Autism Assistant Dog Never Leaves His Master’s Side, Even In Hospital

For children with autism, the world can be a confusing place. So when something comes into an autistic child’s life that can help them make sense of things, they’re going to want to keep it close by.

For 9-year-old James Isaac, that something was his constant companion, Mahe, a 2 1/2-year-old dog. The two have been inseparable until a recent event threatened to tear them apart.

The New Zealand boy needed an MRI scan to diagnose his seizures, so he had to spend time at the hospital. As dogs usually aren’t allowed in, it appeared like James would have to brave the harrowing experience alone…

Luckily, James was allowed to bring his dog, who lay beside him in his bed.

As always, Mahe remained devoted while he kept James safe, nuzzling the boy’s face as he was being put under.

“He was just looking at James, and looking really worried,” James’s mom, Michelle James, told Stuff.co.nz.

And while Mahe proved to be an invaluable help at the hospital, Michelle James says that the dog has been equally important throughout joining the family two and a half years ago.

Mahe keeps James from wandering into harm’s way and keeps him calm in public, too, even though he used to be anxious. But Mahe couldn’t have done it without the help of the Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust, who trained the dog to take care of James.

“There is such a magic that happens between a child with autism and the dogs, they just calm the kids down,” Wendy Isaacs, who works for the trust, told Stuff.co.nz. “The kids will maintain eye contact with the dog, but often not with their own parents and siblings.”

If you’re as inspired by Mahe’s devotion to James as we are and you also appreciate the Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust, share this article with your friends.

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Story: Man’s About To Return Shelter Dog When He Reads Previous Owner’s Note

A man had finally settled into his new town, but something still felt missing from his life. He thought getting a companion in the form of a shelter dog might help. So he did just that. He went to the shelter where a black Lab named Reggie needed a home. But they didn’t hit it off right away.

The man gave it two weeks (the amount of time the shelter said it may take for the dog to adjust to his new home), but it just wasn’t working out. Maybe it was the fact he was also trying to adjust to a new situation. Maybe they were too much alike. But then the man started going through Reggie’s stuff, and that’s when he was reminded of a letter the previous owner had left with the dog. That’s what would end up changing their lives dramatically.

What an amazingly beautiful story. It’s all going to work out for Tank and his new owner. 🙂

You’ve read this far… you need to watch this short BEAUTIFUL video clip.. It will touch your HEART! Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tiqOrytYpI

[h/t Tickld]

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Dog Seen Outside Of Store With A Sign Around His Neck:

Animal lovers have a lot to say about this story but regardless of what you may think, this is one SMART DOG!

Steve Moore rescued Jackson, a three-year-old Golden Retriever, from the shelter. Jackson needed a home and Moore stepped up to the plate. Moore took Jackson in and began working with him every day. In just a month, Moore had him trained to do something PHENOMENAL! His “trick” had every passerby that saw Jackson, wanting this dog for themselves… a dog NO ONE showed interest in just a month prior.

Moore took Jackson to high traffic, busy areas so he could work with him while getting used to the noises and distractions around him. He had Jackson sit and stay. Then he had him sit and stay for a longer period of time. Then, he had him sit and stay while he walked away from him. He did this repeatedly UNTIL Jackson could be left on his own long enough for Moore to go inside of a store and get his errands done. Since dogs are not allowed in most stores, this was a better alternative to leaving him in a car where he could overheat. Plus, he wouldn’t be tied up, so if an emergency should happen, Jackson could run to safety.

The final stage was to get him to sit and stay WHILE wearing a sign around his neck. “Dad told me to wait here. Me waiting.” And Jackson is really good at waiting! Even with commotion around him and people walking up to say “hi” and give him pets, Jackson waits, FAITHFULLY for his human to return. Now that’s a GOOD BOY!

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Lucky Elderly Man Is Greeted Every Day By A “Friend” Who Crawls Out Of The Ice:

We’ve all seen some unique and unlikely friendships over the years, but this one here may take the cake!

One day, a starving otter appeared at an elderly man’s door wanting some food. Ever since, Seppo Laamanen, 65, and Iivari the otter have been inseparable best friends.

Source: StoryTrender/YouTube

It all started when Seppo fed worms and fish to the small and malnourished otter who was clearly looking for food.

After that, the friendly animal repaid the kindness by visiting the man at his home in Punkaharju in easter Finland. This was the start of something special.

Source: StoryTrender/YouTube

There’s no way Seppo could’ve ever imagined it’d all lead to this. This adorably unique friendship is one for the ages, and it’s something you have to see to believe.

There’s nothing like the bond between two friends regardless of the species! 🙂

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10 Of The “Most Loyal” Dog Breeds On The Planet

Giving love and support to humans is something that some dogs do better than others.

While many dogs love everyone they meet and are willing to take treats or belly rubs from anyone, the pups we found are just the opposite.

These 10 dogs are some of the most loyal breeds on the planet. They are rock steady in their loyalty to their owner no matter what.

1) Akita

When the American Kennel Club (AKC) lists loyalty to describe the temperament of the Akita, you know they mean business. The beautiful double-coated working dog of Japanese ancestry is considered hardwired in protecting those she loves. They should be socialized with other dogs and people from the time they are puppies. Their silly, fun, but dignified personalities round out the loyal Akita.

Source: NicoMonaco/Flickr

2) Boxer

This working dog is smart, full of energy, and oh so loyal to their family. They get along great with kids and have an innate instinct to protect their pack. He’s a watchdog with a heart of gold who oozes dedication to his owner.

Source: Pierre Pocs Photography/Flickr

3) Skye Terrier

Known as the “small dog with the big ears,” this adorable breed hails from the Scottish Isle of Skye, hence the name. Whether you live in the city or the country, this small dog with a big personality is steadfast in snuggling, playtime, and remaining loyal to his owners.

Source: WaketheSun/Flickr

4) Beagle

This merry hound is friendly, curious and incredibly loyal. While he doesn’t mind the occasional couch potato time, this spunky pooch is energetic and merry. A fun fact about this hound: the breed standard is for 13 inches and under and another in the 13-15 inch category. No matter how you size him, these adorable dogs just want to cling to you.

Source: Simon Hameau/Flickr

5) Shar-Pei

This wrinkly non-sporting breed is standoffish to strangers but very loyal to his owner. His ancient Chinese roots are part of the charm of the Shar-Pei. Regal, strong, and smart, if you want a BFF for life, this loose-skinned pooch may be the right choice for you.

Source: Alessandro Persano/Flickr

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