The story of a horribly abused Pit Bull named Xena begins on a very heartbreaking note. Xena was just a 4-month-old puppy when she was found by a Georgia animal shelter.
She was caged, starved and tortured for months, and then dumped on a roadside like a piece of trash. The emaciated puppy was given a one percent chance of survival, but a miracle changed her fate.
As Xena’s abuse story was being covered by the local media, the Hickey family got exceedingly attached to her recovery.
Within weeks, the family reached out to the shelter and became invested in her treatment.
After feeling loved and cherished for the first time, Xena surprised everyone by making an unexpected recovery. Needless to say, she became the Hickey family’s third rescue dog!
It was just after Xena’s adoption that the family witnessed something completely out of this world! Jonny, their 8-year-old autistic kid, instantly transformed the moment he set his eyes on the still sickly Xena.
Before, Jonny would keep himself isolated and rarely speak. But with Xena, he came out of his shell and started becoming more and more social. Even his troubles at school were over!
The Hickeys, who had previously spent thousands of dollars on Jonny’s therapy, had never seen the boy so happy and engaged before.
Xena’s friendship not only changed his life forever, but also taught him to be considerate of everyone around him.
This duo found each other just when they needed to be saved, and this is one of the most heartwarming tales of love ever!
Click the video below to watch how Xena was saved and became a lifeline in Jonny’s life.
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A friend of mine has a beautiful Dalmatian. Friendly, energetic and lovable, she was a perfect family pet… but she wasn’t the smartest pooch on the planet. See, she knew how to go through the pet door out into the garden, but she had no clue how to get back inside. It never occurred to her that the flap could swing both ways. So she would sit outside and howl until my friend would open the door.
Repeated demonstrations of the dual movement of the flap had no effect; it just did not compute. The dog breeds on this list, however, probably don’t have that problem. They’re widely considered to be among the cleverest canines in the world. Take a look and see if you agree.
1. German Shepherd
No surprise here. German Shepherds are the world’s best police dogs, military dogs, and some have even been movie stars (remember Rin Tin Tin?). Brave, loyal, smart and strong, they’re the total package.
2. Beagle
Also on the list of the best family-friendly dogs in the world, the Beagle has an incredible nose that lets them sniff out just about anything. Born detectives, they’re not the most trainable pets, but they are smart. And hey, nobody ever accused Snoopy of being dumb.
3. Golden Retriever
A popular choice for assistance dogs for their easy temperament, natural intelligence and loyalty, Golden Retrievers are natural guides and also serve as great rescue dogs. Active and fun to be around, they’re wonderful family pets.
4. Border Collie
Border Collies are considered by many to be the geniuses of the dog world. Expert herders, laser-focused (they’re known for their intense stare), and incredibly agile to boot, they’re workaholics and excellent athletes. Just don’t expect to keep one cooped up in an apartment.
5. Poodle
Did you know poodles were originally hunting dogs? They respond very well to training and are quick to learn tricks. So don’t let the fluffy looks and styled mane fool you! These dogs are among the smart canines around. Plus, they’re among the best dogs in the world for those who suffer allergies.
6. Belgian Malinois
A terrific military dog, the Malinois is a natural herder, tracker and worker. Smart, trainable and protective, these dogs require an owner who knows what he or she is doing. In addition to the military, Malinois are often recruited as guard dogs and police dogs as well.
7. Papillon
Named for their butterfly-shaped ears, papillons are small, cute and pretty smart. They’re considered the smartest of the toy dog breed, with intelligence levels comparable to the über-smart border collie. They’re alert and focused pets, and loyal and lovable: an ideal friend for he family.
8. Doberman
Sadly, Dobermans are known more for their ferocity than their smarts, but these are considered among the most intelligent dogs in the world, as well as one of the most effective guard dogs around. They’re outstanding students known to be affectionate and obedient.
9. Bloodhound
Don’t let the wrinkles and dopey expression fool you! Bloodhounds have the keenest of noses, and are often used for trailing (so much so that their evidence can be used in court against you!). These are loving but strong-willed dogs, and are often used on search and rescue missions.
10. Australian Cattle Dog
You need a smart, determined and energetic dog to control unruly cows. And that’s just what the Australian Cattle Dog, or ACD, does. They’re intelligent enough to herd these much larger creatures, and while they need their independence and wide open spaces, they’re eager workers who know how to get the job done.
Did we miss your brainy dog on this list? If so, write in and let us know about it!
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Source: The Wall Street Journal
