Meet Rowdy, Social Media Winner

Rowdy is an absolutely normal dog except for one small detail. Despite being a black Labrador , he has two white spots around his eyes, caused by the vitiligo he suffers from. And as this particularity of the animal does not go unnoticed on social networks, it is being used to raise awareness about the disease and help, above all, children who suffer from it.

This is how Rowdy became famous on social media

Until two years ago, Rowdy’s hair was completely black. It was then that white spots began to appear on his face that did not stop growing.

After consulting several veterinarians, it was established that the dog had vitiligo, a condition that, although it does not have serious consequences, causes depigmentation of the skin and coat.

Thus, the little animal began to attract the attention of all those who came across it, who even asked its owners if they had painted it to achieve that “masked” effect that it presents.

Rowdy, a dog that helps raise awareness about vitiligo

The good news is that this characteristic image that Rowdy achieves with his eyes surrounded by white fur did not go unnoticed on social networks either.

And in this way it is helping to inform about vitiligo and to make people who suffer from it, especially the little ones, learn to accept themselves and to live without complexes with this condition.

Is that this disease, so far, has no cure. And although it does not cause physical problems to those who suffer from it – although the affected areas are more sensitive if exposed to the sun – many may feel affected by the aesthetic issue of seeing themselves with depigmented skin.

Find out other things about Rowdy

This beautiful black Labrador is now 14 years old, some age ailments and all the love from his human family, the Umberhowers. He lives in Canby, a city in the state of Oregon (USA) with his owners. But his fame does not stop expanding on the internet.

He has accounts on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube that keep adding followers. And also a web page.

Thus, he has become a kind of ambassador for the Vitiligo Research Foundation of America (AVRF).

Dog breeds more prone to this disease

Vitiligo occurs when the body begins to produce antibodies against the cells that make skin pigments. It can occur in different breeds of dogs. But some have it more often. For instance:

• Doberman
• German shepherd
• Belgian Shepherd
• Rotweiler
• Alaskan malamute
• Golden retriever
• Siberian Husky
• Yellow labrador retriever

More information about vitiligo in dogs

While this condition is harmless to the furry, white patches will appear on the skin and coat. The most affected areas are:

• nose
• lips
• face
• inside the mouth
• lower part of the legs

It is a totally asymptomatic disorder and the causes of which are still unknown. Although as with humans, it is believed to be an autoimmune disease.

The furry always help us

The truth is that while Rowdy lives his old age happily, and without any complexes due to the spots on his face, it also helps some people who suffer from this disease learn to accept themselves.

Once again, dogs continue to help humans. In one way or another, they always benefit us. And many times we do not respond to them in the same way.

That is why it is important that we do not forget, not for a moment, to treat them with all the respect and love they deserve. And that we protect them from all kinds of abuse.

Photo source: Instagram account: white_eyed_rowdy