Boy With Cerebal Palsy Finds Best Friend in Dog

A Lake Zurich 7-year-old with special needs has found his new best friend.

A boy named Jacob, who is afflicted with Cerebral Palsy, was browsing the Lake Zurich Petco store during an adoption event this weekend a yellow lab caught his eye. The 3-year-old dog named Kelly was recently rescued from a hoarding situation by Fortunate Pooches and Labs. Volunteer Jim Buster described the relationship between Kelly and Jacob through an email to Patch.

“I handed the ball to Jacob and told him to throw the ball and watch Kelly play so he did time and time again and it seemed like the more he did it the bigger his smile grew,” Buster said. “I am having a rough time emotionally writing this because this is one of the most inspiring times of my life. I had the most fortunate experience today that allowed me to deliver Kelly to Jacob’s home which now is Kelly's forever home.”

Jacob’s mother spoke to Buster and said that their family is now whole.