As I search the web, periodicals and books for more information on the importance of Rescued Animals, it never ceases to amaze me about how our canine friends make such a difference in our lives. These animals have an intuition that is above our but we have dominion over them. They give us the unconditional love we all seek. Lucas and Juno is a wonderful story about a dying boy and a dog awaiting to be euthanized.
Lucas, is a four-year-old boy, suffering from Sanfilippo syndrome, of which there is no cure or available treatment. The progression of the disease will cause Lucas to lose his ability to speak, walk and eat; it will also cause neurological damage that will lead to aggressive behavior, hyperactivity and seizures. Lucas’ family want him to experience as much of life as possible.
Juno, a Belgian Malinois, was rescued by Lucas’ father a few days before she was scheduled to be euthanized. The father had looked into getting a trained service dog for a mere cost of $15,000, but was told Lucas was not a good candidate for a service dog. But, persistence and prayer led the father and family on a two-hour trip to a shelter in Tennessee, where they found Juno. Because the father was familiar with this type of animal and had experience in training K-9′s for law enforcement, he immediately knew this would be a good fit for his son.
Juno and Lucas had an instinctive relationship. As Lucas’ oxygen levels decrease, Juno is able to sense this and alert his parents for assistance. Juno is also able to detect Lucas’ neurological changes, therefore he can alert the family before Lucas has a seizure. The father describes Juno as a shoulder for Lucas to lean on and a calming influence. Though Juno is allowed time off, the two are always together, and apparently they were meant to be together.
