Carter, an 8-year-old boy, and Rowdy, a labrador dog, have a very special bond. Both have an autoimmune skin disease called vitiligo that results in skin areas with pigment loss. This condition affects the social life of people who suffer from it, with a great impact on the way they perceive themselves.
The boy was having a hard time, but thanks to an anonymous donation, Carter and Rowdy got to know each other starting a beautiful relationship. Now his new friend helps the child improve his self-esteem and reconcile with his appearance.
UPDATE ON ROWDY. Rowdy saw a neurologist in the ER today. They are not sure if it was a seizure or a stroke or something else. They did a lot of tests and without a "much needed" (expensive) MRI and CT Scan, we may never know. He could have a tumor or a mass causing a lot of his issues… We left with them prescribing a new medication for seizures as well as some codeine for his pain. This could be age related, an isolated event, or he may have more episodes like today… I want to thank EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU for the prayers, well wishes, and support! It is truly overwhelming to see the kindness and love this pup has from around the world! We love you all! Please continue to follow along the amazing adventure we are having with Carter and his mom from Arkansas! While Rowdy started his day with a scare and a trip to the ER, he was able to end it meeting up with Carter, another beautiful little girl Emma from Eugene, and some dear family friends for a play date and then squeezed in a photo shoot to boot… This dog never ceases to amaze me with his resilience !!
A shared publication of White Eyed Rowdy (@white_eyed_rowdy) on Mar 20, 2017 at 12:10 p.m. PDT
The cause of vitiligo (or leukodemia) is that melanocytes, the cells responsible for skin pigmentation, are destroyed by the immune system, thus stopping producing melanin and causing white spots on the skin.
Carter was diagnosed with this disease in 2014 and came to tell his mother that he "hated his face." It was there that she, Stephanie Adcock, met in social networks Rowdy, a 13-year-old black labrador, diagnosed with the same disease and a few other ailments due to his age.
Dreams came true tonight !!! Carter and I were finally able to meet in person !! Check out my Facebook Fan Page "White Eyed Rowdy" for news clips from Oregon and Arkansas about our story !! #dreamcometrue #vitiligo #avrf #keepportlandrowdy #vitiligoworld #vitiligonation #vitiligogirls #vitiligopride #vitiligobeauty #vitiligoawareness #vitiligobeauties #nocuredontcare #vitiligo #dogs #dogsofig #dogsofinsta #dogsofinstome #dogsofinstgram #world #install
A shared publication of White Eyed Rowdy (@white_eyed_rowdy) on Mar 18, 2017 at 11:13 p.m. PDT
He decided to contact the owner of the farmer, Niki Umbenhower, who lives in Oregon. But since they live in Arkansas and had no funds to pay for the trip, they opened a #RoadtoRowdy (Road to Rowdy) campaign for people to donate money and achieve their mission.
Few days ago they received an anonymous donation of five thousand dollars and so the family was able to travel and spend a full week with the farmer. The meeting was magical, as if they had known each other for a lifetime. Carter found in the labrador a a new friend who helps him to assimilate his illness with greater optimism and security.
Photos | White eyed rowdy
Via | Allure
In Babies and more | The moving story between an adopted child and his inseparable Labradoodle dog that looks like brothers
