Autistic Boy & Rescue Dog Bond

Holly Firfer reports on the bond between an autistic boy and his rescue dog.

[@jaeljade3609]

I'm sobbing. I was just diagnosed with autism, a higher functioning autism, but I have this connection with animals few can understand. I love this boy and this dog.

[@mattiadizard7431]

Some dogs like this dog have the potential to be service dogs without ever being trained by a service dog trainer

[@duncangerrard6828]

Such a beautiful story, im not ashamed to say i was in tears.

[@nonchablunt]

real men are not afraid to cry.

[@HerBirdieGirl]

We rescued a dog & she immediately attached herself to me (we joke calling her my velcro dog). About a month after getting her she figured out herself how/when to wake me during PTSD nightmares or lays her head on my cheek if I cry from depression. I often tell her she ended up being the one who did the rescuing! Awesome story

[@wanderingstar35]

This is one of the most precious videos I have seen in a while. Mom & Dad you are the kindest parents!

[@arleenrutten7107]

...angel with paws ♥..the biggest muscle in a pit bull's body is his heart ♥..dog bless you, Xena ♥ & Johnny ♥

[@jerulew3547]

Arleen Rutten beautiful statement!❤😳

[@skylarjones8066]

I cannot stop crying. This is so adorable and so amazing. It's so beautiful a bond between a dog and a boy.

[@nancyvolke237]

God bless them both....what a miracle of love this bond.🐕👦

[@chlionadhsheedy]

I'm in tears ❤️ dogs really are everyone's best friend ☺️

[@gvbezoff]

If I could get my hands on whoever abused that dog...

[@creativelandscapedesigns9493]

Me FIRST!

[@kironmanuel664]

Autism can be recovered by good dogs.

[@grandcatsmama3421]

I have the solution, I bought a stick to use on anyone who try's to hurt me.

[@DeserieSiordia]

ive been looking into service dogs but they are so expensive. I didn't think of a rescue, brought tears to my eyes, maybe my son with autism can have a connection at a shelter . does not hurt to try and visit.

[@itoreolorunda]

Definitely try. I think a rescue dog could potentially be trained (by you) to be perfect for your child.

[@INeedMoney-vq6ee]

sometimes in life we look for things/help that come from so called "graduated professionals". Just like this family wasting tons of cash on ppl who act like computers behind a desk and have 0 experience on life, they just ate books in college. Go to a shelter, u might be surprised and it can cost you almost nothing to get ur son a friend.

[@custombikedesigns343]

Don't know where you live or what not. But in sc they have programs where they take in shelter dogs with necks and people here will train them for a person with a disability for free. Mainly kids. Not a emotional support pet a fully trained service dog .

[@custombikedesigns343]

Nacks* sorry damn tablet

[@nikkie7834]

I live with epilepsy and my fiancé and I adopted a pit who had seizures as well. Which is why no one wanted his handsome toosh. Murphis Ray Bojangels has since outgrown his seizures(yayyyyyy!!) and let's his dad know when I am about to have an episode, as I had been uncontrolled. He is off his meds and very healthy but he really does take care of me, and our lives are so much more relaxed. He makes going shopping or going to dinner feel so much more safe for us. We both feel at ease with him around. We never "trained" him he just knew. Murphy deserved his service vest and certificate. There are so many more pitbulls that can do just the same. He was the best 450$ spent (rescue expenses). We trust him with our world. They are the best "nannys".

[@edgarallanpoestheblackcat6613]

What sick fuck would do such a horrible thing to this sweet innocent puppy?

[@askerdog1]

Meant to find each other for sure. Great Mom for seeing something in that pup. Moms know somehow.

[@captainnelk627]

I have autism too, and I have 2 pitbulls. The boy like's to play with me and the girl protect's me like a mother bear, it's almost like she knows I have autism

[@lyndsaysrebornnurseryoffib4241]

That boy needs that dog as much as the dog needs him! I’m so happy for them both!

[@wildtatz]

every child should have a dog in his life ,,

[@견바시-c8s]

Really great story...and I wanna thank the parents that they adopted the beautiful dog. Hope their friendship be forever! This is so touching.

[@brynnemo9719]

Such a sweet story, it made me tear up. I believe that no one could understand Johnny or Xena better than they get each other. It's such a special bond.

[@lindacarruthers3423]

That child is lovely I am so glad he has a friend who can love him so perfectly , and teach that little boy to be himself in a way that enables others to love him better .

[@janecerrone5006]

This kid is really luckey he has parents that love him so much. And I am glad this dog came into his life help him. I love animals so much. They are Gods greatest creation.

[@BlondeManNoName]

Did someone cut onions here?

[@marianneperret4141]

TheManWithNoName I guess so

[@hungrysammy9977]

+TheManWithNoName the trick to not crying when cutting onions is not to get attached in the first place :D beautiful video!

[@haisea1174]

it's that onion ninja ;-; He won't leave us watch our videos alone.

[@danzbutrfly]

yep...they sliced many onions here....

[@aesthetic.9376]

the invisible onion ninja!!

[@MeganDruschel]

IM NOT EVEN GONNA DENY IT IM IN TEARS THIS IS WHY I WANT A DOG. THE BOND, ITS BEAUTIFUL

[@SoldierYena]

No dog is "just any dog". That's the beautiful thing about them- they are all special.

[@JayneAngelinaSkye]

this why my love for animals is enormousss😍😍😢😢❤❤

[@otiscares9304]

Good work Zeena ! I am a therapy dog, and I know exactly how it feels to make people happy, especially children ! - Otis

[@heathergall6431]

This has to be the most heartwarming video I've ever seen. Tearful. God bless.

[@bicycleyoda9301]

and on the 8th day, God made a dog

[@coconutsciencegirl9232]

XD YES

[@PEPPERS777]

god who orders the death of babies? honor killings and genocides? don't involve that narrow minded evil shit in this please this is real goodness, god is just another delusional concept of the disgusting things that are humans

[@joeyshuny5]

Although I understand your point maybe you could be a little less angry. People already think that atheist are angry and rude. Don't give them ammunition. If they want to believe in God just let them. The idea of God gives some people hope and something to hold on to. As long as they're not self righteous tools they're not hurting anybody. Especially you.

[@kevinp8108]

DOG spelled backwards is GOD.

[@jesusislord7772]

Amen

[@mrmr6563]

Man this bought a tear to my eye! God bless that little boy and his best 4 legged friend.

[@seecanon5840]

When a dog sits on you, you become theirs. When the dog lays with you, you are protected. When the dog decides to stay with you, it's instant love. You belong to that dog and that dog chose you as their friend, love, protector and all around companion. It's a shame their lives are so short and the people that abuse them, their lives so long.

[@watchtellyinuk]

If the world worked properly, dogs would get human life expectancy and we humans would get 15 years. Seems fair to me.

[@ThePersis02]

Its a beautiful bond.they truly deserve each other.

[@HevellynMMadi]

dogs change humans. thats a fact. i love dogs they are angels

[@onefeather2]

God Bless them both, we people on earth were given the job to love and take care of all animals, they are a gift from Creator God.

[@cebobotha9900]

Reminds me when my dad had seizures and he was afraid to stay alone at home but he lost that fear when I got a new dog his name is Prime who was actually weeks old but still managed to make my dad lose the fear of being struck by seizures when no one is home

[@woonko3300]

1:11 look at the dog resting her head on his arms that's sign of trust and affection!! dog helps mentally challenged and abused child so greatly.. It's codependent relationship and loving one if they learn to love them and lookafter them and that's so important in life...♥ So lovely..

[@MrBenji44]

It seems animals of all kinds are great therapy for people, whether it is old age, handicapped even prison inmates.

[@elizabethleninski4550]

Beside the fact that the woman is so beautiful in her looks ,she is beautiful in soul. You are both amazing people and you are all so very blessed❤️

[@lovepeace4635]

I have an autistic son,and rescued a 6 months old lab/Sheppard and I know the feeling. my son and my dog love each other to much ,my son feed my dog every day too .He changed my son life . God bless our kids and our dogs. if you have a kid with special needs ,please get a dog, there are thousands dogs waiting to be rescue. my dog was transported 19 hours from Alabama to PA.

[@tonischumacher2]

Autistic children and dogs often seem to have a special relationship. I worked at a children's home for autistic children and one day one of the staff members brought their Dog. Two of the kids that barely socialised with anybody where in love with the dog instantly. It aint a specialy trained dog. Just a mixed breed family dog but something clicked. You could just feel it. It was very beautiful to see.

[@atvchick09]

Wow I had a read an article about this dog a while back it was heartbreaking to see what she went through, I'm so happy to see she where she is now. :)

[@erinjbfilm]

Awww this is so touching...you see, my brother who is 10 now, has a dog too. It's a family dog but mostly for Joel (my brother) and his disabilities, which is autism like this boy in this video. He still remain, not being able to talk and being his 11 year old sister...I have to look after him a lot more...like, dressing him...helping him go to the bathroom. And yeah, you think it's disgusting but really, it's what I have to do....we don't know when he will be able to talk...but having our dog, Briar (named after the rose), changed everything! Briar helps Joel so much and Joel loves her so much it's just touching watching them play together....

[@alanwisdom7777]

I wish all the best to this family and all the best for this amazing boy and the amazing friend his dog 💙

[@JakeGuitarMusic]

It’s the people that abuse dogs and don’t socialize dogs that are dangerous, not the dogs themselves. Let’s END Breed Discrimination!!

[@orydoe126]

No words can ever explain just what a dog can do for a human! Simply beautiful!

[@WhatSoEverThingsAreLovely]

Bless you all. I'm so pleased for the little boy and his dog..

[@alphonzohairston7896]

since I retired, i'm on youtube every day, just about all day. but I have never watched a video that means so much. I don't know who to feel for more, the dog or the boy but that's only natural, they're a team, they're one. great video.

[@zsong9600]

Animals are more valuable than we know and serve a much larger purpose than we can imagine.

[@fediqueso4810]

I love this! Brought tears to my eyes

[@robertkwiatkoski1292]

I've seen it many times on video but recently I saw it for my self. I was giving some furniture to a girl who had a son with special needs. He was 3.5 but on a 2.5 yr level. She brought him out to meet my golden/lab/pit mix.( he adopts kids when he sees them) Karl my dog is mellow but you know how wound up the labs get when a ball is introduced. At 2.5 yrs old Karl toned it down when he brought the boy the ball. Over and over, time and time again he was so gentle but persistent. The little boy danced around and squealed. The mom said he was hardly ever that animated. It was wonderful to watch.Having trouble seeing through my tears.

[@yajneshkamath2173]

This was so touching !!! Surely She proved dog is man' s best friend

[@gaztopia1]

They don't call them man's best friend because they are useless. Go dog!!

[@lauragianfranceschi6535]

Two best friends help each other. I'm glad this little boy has a friend who will help him glow as a person. I think faith stepped in to help these two best friends help each other.

[@johnmutton799]

MAGIC! PURE MAGIC! he has a true friend and protector, good luck too you all

[@bogeysbaby]

Best boy and his dog story ever.

[@EmdrGreg]

Beautiful story.

[@jasonespinoza7534]

Yeah me too, I really don't interact with my dog, but after watching this I hugged the hell out of her.

[@squaretriangle3945]

both are just beautiful beings

[@Sara-c7y6o]

Anybody want some of my tissues?

[@Sara-c7y6o]

Polpiv4tifish . . . how lovely.

[@sadora5422]

no thanks i got onions

[@detective3728]

ya please, I got jizz all over me..

[@Sara-c7y6o]

***** Lovely.

[@nicole-dr9ok]

Yes please😭..

[@kayodom8261]

I have an autistic grandson and he got to witness my dog having puppies. There was one, u he only one that was black and white of which he immediately picked out and said "she is mine"! He named her Lucy, when asked why, he said because he always wants to say "Lucy, im home" lol! like the video my grandson and his dog Lucy were inseparable. Since then Lucy has passed on and my grandson all grown up has a job in a pet store that although does not sell puppies or kittens, he loves and excels at the work and now can interact with the public. Lucy definitely made an impact on his life and she lives in our hearts everyday!

[@marianneperret4141]

I still cry watching this.

[@girlygirlwoman]

So sweet! They need and love each other.

[@1221solstice2012]

Theirs is a loving friendship that will last forever, beyond this life; dogs and animals are far more than people like to believe. People need to think about this next time they make excuses for legalized animal abuse and killing. But what a touching story, big thank-you to the family for sharing their story.

[@deepchange2973]

Very handsome little boy and this beautiful dog

[@sarahjanemathewson9348]

Oh wow this is a beauitful story and something that people in the world seem to forget DOGS ARE CLEVER AND ARE MANS BEST FRIEND x Made me smile Thank you so much for sharing x :)

[@marled7896]

OMG!!! The best video I’ve seen in a LONG time!!! Many blessings to Johnny and Zena.💙♥️💙♥️

[@megarunnersify]

Blessing you Johnny and Xena

[@SeanShimamoto]

I'm so glad that the dad had to eat his words 'cause it's bad attitudes towards pit bulls that really hurt this breed...when in actuality, pit bulls are phenomenally kind, patient, compassionate, loving, and most importantly, empathetic dogs. And that empathy clearly shone through with their son...and I'm glad that the mom pushed through with the adoption 'cause that woman just saw a dog in need, not a pit bull, just an abused dog who deserved the love that she and her family could offer. 😍🐶

[@ibrahimyonten6182]

Really , they got a friend in each other. That's soooo nice!!!

[@robertsilva1016]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful video in a way they rescued this beautiful animal but at the same time the 🐕 Dog Rescued their son once again thank you for sharing this video

[@somethingserious4090]

We truly don’t deserve dogs… they are angels in fur

[@felisareyes3383]

such a wonderful story..I hope they can stay together for a very very long time ...

[@Kormac80]

That dog is a pit bull mix, obviously. That said, Pit bulls are the most delightful dogs in the world. They have extraordinary bonding qualities. Tragically, evil people who weaponize pits have created a misunderstanding about them. They are powerful and being terriers, they are lively. Given the right owners, they are not any kind of threat, but given malevolent owners, they can be very dangerous.

[@hellshade2]

pit bulls are very loving and loyal dogs. and they will always want to protect the weakest member of the family. i had a beautiful pit bull who we named tiger and we had him for over ten years. during that time my grand mother lived with us and had developed cancer. some how tiger knew she was very ill and he would stay by her side and sleep next to her bed. he always watched anyone that came to see her to make sure she was not being harmed. i miss both my grandmother and tiger...

[@karlberlin5422]

What an amazing friendship. Indeed you are a perfect Team.

[@Rm-se2ns]

My sweet Sophia of 19.5 years passed away 08-25-21. My 8 year old son, who is autistic, never showed Sophia a lot of attention. So I thought. It's been over a year and he still asks for her and says he dreams about Sophia. My wife told me that on her last year of life my son would spend time with her and help her whenever she needed help. I didn't see it as much because of my long work hours. He wants another dog but our home is not suitable for a dog. We are working to get the right home hopefully by next year so my son can have his dog.

[@skylarj3374]

I'm not religious but whenever someone calls their baby a "blessing" I get really happy.

[@moniquelauren99]

beautiful. brought tears to my eyes

[@MightyMouse350]

Dammit got something in my eye..

[@megarunnersify]

Such a wonderful story God blessing them

[@Boxwiz1]

I've noticed this a lot. Autistic children and pit bulls have a very close connection with each other. Me and my pitbull for instance. I have aspergers which is a type of autism and it affects social, learning and other skills. But I have a pitbull and he's more connected to me than my actual service dog. It's something with pit bulls and some small breed dogs that it just clicks with them. People may try to argue with me about pit bulls being dangerous but if you raise them right, and even rescue pits, they will have you hooked for life.

[@GradyPBrown]

I have two pit bulls and I am autistic. This video reminds me of us. Those dogs are the light of my life!

[@JoeNicks389]

The power a dog can have is so remarkable. And some call them dumb animals, that's a joke. Hope for a long happy life for both of them. JN

[@judylee3589]

What a beautiful story!

[@ThisisTonn]

A true beautiful story.

[@tinamyatt8916]

beautiful just beautiful brought me to tears

[@kathyoliva3917]

What a beautiful story. God bless!

[@brucemoodley]

This is such a beautiful amazing story its really love in its purest -unconditional--got bless them both

[@normanalvarez5751]

I have to stop cutting onions in this house awesome story

[@1975curt]

Beautiful, they rescued each other

[@mamamickey2708]

Beautiful story!! God put them together!!

[@animalstepofficial]

It's really really amazing and this called brotherhood.

[@psycothesuperpup2488]

im in tears i know how it is to have that bond i have one with my pupper and nothing can break it good luck to him a xena

[@25gwolfable]

If that isn't a powerful story that I do not know what else could match it this brings new meaning to the word inseparable God bless you too

[@PinkPoo]

Johnny+xena= John cena

[@tirapongwajiraprechapong5068]

Need to come too far down for this!!!

[@CarolanneTitmus-Greene]

God Bless this wonderful family and Especially ZENA.

[@realloreal]

This is such a heart warming true story. I think this should be made into a hollywood movie..😎😗😙God bless you Xena and Johnny..

[@mamak2303]

Thank you for the smile on my heart.

[@myopinion8569]

I'm a sucker for these stories

[@debbieshull7279]

That is so cool I'm happy for him

[@lucasbaker2157]

This warmed my heart

[@christinemoscovitz693]

Toooo wonderful....God bless you all....