ThatsLife
  • WIN
  • News
  • Real Life
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Pets
  • Your Stars
  • Puzzles
  • Podcasts
  • Video
ThatsLife
  • WIN
  • News
  • Real Life
  • Food
  • Lifestyle
  • Pets
  • Your Stars
  • Puzzles
  • Podcasts
  • Video
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. News

Abused puppy helps autistic boy find happiness

They are best friends! - by Jacqueline Mey
  • 02 Aug 2019
Abused puppy helps autistic boy find happiness

 

Collapsing in a stranger’s front yard, a four-month old puppy was on deaths door.

Rescued by a local animal shelter she was emaciated, weak and tipped the scales at just 1.8kgs.

Originally when workers picked her up, they thought she was dead.

But discovering she was breathing still no one was hopeful she would survive.  

Xena the Warrior Puppy

But she did.

Remarkable shelter workers said she basically came back from death.

Naming her Xena the Warrior because of her pure strength and will to live they posted her recovery on their Facebook page.

Xena the Warrior Puppy

That’s when and eight-year old boy named Jonny Hickey found his best friend.

Jonny’s Mum found the post online and after searching for ways for her autistic son to come out of his shell she arranged a meeting between Xena and Jonny.

Quiet, barely speaking , keeping to himself and terrified of new experiences his parents were desperate to help Jonny fill his life with happiness.

Bonding instantly the Hickey family adopted Xena and within a blink Jonny’s attitude changed.

Xena the Warrior Puppy

Transforming into an outgoing boisterous little man Xena and Jonny made the perfect team.

"Well, my Xena was hurt really bad by some not-so-nice people. And I have autism. So I think we make a pretty perfect team to spread the words to be nice to animals, and nice to kids like me,” Jonny said.

Xena the Warrior Puppy

Giving him the confidence to be brave and experience what the world has to offer, the duo are adorable.

  • News
  • Real Life
  • Pets
Jacqueline Mey
Jacqueline Mey
Jacqueline is a Features Writer for that’s life! magazine. Previously working at Prevention, she has published works across Bella, Closer, Take a Break, Real People and that’s life! UK. She is also the host of Girlfriend’s Beauty Boss Podcast.

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Subscribe to That's Life!

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to That's Life!

Recommended to you

There's A Better, Faster Way To Predict Sepsis
Watch 0:37

There's A Better, Faster Way To Predict Sepsis

{headline}

{headline}

Therapy dog stolen from 12-year-old girl is found dead

Therapy dog stolen from 12-year-old girl is found dead

Autistic boy, 5, called 'sexual predator' by school for hugging and kissing classmates

Autistic boy, 5, called 'sexual predator' by school for hugging and kissing classmates

Shot 17 times, Maggie is now teaching kids about kindness

Shot 17 times, Maggie is now teaching kids about kindness

Man kicked off train over therapy dog dispute

Man kicked off train over therapy dog dispute

{headline}

{headline}

Holly the heart hero

Holly the heart hero

30-year heartbreak  - who killed Kerry Turner?

30-year heartbreak - who killed Kerry Turner?

My runny nose was cancer

My runny nose was cancer

{headline}

{headline}

Horror at the servo - I was abducted and raped

Horror at the servo - I was abducted and raped

My husband forgot I was his wife so we wed twice

My husband forgot I was his wife so we wed twice

Empty nesters... so we adopted SEVEN kids!

Empty nesters... so we adopted SEVEN kids!

How chalk found me love!

How chalk found me love!

I SHAVED my head on my WEDDING day!

I SHAVED my head on my WEDDING day!

Born with no hands - but nothing will stop my boy

Born with no hands - but nothing will stop my boy

I LOVE the skin I'm in!

I LOVE the skin I'm in!

ThatsLife
  • Gold Club
  • Online Entry FAQ
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Competitions
  • Privacy Policy
ThatsLife Magazine Subscribe
  • Gold Club
  • Online Entry FAQ
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Competitions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • New Idea
  • Who
  • Girlfriend
  • Practical Parenting

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • New Idea food
  • Women's Weekly Food
  • Bounty Parents
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • 7mate
  • 7Sport
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to That's Life!-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to That's Life!