BIRTH DEFECT GIVES DOG PERMANENT SMILE

We can all take a leaf out of this doggy’s book – he was born into a litter that was sent to a rescue centre and suffered liver problems that caused him to have low energy levels all the time.

But Chupey has “smiled” his way through all of life’s difficulties.

In part because he’s a happy puppy but mostly because – due to a birth defect – his lips don’t cover his teeth.

“A woman who’d previously brought me a litter which had seizures, came back to me again with another littler of three puppies – two were healthy and one was really different and looked a bit like a wolf,” says Kayley, who’s rescued dogs for the past five years.

“I had to make a deal with the lady, agreeing that she spayed the litter’s mom and in turn I’d take in the puppy that was different to the others, who was Chupey.”

“We couldn’t figure out what was wrong with him at first, he had a different physical appearance to most dogs because he’s hairless, his ears are inside out, he has little beady eyes and of course his teeth are always on show, giving him his smile,” Kayley recalls.

“It turned out he had bad liver problems, which made him really exhausted all the time and he would even sleep for around 23 hours per day – and he only weighs 13kg.”

“My favourite thing about Chupey is his attitude. He always wants to be part of what you’re doing and does a little shimmy dance when he’s excited,” Kayley says of the Pitbull and rottweiler cross.

“He’s also insanely cuddly – if you get out a blanket he comes running straight away and will bark at you until you let him under.”

And, of course, he’s always smiling.

What’s not to love about the friendly pooch?