A dachshund-chihuahua mix from Westport who learned how to face his challenges with a positive attitude is teaching others to do the same.

Piglet, 4, is both blind and deaf. Melissa Shapiro fostered him as a puppy but couldn't say goodbye.

The Instagram she made for him went viral, showing him learn commands by touch and smell, Shapiro decided to launch the Piglet Mindset - an educational outreach program with lesson plans that teachers can use to show students how Piglet could live a happy, meaningful and productive life with his disabilities.

In five years, she hopes this grows into a program used in classrooms nationwide to inspire students to overcome their challenges - just like Piglet did.

Shapiro's book on her journey with Piglet and experience as a veterinarian comes out in August.