Gordon, the remarkable Shiba Inu, has woven an inspiring tale of triumph over adversity throughout his 11 eventful years. Having navigated the harrowing aftermath of a hit-and-run incident in Taiwan, which left him paralyzed from the waist down, Gordon’s journey took an unexpected turn as he found himself embraced by new owners, Wendy Wickersham and Jim Larson, in the United States. Now, Gordon’s heartwarming narrative and irresistible charisma have garnered him the prestigious title of the winner of PEOPLE’s World’s Cutest Rescue Dog Contest.
A glance through Gordon’s Instagram profile swiftly justifies his first-place accolade. Each photograph radiates his joy and zest for life, often capturing him in playful escapades across verdant parks, accompanied by his oversized ball. Wickersham shared, “We initially thought we were extending our help to him, but in reality, he has flooded our lives with immeasurable joy and laughter. It’s a debt we feel we can never truly repay.” However, his current state of contentment was reached after a meticulous process of adapting to his new life in the States.
Wickersham recalled stumbling upon Gordon’s profile amidst a string of somber stories. Despite the sadness, one photograph stood out—a beaming Gordon with an infectious, goofy grin. As days turned into weeks, the memory of the endearing dog lingered, compelling her to embark on the intricate adoption journey. This path, fraught with challenges due to the geographical distance (Gordon was residing in Taiwan) and his physical limitations, spanned several months.
A series of adjustments awaited both Wickersham and Larson—ranging from retrofitting their residence to be wheelchair-accessible to introducing their existing dog, Yuki (who has since crossed the rainbow bridge), to the prospect of a new family member. Finally, in November 2015, Gordon found his forever haven within their home. Wickersham mused, “I can’t quite determine who was more apprehensive at that moment—Gordon or me.” Gradually, with an abundance of patience and unwavering encouragement, Gordon settled into his novel environment, blossoming into the enchanting canine personality he embodies today.
Outshining over 9,000 contenders, Gordon emerged as the World’s Cutest Rescue Dog victor. His triumph earned him a year’s supply of premium dog food, coupled with a substantial $1,000 contribution to an animal rescue organization of Wickersham’s choosing.
For those captivated by Gordon’s captivating journey, a virtual voyage into his world is just a click away. His Instagram account promises an array of heart-melting snapshots that offer a window into his adorable life.
