You’ve Got A Friend: The Amazing Story Of One Little Boy & His Dog

This story is absolutely heartbreaking but it has a ridiculously happy ending that’s guaranteed to make you smile. A rescue puppy who was severely abused is changing the life of an 8-year-old boy with autism.

The Huffington Post reports that last year, little Jonny Hickey was an isolated boy, whose autism made it difficult for him to interact with other people. He was lonely and found it hard to be in social situations.

Things weren’t so great for Xena the puppy either. She was severely abused, abandoned and starved for her short life. She was found, half dead, on the side of the road. Xena was just four months old when she was found by an animal shelter in Georgia.

Xena was found abandoned by the side of the road in heartbreaking condition

“I’ve been doing rescue probably for about 12 years, and I had never seen a dog that young in that sort of condition,” said Chrissy Kaczynski, an animal services worker in Georgia.

Despite the fact that she was on death’s door, Xena (nicknamed ‘Xena the Warrior Puppy’) fought hard and managed to survive. Xena’s story was so inspiring that the animal rescue centre decided to make a Facebook page in her honor and that’s where Jonny comes in.

“I fell in love with a dog on the Internet,” said Linda Hickey, Jonny’s mother.

Mrs Hickey said that Jonny immediately fell in love with Xena when he saw her picture, so she brought her son to meet the puppy at a fundraiser for the animal shelter.

It was love at first sight for Xena and Jonny

“We were literally there for four minutes, and Xena ran right up to Jonny and my husband,” said Mrs Hickey.

Jonny is usually shy, introverted and struggles in social situations. However, as soon as he met Xena, he came out of his shell.

“From that very first day, that dog was sitting in his lap in the car seat, giving him all these kisses. And that’s where she’s been ever since,” said Mrs Hickey.

“He is non-stop chatter now. He is the happiest child I’ve ever seen him be in eight years,” she added.

Xena has helped Jonny to become more sociable and verbal

Jonny and Xena have even made a few YouTube videos together to raise awareness about autism and the prevention of cruelty to animals.

“My name is Jonny and this is my puppy, Xena. Well, my Xena was hurt really bad. By some not-so-nice people. And I have autism. So I think we make a pretty perfect team to spread the word to be nice to animals, and nice to kids like me,” said Jonny in one video.

We love a happy ending and it’s so nice to see that both Jonny and Xena have contributed to each other’s lives so much.