Denise Landaverde, an adoptions specialist at the Best Friends Pet Adoption and Spay/Neuter Center in Los Angeles, introduces Joey to Roxy the dog.
Photo via today.com
Here’s a beautiful story about how a teenage boy with autism learned to enjoy hugging and kissing his mother through the love of a shelter dog named Roxie. Joey Granados used to loathe physical contact of any kind, which made it very difficult for his mom, Amanda. But after Roxie was adopted from Best Friends Pet Adoption & Spay/Neuter Center in Los Angeles, everything changed:
“I get emotional thinking about it,” Granados told TODAY.com. “For all those years, he wouldn’t hold my hand, he wouldn’t hug me — it was all part of the autism — but this dog has taught him how to give and show affection. He holds my hand now! He hugs me! The first time I got a kiss on the cheek was when Roxy came home.”
The effects that Roxie has had on Joey are profound and speak to endless way that dogs can help their people. This story will melt your heart.