Every pet owner feels a special connection to their animal, but none are as close as this little girl and her pet dog. Their sweet story is sure to warm your heart.
George is a Great Dane who was adopted by an 11-year-old girl and her family. He is an amazing dog, but he is no ordinary pet.
George is actually a service animal. His young owner, Bella Burton, has been diagnosed with a rare condition known as Morquio Syndrome. According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, “Morquio syndrome is a progressive disease, meaning symptoms get worse as a child grows.”
CHOP explains that “in children with Morquio syndrome, the body cannot break down sugar chains called glycosaminoglycans that help build bone, cartilage, eye corneas, skin and connective tissue.” This leads to more and more restricted movements until the victim completely loses the ability to move about freely.
Bella’s parents were crushed when they learned that this was their daughter’s fate. Bella’s doctor had warned the family that the little girl would soon be unable to walk. None of them wanted to give up hope, so they came up with an alternative solution.
That’s when George came into the picture. Thanks to this loving dog, Bella is able to move about as she pleases. Because of his enormous size, this dog will be able to handle Bella leaning on him for a LONG time. The little girl could not be more grateful to have such a loyal companion animal.
After years of depending on George, Bella wanted to give him something in return – besides the love he is constantly showered with, of course. She worked with a local organization to give this dog the best day of his life.
Bella reached out to BarkPost, a group that is all about dogs. BarkPost recognizes that “dogs do pawesome stuff,” and it “helps dogs share their stories with the world, using the power of the hoomans.”
This group was super excited about working with Bella. They immediately set about planning a “Dog’s Best Day” for the pup who had helped his human so much. The whole team got together, and they planned a day this dog would never forget.
George’s celebration day was nothing short of amazing. He got to chow down on his favorite burgers, play in the snow until his heart was content, and even go on his very own doggie treat shopping spree. By the time the sun set, there was nothing left in the world for this dog to want.
Bella was thrilled to see how much her dog loved the activities she had planned for him. This pup had helped her get through so many difficult situations, and she was finally able to show her appreciation in a way he would understand.
When Bella thinks back through all the hardships she has faced, she is definitely glad that George was by her side. From the moment they first met, the two became an inseparable pair.
“I could tell he needed me,” Bella shared with Faith Tap. “And I needed him.”
George is an exceptional animal, and he definitely deserved a day to celebrate all that he does for his family. With this adorable act of kindness Bella has proved to the world that while some parts of her body may not work properly anymore, nothing will ever restrict her warm heart.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
