Cameras Capture the Heartwarming Moment a Child With Vitiligo Meets a Loving Dog With the Same Condition
A few years ago, Carter Blanchard of Canby, Oregon, was disheartened to learn that he had a rare skin condition called vitiligo. The skin disorder creates patches of white or pink on the skin and changes the pigmentation. Eight-year-old Carter would come home to his mother upset every time a new spot would appear on his face.
Little did Carter know, nearly 2,000 miles away, a dog named Rowdy had developed the same spots.
“Carter was diagnosed and got vitiligo the exact same month and year that Rowdy did,” Carter’s mom, Stephanie Adcock, told KATU.
Rowdy was a black dog. However, by age 13, he had two large white spots around his eyes. When Carter saw pictures of Rowdy online, he knew the two of them shared a very special bond. After over a year of saving up for a visit, the day finally came for Carter and Rowdy to meet.
In interacting in Rowdy, Carter developed a new confidence about his skin that his mother always wanted him to have.
“Really, it was life changing for him. It changed his childhood for the better, it was a gift I couldn't give him,” Stephanie said.
For Rowdy and his owner, Niki Umbenhower, this was also a very long-awaited moment.
“I have goosebumps when I think about the moment they walked through the door. I'm getting emotional, it’s amazing,” Niki said.
Carter loved meeting Rowdy, yet he does think he needs a few more white spots.
“He needs some more on his back,” Carter said.
On Sunday, Rowdy suffered a seizure and his owner is raising money for medical help
You can donate to Rowdy's GoFundMe by clicking here.
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