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When Faith, a Labrador-chow mix puppy, was rejected by her mother after being born without front legs it seemed like the story would have a sad ending - but that was until Reuben Stringfellow came along.

Reuben, then aged 17, took the tiny animal home to live with him and his mother. After carrying around the puppy for the first few months of her life, they eventually trained her to walk on her two hind legs.

Seven years on - and after a lot of peanut butter treats later - Faith is able to get about with confidence, and has become something of a personality, appearing on US talk shows as a symbol of hope for injured soldiers.

Ms Stringfellow now takes Faith to veterans' hospitals across the US to provide hope to disabled soldiers, a mission inspired by her son's service in the US army in Iraq.

Ms Stringfellow told AP that during a recent visit to McChord Air Force Base and Fort Lewis in Washington, the dog brought cheer to soldiers heading off to war, and to those recently returned.

"She just walks around barking and laughing and excited to see them all. There is a lot of crying, pointing and surprise. From those who have lost friends or limbs, there can be silence.

"Some will shake my hand and thank me, some will pat her on the head. There is a lot of quiet, heartfelt, really deep emotion," she said.