Being a father or a mother of a kid with special needs is challenging in every aspect – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Ask one, and they will most likely tell you while it can be exhausting on their part, seeing their child struggle and suffer will always cause them more pain. On the other hand, to see their child progress or achieve a milestone, whether great or small, will always mean the world to them.
Shanna Niehaus, a mother of a five-year-old child with autism named Kai, shares the same sentiment. Her son has sensory issues. To put things into perspective, washing him, dressing him up – even hugging, overwhelms him. And what could be more painful than not being able to embrace your child with ease?
Kai’s condition goes beyond the physical. He also struggled to connect with other children at the playground or elsewhere, for that matter. And to see this with her own eyes adds up to the pain. But all hope isn’t lost for Shanna because her son’s life would change tremendously, all because of a dog.
4 Paws For Ability, a nonprofit organization that provides service dogs for children with special needs, paired Kai with a Golden Retriever named Tornado. They hoped that the young boy would find it comfortable, having the dog as his company and freely express himself through his senses.
Without a doubt, Tornado will make an excellent connection with his human. But what about Kai? How would he react to the presence of this new dog?
Nobody knew the answer to this until the day they finally met. And when they finally did, Kai, for the first time in his life, ran towards his new dog and hugged him. He was clearly thrilled to meet his new pet.
No words can express Shanna’s overflowing emotions when she saw Kai do the things he never did before. Kai didn’t only hug Tornado. He even willingly lay down and leaned onto him as he relaxed and played with his tablet. Indeed, this whole experience is a priceless miracle.
Thanks to 4 Paws For Ability, May Tornado’s and Kai’s story give parents of children with special needs a glimmer of hope. Who knows, the only therapy these kids need is a four-legged furry friend with a wet nose!
Watch the full story here:
Source: Inside Edition via YouTube