Mom is Brought to Tears Over Boy’s Moment of Peace with New Service Dog

Shanna Niehaus has a 5-year-old son with high-functioning autism, and – to put it simply – he has a hard time making friends because of it.

Earlier this week, however, he finally found the buddy who he’s never had – and his mom was totally overwhelmed.

4 Paws For Ability is a nonprofit that pairs service dogs with kids with autism. After two years on the waiting list, Niehaus’s son was finally introduced to his new service canine named Tornado.

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“This picture captures the face of a mother who saw her child, who she can’t hug, wash, dress, snuggle and touch freely lay on his new service dog of his own free will, with a purposeful unspoken attachment,” Niehaus wrote on Facebook. “This is the face of a mom who has seen her son experience countless failed social interactions on the playground in an attempt to have a friend. Any friend.”

“This is truly magic. Words cannot explain it. Some how because of this – because of Tornado – I know everything will be okay.”

Click To Share This Emotional Story With Your Friends – Photo by 4 Paws For Ability