Rowdy was a regular black lab until his family noticed white spots developing around his eyes. Rowdy was diagnosed with vitiligo—a condition that causes a loss of pigmentation in skin and hair. It’s a striking, bespectacled look, and Rowdy grabs attention wherever he goes. Rowdy has been a spokesdog for the condition since 2015 and loves to inspire kids with vitiligo, who frequently suffer a lack of self-confidence.
Rowdy and Carter meet
Carter started developing the telltale spots in kindergarten and it was a huge source of frustration for him. “I used to pick up Carter from kindergarten and first grade, and the first thing he would say is that he hates his face and hates his skin,” his mom told KOMO News. When mom Stephanie discovered Rowdy on Facebook and showed Carter photos of the dog, it was a game changer.
Carter and Rowdy become online penpals, and Carter had a much easier time accepting his condition and the responses it brings from his peers. Rowdy’s online followers, his human family, and Carter’s family conspired together to raise funds for the Arkansas boy to travel to Oregon to meet his canine hero.
Meet Rowdy
Follow Rowdy on Facebook and Instagram for daily inspiration and cuteness.
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Hat Tip: KOMO News