Los Angeles – Amanda Granados’s son, Joey, was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome at the age of seven. He struggled during his kindergarten years and was suspended six times due to behavior that was out of his control.
Joey also loathed physical contact and had never hugged or kissed his mum, until Roxy, a rescue dog came along.
Ms Granados told TODAY.com.
“For all those years, he wouldn’t hold my hand, he wouldn’t hug me — it was all part of the autism — but this dog has taught him how to give and show affection. He holds my hand now! He hugs me! The first time I got a kiss on the cheek was when Roxy came home.”
Joey, who is now fourteen, told that Roxy has made life so much easier for him, and that he has now been able to make friends, adding, “she’s opened up my heart.”
Roxy was found via the internet, on the website, Best Friends Pet Adoption & Spay/Neuter Center, after Joey had asked his mother for a dog. As soon as they saw Roxy’s picture, they fell in love with her.
Joey told that he is very grateful to have Roxy in his life: “It’s amazing to have a friend like this.”
Source: Laura T. Coffey on the TODAY website: Shelter dog helps boy with autism hug, kiss his mom for first time