It’s easy to see why dogs are often referred to as “man’s best friend”. They provide unconditional love, close companionship, and can even be trained to work. But for some people, dogs have an even bigger impact.
This can certainly be said about Leon Kirby-Bulner, a boy with special needs whose life was completely changed thanks to a sweet Cocker Spaniel named Fern.
It was clear that from birth, Leon was not like other children. Nicknamed “Mancub” after Mowgli from Forest book, Leon struggled to eat and sleep. He spent most of his waking hours fidgeting and screaming.
He would vomit and choke every time he tried to eat and as a result he was fitted with a nasogastric tube for feeding. But after two long years, many visits to the doctor and various tests, the Mancub family finally found the answer.
He was diagnosed with Chiari malformation, a rare condition thatduct defects at the base of the skull causes brain tissue to extend into the spinal canal. This happens when part of the skull is deformed or smaller than normal.
This condition can cause severe headaches, trouble with balance, dizziness, and trouble swallowing. He was also diagnosed with autism, a neurological disorder that affects the way people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave.
Both of these conditions explain why the Mancub is constantly screaming and is not interested in interacting with his family.
“He doesn’t speak and it’s almost in its own little world,” explains Mancub’s mother, Hayley.
Later, Mancub’s family came to see a Cocker Spaniel. Together, they run a falconry business and want a dog to help with some of their hawkish chores. But when they arrived, an adorable joy jumped out of her pen and hugged Mancub’s mother tightly. The little Cocker Spaniel puppy immediately won the hearts of the sisters. They decided to call her Fern.
When they brought her home to meet the Mancub, they certainly didn’t expect what happened next. The once brazen child suddenly brightened and expressed emotions like never before. The Mancub even started interacting with the puppy and wanted to play.
Then, in the weeks that followed, he really started to come out of his shell. His parents were overjoyed and had no idea this change could happen because he was attached to a dog.
Hayley said: “I never imagined a dog could change our lives the way Fern did and even Mancub’s doctors were amazed at the progress he has made when it comes to life. with Fern by his side.
Now, this couple is inseparable. The family sent Fern to train to become a full-fledged service dog. They may have lost their “falcon-like working dog,” but it’s worth it for all the benefits she’s brought to the Mancub.
They do everything together, and Fern even helps Mancub with the little chores like bringing him clothes in the morning and getting the pump to feed him. She also provides behavioral interruptions when the Mancub suffers, helps to stabilize him if he loses his balance, and alerts the Mancub’s mother when he has a headache.
Fern’s help has been invaluable, and the duo enjoy going on adventures together.
If you can’t get enough of this adorable couple, you can follow their journey on Facebook page. There, Mancub’s mother posted posts to help other families see the changes a dog can inspire and raised funds to help buy and train dogs for other children with autism.
Featured pictures: Facebook
