Yellow Lab Mama Gently Befriends Toddler With Down Syndrome

May 15, 2020 by apost team

A gentle Labrador Retriever named Himalaya befriended a three-year-old boy named Hernan. Hernan was apprehensive at first, but Himalaya showed patience and understanding to the boy who had Down Syndrome.

The boy and the dog are cautious about getting together but are curious about each other, and Himalaya slowly but eagerly approaches the toddler, who had been eyeing the Labrador curiously. Then, very slowly and delicately, the dog rested its head and paw on the child’s leg. Hernan, who is normally a bit withdrawn especially from physical contact or being touched, responded to the dog's soft and patient touch.

Having Down Syndrome means that when a baby’s body grows in the womb and develops after birth, it has an extra chromosome that changes how the body and brain develop. Although such children have as much potential and ability to thrive, both physical and mental challenges usually occur as well as their often being discriminated against.

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Therefore, when a caring and friendly canine such as a Labrador Retriever appears on the scene and doesn't know that child is supposedly “different,” miracles can happen and hearts can be opened.

In May of 2020, for the 29th year in a row, the American Kennel Club registry list gave the record-breaking honor to that breed as it amazingly topped the list of the most popular breed.

The Labs are great pets due to their love of and dedication to their owners as well as their affection, stable temperament, outgoing exuberance, energy, high spirits, obedience, sociability, kindness, trustworthiness, and eagerness to please, ability to be easily and well trained, and other fine attributes.

Hernan can be reassured that he will always have a friend in Himalaya, who will look upon him as “normal” and worthy of love and devotion.

Do you know of other heart-warming stories such as this one when a friendly canine made friends with a child with a serious affliction? Please give us details so that we can tell others about how it all happened. We all need tales that can cheer us up during these depressing times.