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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It’s Monday, Monday

Not quite as upbeat as Friday, Friday, eh? Oh well.

Over the weekend, I was showing my visiting mother around San Francisco, and we ran into this little guy lounging in the sun (yes, it’s our turn for summer!) in front of a salon on Haight Street. Does he embody the spirit of Monday morning or what?

We were going so quickly that we neglected to stop and get his name. What would you name this little doorstep marshmallow?

Happy Monday!

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