Faith, the two-legged dog, is a true inspiration to many. Her story of resilience and determination has touched the hearts of people worldwide. Faith’s journey began when Reuben Stringfellow, an American soldier, found her abandoned in a park in Oklahoma. Despite her missing front legs, Reuben was determined to help Faith live a full life.
Reuben turned to his mother, English professor Jude Stringfellow, for help. At first, the family had to carry Faith to keep her off her chest and chin. But with peanut butter and practice, Faith learned to walk on her two hind legs.
Since that day on March 22, 2003, Faith has done the talk show circuit, gone on tour with Ozzy Osbourne, and been named an honorary Army sergeant. Jude Stringfellow has become a motivational speaker, written two books about Faith, and is working on a third, “Faith Walks.”
Faith and Jude receive over 200 letters and emails a day, run a website, and make dozens of appearances every year, including stops at veterans’ hospitals across the country to cheer injured soldiers. For many, Faith brings a powerful message about overcoming adversity.
Jill Salomon of Montreal, Canada, wrote on Faith’s website, “Faith has shown me that different is beautiful, that it is not the body you are in but the soul that you have.” Faith’s visits to Army bases are especially important, bringing a sense of hope to soldiers who have lost friends or limbs.
Faith has touched many lives with her story, including a woman from New York who had lost both legs to diabetes. The woman saw Faith on a street corner and was inspired by her courage. She had been on her way to pick up a gun but handed the pawn ticket to a police officer, saying she didn’t need it anymore.
Faith’s most emotional reunion will be with Reuben Stringfellow, who rescued her seven years ago, this Christmas. He has already gotten Faith a birthday present: a peanut butter cookie with her name on it.
Faith’s story teaches us that anything is possible with hard work and determination. She has inspired many people to keep fighting, no matter what obstacles they face. Faith reminds us that it’s not the body you’re in but the soul that you have that truly matters.
