When Zipper arrived at the shelter after being found wandering the streets as a stray, staff noticed something unusual about the 8-year-old dog. Despite having a normal and friendly personality, she had a deformed jaw that gave her the most charming, one-of-a-kind grin. This distinctive smile made Zipper stand out and endeared her to everyone at the shelter.
According to personnel at Huntsville Animal Services, Zipper’s unique smile seems to have no effect on her daily life. She eats regularly, relishes treats, and shows no awareness of her unusual appearance. Zipper continues to live happily and carefree, unaffected by her charmingly distinctive grin.
Huntsville Animal Services volunteer Erin Webb told The Dodo that the cause of Zipper’s unusual smile remains a mystery. “We simply don’t know what led to her jaw malformation,” Webb explained. “There’s no clear cause for the significant underbite and wide spacing of her teeth.
Zipper likely spent her entire life outdoors and did not receive proper care, judging by her condition when she arrived at the shelter. She suffers from severe fur loss due to flea allergies, and signs indicate she may have had multiple litters of puppies in the past. It’s possible she was abandoned because she was no longer wanted or needed. However, her new shelter family understands her value and is eager to assist in finding her a loving forever home where she will be cherished.
