Help Us Find Our Next Monday Miracle Rescue Dog

For August, we ask you to help us by nominating dogs on Facebook who have special needs.

As Dogster's social media wrangler, I spend a lot of time thinking about social media's power to convey messages far and wide, and to connect people who would otherwise never have the opportunity to meet one another. You might be familiar with my weekly Monday Miracle column. I primarily use Facebook to find the subjects of my Monday Miracles, because I find it's the easiest way for people to connect with them -- because once folks are invested in a story, they want to keep following it.

Since the column's inception, I've been delighted to see it launch dogs with special needs into the spotlight, highlighting how even though these animals are not what most would consider "perfect," they're still beautiful and worthy of love. I think I see myself in them -- I'm really short, I'm not skinny, and my complexion is marred with acne scars, some might even call me "imperfect." But like the Monday Miracles, I've persevered and I know I'm worthy of affection. As a matter of fact, I think we all see ourselves in them.

For the month of August, I'd like to invite you to help me find my Monday Miracles. If you don't already follow us on Facebook, check us out, and look for a post with this image:

Nominate a dog with a Facebook page you think should be a Monday Miracle by leaving a comment. Try to pick dogs who haven't received any time in the Internet spotlight so we can give them the exposure they need. All dogs are amazing, but I'm looking for the ones who've had to overcome significant obstacles to get where they are.

What do you think? Is there a dog you think deserves to be a Monday Miracle?

The hero image is from an amazing story of chance and survival you can read here.

Check out our other Monday Miracles:

About Liz Acosta: Dogster's former Cuteness Correspondent, Liz still manages the site's daily "Awws," only now she also wrangles Dogster's social media. That's why she wants you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and -- her personal favorite -- Instagram. See ya there!

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Misfit the Blind Doberman Is Our Monday Miracle

This dog was the only one to survive in his litter. He has a happy home now with two moms and a cat.

"Love is blind."

Many times this refers to the way we see our objects of affection as perfect, despite the flaws others may notice. For Misfit, however, this happens in a very literal sense. The nine-month-old Doberman was born blind -- and he wasn't the only one in his litter born without sight. However, Misfit was the only one to survive.

This is where things might have ended tragically for Misfit, who not only has special needs but an often-misunderstood (and feared) breed as well. Fortunately, Misfit was adopted by two human moms, and he lives happily in Maryland with his family, which also includes a cat named Willis (whom Misfit loves to chase).

It took some special care and attention to help Misfit learn the layout of his new home, but with perseverance, Misfit now navigates the place like a champ. According to his Facebook page, Misfit visits the dog park, plays with his toys, eats poop out of the litter box, and loves his human friends ... just like any other canine. Unlike other canines, however, Misfit has a fondness for hopping around the backyard "like a bunny." (Um, how cute is that?)

While some might view Misfit's blindness as a handicap, the young Doberman does not -- as his impairment allows him to "see with his heart." It's that sort of kindness in the face of adversity that makes Misfit a Monday Miracle.

Photos via Misfit's Facebook page, where you can join in on the Dobie cuteness.

Check out more Monday Miracle dogs on Dogster.

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"Miracle Dog" Patrick the Pit Bull's Alleged Abuser Is Back in Court

The Newark, NJ woman whose alleged abuse of a Pit Bull named Patrick made this resilient dog into a national celebrity is in the news again.

Kisha Curtis, who pleaded not guilty last year to four charges of animal cruelty after her dog was discovered nearly dead of starvation at the foot of a 22-story trash chute, appeared in court last Wednesday after being threatened with arrest for having missed a court appearance the previous day. 

Kisha Curtis, smiling in court. Photograph courtesy of the New Jersey Star-Ledger.

Curtis is now applying for a pretrial intervention program. Its completion "would eventually wipe the criminal charge from her record. She has previously rejected the state's plea offer that calls for up to 18 months in prison, a $5,000 fine and 30 days' community service," reports the New Jersey Star-Ledger. 

This is sparking outrage, as has nearly every other aspect of a drama that began on March 16, 2011, when Patrick was found at the foot of the chute in shocking condition. Weighing only 19 pounds, the year-old dog could not walk or lift his head and had seemingly not eaten in months. 

The news went viral. As Patrick began his remarkable road to recovery, thousands of letters and gifts -- treats, toys, clothes, cash -- poured in from all over the world. As the new face for anti-animal-abuse activism, the plucky pittie inspired "The Patrick Movement," whose branches in many states hold rallies and other events.

Arrested just over a week after Patrick was found, Curtis was charged with with "torture and torment of a living creature," according to Fox News, which added that the 550-unit Garden Spires apartment building where Curtis lived is "notorious for drug trade and other crimes."

Curtis denied having thrown the dog down the chute, but admitted having abandoned and starved Patrick, leaving him tied to a railing at the Garden Spires. She pleaded not guilty to the charges in May 2011.

Patrick in November, looking healthy and happy.

As support for Patrick has soared, so has loathing for Curtis.

"Hopefully she's found in a dumpster, wrapped in a plastic bag, at the bottom of a trash chute where she belongs. This disgusting mutant needs to be put to sleep," reads a typical comment on a Star-Ledger article about the alleged abuser, who on a now-deleted Facebook page claims to be a Duke University student and former employee of a porn company. 

Protests have accompanied all of her court dates, as many feel the state legal system is being too easy on Curtis and is moving too slowly -- in hopes, some say, that the public will lose interest in this case. 

That hardly seems likely. Patrick's transformation from sad starveling to healthy hero has spawned not only good wishes, Twitter accounts, and Facebook pages but also money-seeking scams and a bitter custody battle. 

When Curtis appeared in court on January 20 to reject the plea offer, she was visibly pregnant. It's impossible not to ask: If Patrick is an example of how Curtis treats animals, how will she treat her own child?

Sources: New Jersey Star-Ledger, Fox News

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It’s Patrick — Looking Like the Miracle He Is!

Patrick now - wow!

Remember this guy? Look familiar? We hope not! It’s Patrick, the Miracle Dog. He looks nothing like he used to in the days after he was found almost dead of starvation in the garbage dumpster of his New Jersey apartment building. He had been tossed down the garbage chute from 19 floors above, perhaps given up for dead. This is what he looked like in March after his rescue.

Patrick when he was first brought in for care; he received the best of care, and fought death for weeks

And then, after a few days of care, like this:

You’ve come a long way, sweet Patrick. Here’s to a great, long, happy life with your loving family at Garden State Veterinary Specialists. (I’m looking for an update on the case of his former owner, Kisha Curtis. A grand jury verdict is due any day now.) We’ll end with a happy Halloween shot to take the bad taste out of our mouths from these last photos.

:)

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