A powerful bond saves an emaciated dog and an autistic boy

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As a puppy, Xena was found so emaciated that she was given a 1% chance of survival.

She was literally skin and bones and everyone who saw pictures of her when she was first saved were h.o.r.r.i.f.i.e.d.But she was determined to live and miraculously, she pulled through!

But Xena’s amazing survival story didn’t end there. The “warrior puppy” was adopted by the Hickey family and she formed a powerful bond with Jonny Hickey, a young boy with autism.

Jonny’s mom, Linda, had followed Xena’s rescue and recovery from the beginning and believed that her son and Xena were destined to be together and to help one another.Xena’s presence and love has affected Jonny profoundly. He rarely spoke before she arrived, but with Xena, he began to open up.

He talks all the time with Xena around and is not afraid to try new things or venture out in the world with his best friend by his side.

Together, the inseparable best friends support each other in everything they do. The best friends continue to spread a message of compassion for both animals and those with autism throughout the world