Maria the Corgi, who has a disability that is a result of being injured and abused by humans, has been visiting different schools to teach kids about compassion.
A drag bag protects her back legs which were damaged when her feet were tied with rope and taped during a drug raid. The owner of The Devoted Barn took care of Maria, who isn't adoptable because she can't control her bowel or bladder and refuses to wear a diaper.
However, her situation has helped Melissa Borden, the owner and founder of The Devoted Barn, to teach kids lessons. Maria goes with Borden to elementary schools in Detroit where she teaches them about having compassion for those with different disabilities.
"It's a really good visual for kids to see that even though we see her as disabled, she doesn't see herself as disabled. She's no different than any other dog in her mind, and we shouldn't treat her like she's any different. It's the same for kids with disabilities; they're no different than anybody else, " Borden said, according to Dogster.
Aside from that, Maria and Borden also teach lessons about the impact of dog fighting, which is common in some parts of Detroit.
In a YouTube video released by the World Animal Awareness Society, Maria helps to educate kids about pet guardianship. Her message of resilience is also known to all who have learned about her story.
"Everyone who hears her story leaves with tears in their eyes," Borden said, "but now she really is just a happy, happy dog."
