Two-legged dog walks

By Audrey Esther, News9.com 

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Faith is a two-legged mixed breed dog that walks on her hind legs. Faith was born with the condition known as bipedal. Veterinarians say the condition can occur naturally, but that doesn't stop her today.

"She runs foot over foot, she chases squirrels, she swims. She just does anything a natural dog would do," said Faith's owner Jude Stringfellow.

The Stringfellow's rescued Faith five years ago after her mother dog rejected her. Today faith is just another member of the family.

"I don't know how I could see her differently than what I already see her as. She is amazing. She is a blessing," said Caity Stringfellow, Jude's daughter

Taking care of Faith took a little faith and determination. Getting her to walk took patience and her favorite snack, peanut butter.

"We put it on plastic spoons, plastic plates above the nose ground so she would smell it and want her nose up and keep her nose up," Jude said of the process.

Six months later, Faith took her first steps after she'd had enough of the neighbor dog's taunting.

"All the sudden she stood up. He had bit her on the heel and she just chased him across the backyard foot over foot," Jude said of the first she witnessed Faith walk.

Veterinarians have told Jude walking on two legs instead of four hasn't hurt Faith.

"She's stronger than normal four- legged dogs because some of those tendons are growing and adjusting and faith's life expectancy is normal and her walking is different or odd looking but it's not stressful at all.

Faith is also a top celebrity pet and appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, Oprah and Montel Williams. Recently, faith and Caity also appeared in People Magazine.

Despite her celebrity status, Jude said she's most proud of Faith's work with the armed forces and her special military honor.

"She's a full time E-5 Sergeant," Jude said. "She'll never be deployed but she'll never receive benefits," she said with a laugh.

While Faith may be physically different, Jude said Faith is really no different than anyone else.

"Her story is the same story you've heard all your life. That you are okay, you have a unique purpose to be here and she demonstrates that visually," Jude said.

Caity agrees and says Faith has been a true inspiration in her life too.

"You can set your mind to anything you want to do and have a little faith," Caity said.