Kermit the “Survivor”

Soulful eyes of strong-willed Kermit

Time flies like in the Neverland of Peter Pan. Kermit is not the way she used to be. She is agile and loves to explore our neighborhood doing dog walking; these qualities didn’t exist when she’s just a few weeks old. To give you an idea, look at Kermit’s photo on which she’s lying inside the basket; whereas, Dyna (spot of black and white) and Cotto (more black than white) are standing and peeking outside, eager to get out. Kermit was born with weak hind legs, a defect we didn’t notice till her siblings were walking and she was left behind trying to move through her strong front legs.  Thus, we knew that no one will adopt her; my parents fortunately agree to keep her.

The Early Struggle

We prayed that somehow she could walk, not necessarily the normal way as long as she can move and go to places. If people ask, I say, “It’s an inborn defect,” and they would just smile as if they understood while seeing her uncanny move. Sometimes people pity her then speculates as to what brought about her impairment. Like them we are clueless; Kermit’s parents have neither such condition nor any of her siblings (even the first set of puppies her mother had). Dog pregnancy is as mysterious as other life formation.

When she was 3-month-old, she loved to bite slippers, sets of furniture, even us that we took her to the Health Department of the city hall for her free rabies vaccination. Later, she had deworming to get rid of parasite she acquired because she loves to pick up dirt whenever we go out. Everything is going smooth for her after the blowfish incident. Since she’s learning to cope with her disability and had the necessary medication.

But each time she takes a bath, I knew that she’s exceptional—water is her archenemy when it’s supposed to be the cat, yet Kermit learned to befriend our cat when she was a month-old puppy; they even sleep together. Occasionally, I have scars caused by Kermit’s scratches every time I bathe her. This must be her way of thanking me for a warm bath. Well, I really felt her expression of gratitude; but she doesn’t have to thank me anyway—it’s unnecessary even the scars.

Becoming an Inspiration

So how Kermit did it? Determination is the key. She would use both of her hind legs to jump while she moves the front leg simultaneously or one after the other. Sometimes if she attempts to use individually her hind legs, she would be left sitting on the floor; but this doesn’t stop her. She’ll get up and do her self-devised jump.

Looking at her reminds me of Faith, the dog that appeared on Oprah Winfrey. So what does a canine doing in a prestigious talk show? One wouldn’t bother to ask if it’s Discovery or National Geographic. The moment Faith entered, I could only smile because she live up to her name—Faith, a quality she exudes by jumping since she has no front leg, an inborn defect according to the owner, who treated her as if she has no disability.

Their stories are a good example for everyone. Regardless of Kermit’s weak legs she has been part of our family showing to us that she can do what other dogs can: running, jumping and dog walking, the moment she figure out the way to move—with her very own style.

Our family is grateful to have odd yet strong-spirited dog as Kermit. She’s special in her own little way. The laughter and smile only she could easily make us do are priceless. Through her we are always reminded: one’s weakness can become one’s strength if one doesn’t treat it as a disability and remained optimistic and trust in the Lord’s master plan for each of us, including our furry companion.