It was impossible to foresee that a neglected and frail puppy on the brink of death was destined for extraordinary achievements.
Meet Xena, a Pitbull puppy who was discovered abandoned in a yard in Georgia.
She was taken to Dekalb County Animal Services and hurried to the veterinary clinic. The veterinarians were horrified by her dire circumstances and estimated her chances of survival at merely 1%.
Eventually, Canine Caravan Rescue Inc. intervened, transferring her from the shelter to a foster home. Chrissy and Aaron, her foster caregivers, enveloped the little pup with the love she had never experienced before.
With their unconditional love, Xena began to discover that life held beauty. Against all odds, she pulled through and completed her recovery, but this was only the beginning of her miraculous journey.
Xena Meets Jonny
Upon learning about Xena’s harrowing past, Linda Hickey felt an undeniable urge to welcome her into her home.
Hickey aimed to transform Xena’s life, providing her with love and a forever home.
She never anticipated that Xena would interact with Jonny, her eight-year-old son with autism, who had challenges with verbal communication.
Despite having two other dogs, Jonny had never shown much interest in them.
Hickey vividly remembers the day Xena entered their lives.
Though she had never previously encountered a Pit Bull, she admits to having been swayed by the negative stigma surrounding them.
In February 2013, when she brought Xena home, the lovable puppy captured her heart with her gentle spirit and boundless capacity for affection.
As soon as Hickey introduced Xena to her son, the charming puppy leaped into Jonny’s lap and began showering him with kisses.
The adorable pup felt an instant connection with her new little human.
Jonny, who usually disliked anyone invading his personal space, reciprocated the affection by kissing Xena and began conversing with her. The boy immediately formed a connection with the sweet puppy, engaging her in conversation for the entire day.
Hickey was astounded.
She and her husband had taken Jonny to numerous therapists to help him with communication and social interactions, but progress had been minimal.
The Pittie Changes Jonny’s World
Due to her troubled past, the gentle Pittie craved affection and the comfort of kind humans.
No matter what activity Jonny engaged in, Xena would be by his side.
“I believe that due to her previous life experiences, she yearns for gentle human interaction. Consequently, Jonny, who tends to shy away from such contact, finds himself drawn to her… They truly balance each other. Their union symbolizes acceptance and understanding,” Hickey shared with The Dodo.
The two formed an extraordinary bond, enjoying time spent cuddled up together.
Xena inspired Jonny to engage with the world around him. The boy, who previously struggled to vocalize, even began singing to her.
Jonny started running alongside his dad with Xena joining them in a jogging stroller.
Whenever Jonny encountered others, he would proudly greet them with high fives.
“This transformation is remarkable because Jonny is now more present in the world, which was quite challenging for him before meeting Xena,” Hickey noted.
True Soulmates
Hickey considers Xena their very own little miracle.
“No therapy could achieve what she has done for him. She is indeed our miracle, wrapped in fur,” Hickey remarked.
Jonny and Xena are truly soulmates.
Their shared love and support empowered Jonny to transform his life while also helping him find his voice. In turn, Jonny’s friendship and the love from his family aided Xena in discovering the happiness she always deserved.
Xena and Jonny frequently share updates about their journey on their Instagram account.
The beautiful Georgia girl cherishes her life alongside her family and best buddy. Each wonderful memory Xena continues to create with her family has effectively erased the pain she suffered as a young puppy.
