Melissa Shapiro, DVM

Veterinarian, Speaker, Author, Educator, Animal Advocate​​​

As a veterinarian and dog mom, I share the inspiring story of my adorable deaf blind pink dog, Piglet, to give audiences a simple, 5-pillar framework for personal growth, resilience, and deep empathy.

Whether we are navigating the complexities of our personal lives, leading a community nonprofit, or building a supportive workplace, we all face moments where the path forward isn't clear. Piglet’s story of resilience proves that our challenges do not define us. With the right mindset, we can cultivate profound connection and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.

As a keynote speaker, I take audiences on an unforgettable journey that sparks a true growth mindset. I don't just share a heartwarming story of a tiny deaf blind rescued puppy; I weave impactful examples of resilience, communication, and connection into valuable real-life lessons that equip audience members with a 5-Pillar Take-Home Action

Plan to live, lead, and connect with purpose.

The 5 Pillars of the Piglet Mindset are:
Deep Pack Connection – Building unshakeable trust and belonging in our families, teams, and communities.
Strategic Mapping – Developing a growth mindset to navigate life’s unexpected challenges.
Intentional Communication – Ensuring our words build bridges and create inclusive spaces for everyone.
Active Empathy – Stepping outside ourselves to support colleagues, loved ones, and community members.
Joyful Resistance – Facing daily struggles with optimism, resilience, and a commitment to choosing joy.

My signature presentation, The Piglet Mindset for Adults: Everyday Inspirations from a Deaf Blind Pink Puppy and His Special Pack of Rescued Dogs is adaptable for high school and college student orientations and wellness days, community conferences, nonprofit gatherings, and corporate culture events. Audiences walk away deeply moved, inspired to grow, and fully equipped with practical tools to strengthen their relationships and their own mental resilience.​

In addition, I teach children to be positive, compassionate, and kind through The Piglet Mindset School Visit Program which features my deafblind dog Piglet's story of positivity and kindness.  

As a veterinarian, I'm passionate about raising awareness, educating, advocating, and normalizing disabilities in pets​ by helping pet parents learn about and gain confidence in caring for their disabled and senior pets through talks at veterinary and other animals related conferences and events, and online webinars. 

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My in-person and virtual presentations are interactive, engaging, and inspirational. My tiny deafblind dogs Piglet and Georgie add an adorable, welcome dimension to my talks. 

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Follow me on Instagram: @pinkpigletpuppy, @melissashapirodvm, and @georgieforfun

and on Facebook: Piglet, the deaf blind pink puppy.

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