When Zipper arrived at a shelter after being discovered walking the streets as a stray dog, employees saw that the 8-year-old canine was unique. She is a nice, sociable and normal dog, except that she has a malformed jaw, which gives her the most adorable and unique smile.

Zipper’s unique smile seems to have no effect on her, according to employees at Huntsville Animal Services. She eats regularly and enjoys the rewards, and seems not to realize that it is unusual.

“We don’t know what caused the jaw malformation,” Erin Webb, a volunteer with Huntsville Animal Services, told The Dodo. “We don’t know what caused it. “He has a huge overbite and his teeth are very far apart.”

Zipper most likely was an outdoor dog his entire life and did not receive proper care, based on his condition when he arrived at the shelter. He has considerable hair loss as a result of flea allergies and appears to have had several litters of puppies in the past. She may have been discarded because she was no longer wanted or needed, but her new shelter family recognizes how valuable she is to them and is eager to help her find a forever home.

The zipper may look different than other canines…

…yet, when you see her unique smile, you can’t help but want to meet her.

“Because she is an elderly dog, she is a calm and kind girl,” Webb explained. “It seems like she likes hugs during trips.” She likes to hang out with the other dogs and she has become friends with Mr. Mike, our other old dog.”

Zipper gets along well with other dogs and seems to get along well with young people. He has a really nice and gentle personality and would probably do well in a variety of families, depending on the shelter. Zipper has most likely had a difficult life and now she is looking for a place to retire with a family that accepts her just as she is.