A Heart-Warming Love
The warmth of four paws.
The snow filled the ground that December day in Germany—a white Christmas—every child’s dream. For five-year-old Jace, the wintry day called for sledding. And as the flakes fell and the joy of laughter echoed in the white landscape, a little boy’s future changed forever.
The sledding accident happened in an instant. The impact of the chilling day seemed to freeze time—fears hanging over Jace’s mom and dad like sharp icicles. While families woke up to presents under the tree, Jace’s family spent over a week in the hospital, discovering that his sight was forever gone in one eye.
Half his world went dark. But it seemed his whole spirit felt the aching crush of the trauma.
“It traumatized him. Jace became reserved, and he was scared of basically everything,” Jace’s mom, Carmen, says. “He didn’t understand why this happened to him.”
This Air Force family returned to the States, searching for ways to help their once-vibrant, independent little boy escape feelings no child should have to wrestle with alone.
So as the haunting memories of that icy day hardened, a warm presence—a skilled companion dog, Bentley— snuggled in to melt them away.
“He’s no longer scared that something else will happen to him,” Carmen says. “Since we welcomed Bentley, that all changed. Her energy completely matches Jace’s personality; she’s just what we needed.”
Now, laughter fills their home, especially when Bentley hears her favorite words: “Where’s Jace? Go find him!” Paws bound around the house, tail wagging, as she searches for her giggling best friend. No matter what clever hiding spot Jace tucks into, Bentley always finds him.
He’s her purpose, her little boy. And as Jace loves to say, “She’s my dog.”
Bentley’s watchful eye and gentle companionship blanket the gusts of fear, ensuring Jace never feels alone. She reminds him that happiness lives around every corner—and that childhood is still full of adventures with the warmth of a furry friend.
Spark Hope
It takes one spark of generosity to change a life. When you give, your kindness illuminates new beginnings for those who need our dogs. Light breaks through, and healing begins. Give today and let hope shine. Thank you!
