Photo: Courtesy The Loveridge Family
Anyone who has gone through middle school knows it’s not always the easiest time.
Carson Loveridge was experiencing that discomfort first hand. The 13-year-old was enduring bullying at school that was taking a toll on his confidence, leaving him anxious and depressed. It got to the point that he was having trouble going to school each morning.
Concerned about her son’s well-being, Lynette, a registered nurse, sought help from professionals inside and outside of the school, but also wanted to do more for her child. The mother of four decided that Carson needed a dog.
Courtesy The Loveridge Family
She found Zero, a three-legged puppy who lost his limb in a car accident, and instantly felt drawn to the dog.
“Zero was brought up from Florida toA Forever Home Rescue. I saw him listed online and thought he was pretty cute and I thought the fact that he only had 3 legs was endearing,” Lynette says. “We went and visited him at his foster home. He was cute and playful and had absolutely no problem getting around on 3 legs.”
The family decided to watch the puppy while his foster parents were out of town – and the family “never gave him back.” All of the Loveridges had fallen in love with Zero, but Carson especially bonded with the pup. The pair became fast friends, with Zero sleeping in the boy’s bed every night. Through this supportive, loving bond with the resilient Zero, Carson began to regain his confidence and enjoy school again.
“The 6th grade Carson vs. the 7th grade Carson we had last year are complete opposites! Carson’s confidence has increased greatly and he does not have the same anxiety and stress he had about school in 6th grade,” his mom shares. “He was happy and enjoyed school and even was excited to start 8th grade this week. Even when he might have a little setback or disappointment, he is able to handle it well and move past it quickly. He is back to being his happy, fun self!”
“Dogs really can be a best friend. Even better sometimes than people can,” Lynette says about what she hopes others take away from Carson and Zero’s story.
source: people.com
