Friendship can be one of the most powerful forces in the world – and for one dog, an unexpected friend saved her life. This is the inspiring story of Xena, the “warrior puppy” and her best friend, Johnny.
Rescuers from Dekalb Animal Services responded to a call about a puppy, and found Xena after she collapsed from exhaustion in a backyard in Georgia. The little puppy was severely malnourished, weighing only 4 pounds. The Animal Services staff, Chrissy Kaczynski, was shocked by her condition, and told Today:
“I’ve been doing rescue probably for about 12 years, and I had never seen a dog that young in that sort of condition. I brought her home with me and I didn’t think she’d make it through the night.”
Shelter staff think that Xena was kept in a cage with no room to move and was starved, before finally being abandoned. However, after finally getting the medical attention she so desperately needed, Xena appeared to pull through the worst of it.
Thanks to her will to survive, Xena made a rapid recovery, earning her the name “Xena, the Warrior Puppy”.
Johnny Hickey is an 8 year old boy who was diagnosed with autism from a young age. For Johnny, speaking can be difficult and he prefers the comfort of his family members. Strangers and new experiences often cause Johnny anxiety, making him draw into himself even more.
When Johnny’s mother, Linda, heard about Xena’s amazing story through Facebook, she immediately knew that Johnny had meet her.
In November, Friends of Dekalb Animals hosted a fundraiser where Linda and her family finally got their chance to meet the famous Xena. She immediately approached Johnny, tail wagging and ready to be part of a new family.
“We were literally there for four minutes, and Xena ran right up to Jonny and my husband,” said Johnny’s mom Linda. “I already loved this dog, and after I met her, I really loved this dog.”
Needless to say, Johnny’s family adopted Xena right away.
Thanks to Xena’s unconditional love and affection, Johnny is able to feel more at ease, especially in social situations. Now that the two have forged such a strong friendship, Johnny is beginning to talk more and enjoy life to the fullest.
Research has shown time and time again that animals can have an amazing impact on our stress levels, helping us relax and even take some time to laugh.
Now, thanks to Xena, Johnny has the confidence to face everyday with his new best friend by his side. She accompanies Johnny almost everywhere he goes, even tagging along when Johnny needs to get a haircut. Linda Hickey believes that her son also struggles with sensory issues and thinks that Xena works like a calming presence for Johnny to anchor him.
Both of these two friends have overcome immense difficulties by relying on each other. Thank you to Linda Hickey for sharing this inspiring story of friendship!
Be sure to check out Xena’s story in the video below.
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