When Zipper arrived at a shelter after being found wandering the streets as a sᴛʀᴀʏ, staff noticed that the 8-year-old canine was unusual. She’s a normal dog with a great, friendly personality — except she has a ᴅᴇꜰᴏʀᴍᴇᴅ jaw that gives her the most charming, one-of-a-kind grin. According to Huntsville Animal Services personnel, Zipper’s distinctive smile appears to have no impact on her. She eats regularly and enjoys rewards, and she appears to be unaware that she is unusual. Erin Webb, a volunteer with Huntsville Animal Services said: “We don’t know what caused the jaw ᴍᴀʟꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛɪᴏɴ. We have no idea what caused it. She does have a big ᴜɴᴅᴇʀʙɪᴛᴇ and her teeth are pretty far apart.”

Zipper was most likely an outdoor dog her whole life and was not appropriately cared for, based on her state when she appeared at the shelter. She has severe fur ʟᴏss as a result of flea ᴀʟʟᴇʀɢɪᴇs, and she seems to have had numerous litters of puppies in the past. She may have been ᴅɪsᴄᴀʀᴅᴇᴅ because she was no longer desired or needed, but her new shelter family recognizes how precious she is and can’t wait to help her find a forever home.

Zipper may seem distinct from other dogs…yet when you see her unusual grin, you can’t help but want to get to know her. Webb explained: “Because she is an aging dog, she is a quiet and kind girl. She tends to favor snuggling over traveling. She likes to play with the other dogs and has made friends with Mr. Mike, our other old dog.”

Zipper is great with other dogs and also seems like she would be wonderful with children. The shelter isn’t sure how she’d be around cats, but she has a very sweet, gentle nature and would likely do well in a variety of households. Zipper has likely had a rough life, and now she’s just looking for a home to retire in, with a family who will accept her for exactly who she is.