Fear to Friendship
How a Furry Playmate Restored a Little Girl’ s Childhood
Little Becca’s world was once full of joy and adventure, but it all came crashing down when Turner syndrome took away her sight at the tender age of eight. Her bright, bubbly personality faded away quickly as fear and insecurity took hold. She retreated into herself, feeling safe only from her perch on the couch.
Her parents, Mina and Justin, felt heartbroken to see their little girl so changed. They desperately wanted to help but didn’t know how. But when they heard about our skilled companion dogs from friends in their Boaz, Alabama community, they instantly reached out— and opened a new door for their precious daughter. Happy-go-lucky Rockwell arrived just in time and changed everything. “My whole family believes he was the turning point for Becca,” Mina says with tears of gratitude.
Rockwell gives Becca a renewed sense of purpose. She revels in knowing it’s her job to care for this big, lovable pup. She feeds him. Fills his water bowl. And puts his leash on for walks. She loves playing with him, and he loves being her bestie.
And Becca’s back outside again, running like the wind, owning the yard. Rockwell loves romping with the girl he loves more than anything. When Becca spins around, Rockwell keeps up. When she drops the leash, he stops and waits for her. Mina marvels at how Rockwell teaches the entire family patience and responsibility. But mostly, she’s astonished at how he impacts Becca’s life.
He makes her eager, brave, and fast again. His unwavering loyalty and affection for her are matched only by hers for him. Rockwell gives Becca daily doses of giggles, hope, and joy. These two prove that the magic of friendship comes alive in four paws, warm hugs, and all the dog kisses a best friend could ever want.
What’s a Skilled Companion Dog?
Our skilled companion dogs offer comfort and companionship to their human partners. They provide:
- Friendship to children, teens, and adults with vision loss facing isolation.
- Hope to veterans battling with despair.
- Relief to military families grappling with stress.
- Love to Gold Star families coping with grief.
As with all our dogs, we provide skilled companion dogs at no cost to the recipients.
Donate Today
Give today—and give the gift of friendship. Help our dogs bring the magic of friendship to kids and teens facing loneliness, grief, and vision loss.
