earning a little or a lot, that's God's will. Even if you are unable to accept that God is real, then try and realize that Faith's care isn't cheap, and what they've accomplished with their love, commitment and their need to believe is amazing. That an opportunity for them to receive back some of the amazing goodwill they have delivered to so many others in the form of financial blessings, then try and be practical about it. I'm an animal lover and also a pragmatist, and I know why Princess was trying to end her puppy's suffering, and I would also understand someone euthanizing a puppy like Faith if they didn't have the heart, love, amd devotion that this family did when they reacues her, but for whatever reason, God, or fate, if you prefer intervened, and she's now inspiring and has inspired millions around the world.
If you think I'm just a wacko religious nut, that's ok....you would be wrong, but that's ok. I am a Christian, but my walk with him is my own and I generally keep it to myself, but, I felt your comment needed a response of care and understanding. Besides all that, It would be pure insanity for you to believe that her being eithanized at birth, would have yielded a better outcome than the path that the family chose, both for faith and the millions she's inspired.
God bless,
Visitor
Sun, 05/29/2011 - 20:09
#10
Faith
Is there not a wheelchair that can be custom made for this dog? Faith's story is inspirational - my eyes tear up reading about her - but it is just unnatural for a dog to walk around on two legs. As she ages, it will be increasingly difficult for her to continue to walk in an upright manner. I wish Faith the absolute best but -please- get this dog a wheelchair.
Thu, 06/16/2011 - 10:30
#11
Don't worry about Faith
Faith learned to walk upright when she was a puppy and her skeleton and muscles adapted as she grew. I think she would find a cart very frustrating. However, as she ages, if walking on her own becomes a strain, she will be given appropriate support. Also, we are planning to "retire" her in a couple of years from public appearances, so she can enjoy her golden years frolicking with her family and the other dogs and cats she lives with.
Fri, 05/13/2011 - 00:56
#12
I take this opportunity to
I take this opportunity to say that I love your post. It was a good source of information for me in my research.
Tue, 04/26/2011 - 00:20
#13
Free Service for Pet Owners
Really interesting article. Thanks for the posting. I love dogs and animals in general and I know some of them come to this world to teach us lessons and help us to be better human beings. To Learn More, Please Visit @ Dog Sitting
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 01:23
#14
Faith for life
Thank you for sharing your special message on the internet. When I feel low I will think of the courage of a little dog and your patience to help her survive and enjoy life. I WAS THRILLED TO READ THAT IT WAS THROUGH FAITH IN OUR LORD THE CREATOR WHICH HELPED YOU ALL THROUGH SUCH DIFFICULT TIMES, Regards Cate
Wed, 02/02/2011 - 18:36
#15
Ur my doggie idol!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
O My gosh I read this and cryed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Faith you are such an amazing dog and I know most people would have left you to die and that makes me sad to think about how many cruel people like that are out there. I hope you are doing well and if I were a dog you would so be my idol.
-kp
Mon, 12/13/2010 - 10:19
#16
Like an LED Flashlight in a
Like an LED Flashlight in a pitch dark woods, Faith's spirit lights a path to safety and understanding in an unfathomable way.
After learning about Faith on Oprah, I found my way to this website to learn more about this amazing animal and others like her. I am excited to have found such a great resource!
Thu, 12/02/2010 - 10:08
#17
My wish
My wish is for this puppy to survive.. I'm a writer and I have few books about dogs.. Most of it are for kids.. I also have some narrative essay about dogs.. Check it out..
Fri, 11/19/2010 - 15:01
#18
What a blessing from God that Faith was saved by your family
I commend your efforts to take this dog in and love her. I have a paralyzed dog that walks on his front two legs only with the help of a dog wheelchair. He has been like this for 8 years now. Many times people ask why I just don't put him down, the answer is simple because I love him. It might require extra time to care for the handicapped but it is worth it. Faith is an amazing dog and you are wonderful owners.
Thu, 02/03/2011 - 15:15
#19
Duke the dog that was shot and thrown in the River
A tragic incident happened to a dog named Duke, that has been foraging on his own since he was born 16 months ago, a few days ago he was pulled from the freezing cold river that runs through our town, at that time it was discovered he had been shot and was paralyzed in his back legs. He is now at the Animal Rescue League shelter, his fate is still to be determined. I would take him in a heart beat but my husband and I have 3 Labradors at this time.
I'm very familar with the amazing dog Faith and her wonderful owner and thought I would pop onto the website for some ideas, and discovered your comments on your paralyzed dog and yes you do it because you love him. I'm hoping someone is able to come forward and give Duke the loving home he deserves and the "special " care he will need, how expensive are dog wheelchairs if you dont mind me asking?
Tue, 10/26/2010 - 14:50
#20
My heros
Faith and Judy are my heros and my inspiration for love in this crazy world we live in.
I deeply love you !
-Nancy
Thu, 10/14/2010 - 16:41
#21
Awesome!
God bless y'all for taking the little(or now big girl) in.
What an incredible story of perseverance on the families part, dog included of course. : )
What an awesome dog!
Mon, 10/11/2010 - 07:07
#22
:'D
Oh my,i cried after i read this post.And now i really believe in miracles,and i'll be more responsible for my dogs.Faith,maybe some people think that you better be dead,but i know there's more people that would give you their love.Faith,you are truly amazing and i love you :'D
Sun, 08/22/2010 - 20:39
#23
Care
"Where there is life there is hope, where there is care there is life"
Gary M Dean
Wed, 08/18/2010 - 20:32
#24
A precious animal. I noticed
A precious animal. I noticed most of the comments were overwhelmingly positive but they'll always be some "miserables" out there that don't get it. God bless 'em. I think it's amazing that her son paid attention and had the empathy and courage to rescue this dog and then for this lady to work with this beautiful dog like she did is something that most people would never take the time to do. I can imagine that the time and money sacrificies have been great for her in this endeavor and WAY TO GO that she might make some money off this book. That would be wonderful and I hope she does...I'll buy several. The point is that she didn't DO THIS for that reason. That's really the point. Actually the way it's supposed to work, (a little of the subject), is that the one that touches. enriches and adds value earns money based on how many people they do that for. Jude from another animal rescuer, thanks so much for what you did and are doing and I hope you have a best seller. Will this post serve as one of the needed emails?
Leigh
Nashville, TN
Fri, 08/13/2010 - 21:00
#25
Thank You!
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. I love dogs and animals in general and I know some of them come to this world to teach us lessons and help us to be better human beings.
Mon, 08/02/2010 - 14:48
#26
Faith and Inspiration
Faith's story is indeed inspirational. As the owner of 13 rescued dogs, I'm only too aware of the love, devotion and unconditional affection that our canine friends give to us. Those who have suffered the most seem to me to be the ones who give the most and show true faith and allegiance to their human companions. Prior to becoming part of my family, my own dogs have been either beaten, neglected, starved, abused in many ways or in one case, used as bait for fighting dogs to practice on. Yet, each and everyone has been trained to live full, rewarding and happy lives in our home.
Faith is the perfect example of how a dog can overcome the most tragic disability with the love, care and understanding of a loving human family. In return, she gives back so much, and seeing her, happy and contended with her life, is surely the greatest reward Jude could have asked for from the first day she took responsibility for Faith and her future.
Jude, you and Faith are terrific. Me, Tilly and my whole pack of rescued dogs salute you, and send out best wishes from across the pond.
Best wishes
Harry Porter
Author of the award winning Tilly's Tale
Fri, 07/09/2010 - 15:51
#27
Love and Faith in Action
Some animals are born to help us understand how to love. Faith is one of those miraculous little beings. Even half dead, she inspired an act of love and compassion. Certainly those two boys had no idea of profiting by their kindness, yet look how they have been repaid by this helpless little creature. Look deeply into the eyes of your animal companions, and you will see such innocence and such pure love. I'd be terribly lonely without my two kitties, Max and Murphy, and I'm grateful for their unfailing love and companionship. They are a blessing to me, as Faith is a blessing to the world.
Mon, 05/24/2010 - 07:23
#28
AND HERE I THOUGHT MIRACLES ARE A FANTASY
THANK YOUUUUUUUU for sharing the love, hope, courage and bravery of Diva Faith. Speaking of love, I am IN LOVE with the child, I have never been more inspired and haven't the words to describe my awe and admiration. The only family I have anywhere in the world are five four-legged children but for whom I wouldn't be. The love between our most innocents and their adopted families is a love unparalleled. Faith is among my heroes, her strength an inspiration for all. I look forward to meeting the amazing Faith and learning from her. I can't wait to hug and kiss her back. PEOPLE, please, if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all. Whatever the motives of Faith's family and where they draw their strength from is secondary to them gifting us with a true miracle. Must we criticize everyone and everything and/or look for motives???!!! GOD BLESS FAITH, GOD BLESS HER FAMILY AND GOD BLESS AMERICA.
P.S.
I am also Jewish which does not preclude other beliefs which are equally profound.
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 19:44
#29
I believe in Faith
I think what Faith is doing is miraculous! Animals have such a wonderful effect on humans (some humans that is) and if I were an injured soldier I would feel blessed. Like humans, animals have feelings too and can sense emotions pretty well. It doesn't seem to me that this is a "scam for money", but just for the simle fact that what you did may have touched someone's life forever. Kudos to Faith for being brave and overcoming something that may have brought you down!
Wed, 04/14/2010 - 22:53
#30
Acts of Faith
Regarding Faith's quality of life, she lives with a loving family, plus a few dogs and cats. In other words, she has an "ideal" dog life. Most people would have put her down, her own mother tried to kill her. The Stringfellows have given her the gift of life, and in her own way she gives back.
Faith gladly shares her "joie de vivre" - and Jude and Faith make many trips to military bases and hospitals for no compensation, as a service, tribute, and inspiration to our troops.
People think that Jude is rolling in the dough because of Faith, but actually she is a struggling single mom like many others.
And a percentage of Jude's profits are donated to causes she believes in like CARE animal shelter in Strawn Texas.
So please do not be quick to judge a situation about which you know very few of the details.
Faith and Jude are having a good life, but they are hardly wealthy from Faith's service and therapy work.
DISCLAIMER: As webmaster for this web site, I have come to know Jude very well, her special concern for Faith's well-being, and her love of humanity. So I think I can speak of these things on her behalf.
Wed, 09/22/2010 - 07:12
#31
I agree
As a friend of Jude and Faith, I agree with what you are saying. People are so quick to judge now days. To be informed is a wonderful thing. To check out Jude's blogs on this site, her Face Book and elsewhere....you can she struggles like the rest of us. But unlike alot of us-she keeps an up beat attitude and personality about everything. And she believes in God and makes reference of Him all the time. Jude is a good lady and I respect her alot. I believe she deserves more credit, more notice and to have her book published and Faith's story out there even more to give hope and a good quality true story to present to the rest of the world. If the media and/or publishers don't take this story to another level...it'll be after we lose Faith that she will be honored and her story finds its way more in the main stream. Then those that could have wanted to actully see won't have the chance. She will be gone ! She is 8 years old now. And slowing down. Its a shame not to give her more exposure. What an inspiring story--and one we need ! Jude can only do so much. People have to jump on board...especially the media ! If it were a football player or Paris Hilton with such an unusual, inspiring story...the media would be all over it ! How I would love to hear more positive and inspiring stories in the world instead of the drug, sex, porno, killings and all that junk pounding in my head day after day.....Give me something to believe in ! Give me Faith !
Peggy Mc Queary
C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue
Wed, 04/14/2010 - 02:06
#32
i agree
i applaud you for your faith in this dog, and for inspiring so many people around the world.
but what started of as faith has turned to a money making scheme. Please, your Jesus will be very sad, you know.
Tue, 04/13/2010 - 03:50
#33
I don't agree
Faith might be an inspirational dog now yes but more then ,she is making money for her "owners" . This dog doesn't have and will never have the life she deserved and it is wrong to let her suffer. They should have helped the mother dog and put the pour thing to sleep.
Thu, 08/19/2010 - 21:10
#34
I disagree with your 'I dont agree' comment!
I don't believe this is about making money for the owners. This is about showing people, children, young people, adults elderly, that anything is possible. Dogs help us in so many ways and the fact that this dog has moved through this and is able to walk, be happy let a lone the fact that a young person helped her as well as the family. This is a way to show people anything is possible, that they are able to help and the fact is- a human being was involved with the reason Faith is like this and that she went through this- this book will be able to show people WRONG.
Mon, 04/12/2010 - 09:21
#35
Faith
What a wonderful son, Rueben. Some people think that teenagers don't take the time to look around them and see when others need help. I love the fact that he took the time to get Faith out of a hopeless situation. Look how much love she has given in return. Its truly a wonderful story. Jennifer
Mon, 09/20/2010 - 22:02
#36
So then it is a good thing
So then it is a good thing that the son Reuben took the puppy and smuggled her out under his jersey. So in other words Good Job on STEALING a puppy.
Mon, 03/15/2010 - 18:06
#38
Amazing!
Faith is nothing short of a miracle.......look how many lives she's touched and the utter joy people get when they are around her....just goes to show that anything is possible!
God bless you, you sweet lil' girl!
Mon, 01/18/2010 - 22:53
#42
Let's not debate religion
I am Jewish and I found it in my heart to love Faith and believe she is a miracle. Please let's not debate religion here - if faith in Jesus caused Faith the Dog to be saved, so she can inspire others, then it cannot be a bad or ridiculous thing.
Thu, 01/14/2010 - 18:11
#43
Amazing
Give credit where credit is due...to you as owners and to Faith as an incredible canine... [ inappropriate content removed ] Keep up the wonderful work with Faith! She is truely a wonderful animal with wonderful caring owners.
Sat, 01/02/2010 - 11:12
#44
OutSTANDING
no pun intended...
We've much, I think, to learn from our "kritters', although I'm not sure as to who outranks who on the "smartness" scale.
I keep coming back to this place, looking, watching, lurking......and being inspired.
Faith represents something so lacking nowadays in our culture. Meaning the odds were against her, but the Top Dog had other plans...she took those plans, found out that she didn't have all the equipment, persevered and adapted, and overcame it all.
All it took, was the spirit, and a little bit of kindness from "others" who helped her through the "dark times". Given that, you don't see her asking for a government subsidy because she has a problem. Given that, she doesn't blame anyone for her situation, rather, instead, she adapted to what Top Dog gave her, and in doing so has humbeled all of us who has a heart.
Come to think about what I know of her, she might be demanding of peanut butters, but that's all ....I think (jude, you spoiled that pups!)
Once again, I find myself standing in awe of what Top Dog can do, especially when us "humans" have a heart and are willing to intercede. There is a young man out there, if given a chance, I would shake his paws, probably give him a hug.
Class is class...period. Matters not it be it human, dog, or cat.
Here I'm seeing the best of our world has to offer, our culture, our lives...It doesn't get any better than this.
In closing, I just would like to submit....Dog spelled backwards is.....
hi paws
Thu, 12/24/2009 - 14:24
#45
Happy Birthday
Happy Birthday Faith. You are a wonderful inspiration to everyone. What a Christmas Blessing!
Mon, 12/21/2009 - 14:59
#46
Book
I wanted to give the book as Christmas presents has it been released yet?
Mon, 12/21/2009 - 09:18
#47
Faith brings Hope
Faith is a truly inspirational doggy , thanks soo much for allowing us all into her world. You are one super family and we all are proud of you.
any help needed dont hesitate to email us at
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