DEKALB, GA – Xena the Warrior Puppy was saved when rescuers located her after being starved and locked in a cage at just four-months-old. Now it’s Xena who is the one doing the saving.
Just over a year ago, Xena was found so emaciated that doctors gave her only a 1% chance of survival, but amazingly she survived. The Hickey family heard her story and decided to adopt the beautiful Staffordshire Terrier mix. Xena’s presence had a profound effect on little Jonny Hickey, who is autistic and spent most of his time alone. They formed a nearly instantaneous bond, which changed Jonny’s personality in a positive way much more than his traditional therapy did.
On Xena and Jonny’s first day together they were instant playmates. “From that very first day, that dog was sitting in his lap in the car seat, giving him all these kisses,” Linda Hickey said. “And that’s where she’s been ever since.”
Linda said, “We have laughter in our home where it used to be silent before.” The bond was formed nearly immediately between the two. Jonny used to never touch food, but now he helps prepare Xena’s daily meals and is much warmer and more open than he was before he met her.
The story of Xena and Jonny has gone viral and now they’re teaming up to bring hope to the lives of those affected with autism all over the world.
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