Speaking
Dr. Shapiro's entertaining and inspiring Piglet Mindset presentations are well received by children and adults in schools, colleges, corporate and nonprofit events, conferences, libraries, bookstores, and other venues. Dr. Shapiro also speaks about many aspects of caring for disabled and senior pets for pet parents, rescuers, and for veterinarians at both in-person and virtual conferences.
The Piglet Mindset for Adults:
Every Day Inspirations from a Deaf Blind Pink Puppy and His Special Pack of Rescued Dogs
Whether 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. My deaf blind dog 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 the heartwarming story of Piglet, my deaf blind pink puppy who faces his challenges with positivity and determination, I equip individuals, teams, and organizations with a concrete, 5-Pillar Take-Home Action Plan to live, lead, and connect with purpose.
The 5 Pillars of the Piglet Mindset:
-
Deep Pack Connection – Building unshakeable trust and belonging in our families, teams, and communities.
-
Strategic Mapping – Developing a personal growth mindset to navigate life’s unexpected changes.
-
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 is highly adaptable for high school and college students and staff, 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.
Following the PowerPoint presentation that is packed with musical videos and motivational stories, my dog Piglet and his deaf blind baby brother Georgie are on hand to demonstrate how we communicate with them through tap and touch signals. The boys bring their enthusiasm for connecting and enjoying life in the most heartwarming way.
This is a light, refreshing, motivational presentation that has something for everyone.
The Piglet Mindset for Adults: Everyday Inspirations from a Deaf Blind Pink Puppy and his Special Pack of Rescued Dogs is a perfect inspirational keynote, activation presentation, workshop, or webinar for in-person and virtual non-profit and corporate events. It is ideal for high school, college, and grad school orientations as well as social emotional/wellness events throughout the school year. Visit PigletMindset.org to learn more.
It is helpful (but not required) for attendees to visit our website, pigletmindset.org, follow along on Piglet's social media pages, and read our books to become familiar with Piglet, so they'll be looking forward to our presentation with great enthusiasm!
For Pet Parents and Children
Pet parents have a never ending list of questions about how to best care for their pets, especially when they are disabled or elderly. Dr. Shapiro offers presentations covering a wide range of relevant topics. Both in person and virtual webinar style talks are available and are adaptable to small groups, pet, rescue, and animal welfare related conferences, and fundraising events. These talks are also ideal for classrooms, camps, and birthday parties, as they are all adaptable for children.
Topics include:
Care of Disabled and Senior Pets
End of Life Care for Pets
Deaf, Blind, and Deaf Blind Dogs, Young and Old, Differences in Care
Teaching Deaf, Blind, and Deafblind Dogs
Animal Rescue, Pet Safety
Custom Presentations By Request
For Veterinarians, Vet Techs, and Vet and Vet Tech Students
Pets With Disabilities Presentations
Disabled Pets are everywhere, including veterinary hospital waiting rooms!
Dogs and cats are commonly born with a wide range of congenital defects that result in disabled animals with special needs. And if pets live long enough, most will acquire one or more disabilities associated with chronic or acute geriatric diseases, injury, or later onset hereditary conditions.
Veterinarians are trained to diagnose, treat, and manage illness, but many aren't familiar with less commonly seen disabilities and secondary complications that need to be managed. Their perception of quality of life may be influenced by a lack of experience with disabled pets. Pet parents who choose to care for pets with disabilities and special needs want and expect high level, attentive veterinary care for their special needs pets.
My presentations focus on the logistics of care, complications of a wide range of disabilities, and quality of life assessment of animals who have limitations, but are still living very happy, meaningful lives. These talks are ideal for veterinary conferences as well as for vet med and vet tech student symposiums and club meetings.
Topics include:
Disabled Pets and Their Vets
Deaf, Blind, and Deafblind Dogs- Young and Old- Differences in Care
Wheelchair Dog Care for Veterinary Professionals
Click HERE for a presentation list with descriptions.