Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
This is an amazing story of survival and redemption. Just over a year ago, Xena was found in Dekalb County, Georgia, so emaciated and weak that she was given just a one-percent chance of survival. But survive she did, and when she was adopted by the Hickey family, something else incredible happened: the dog formed an immediate and powerful bond with their son, Johnny, who suffers from autism.
Since Xena has been in his life, Jonny has made remarkable progress, and he has become much more open to the world around him. Xena’s incredible story led to her being names the ASPCA Dog of the Year last Thursday at the 2013 ASPCA Humane Awards Luncheon in New York City.