In a world where loyalty is considered a virtue, one Great Dane took it a step further, transforming the life of an 11-year-old girl with a rare condition. Bella Burton of Woburn, Massachusetts, was born with Morquio Syndrome, a genetic disorder that inhibits bone growth and restricts movement. Despite numerous surgeries and countless physical therapies, Bella had been largely reliant on crutches or a wheelchair – until she met George.
George, an impressive 130-pound Great Dane, trained at the Service Dog Project in Ipswich, Massachusetts, became the lynchpin that led Bella on her journey towards independence. Standing tall and weighing thrice as much as Bella, George was the towering strength that she needed. The Service Dog Project has so far provided almost 100 Great Danes as service animals to individuals with severe balance and mobility issues, substantially improving their quality of life.
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Tailoring their training program according to each beneficiary’s needs, the project has catered to children, military veterans, and individuals battling conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis and Friedreich’s ataxia. For Bella, the pairing with George brought a transformation that surpassed all previous therapies.
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With Marquio Syndrome affecting just 3,000 people globally, Bella’s challenges were profound. Dwarfism, poor bone development, and organ damage are just some facets of this condition. However, George stepped in to turn the tide. Bella revealed to WCVB, “I had wheelchairs, walkers, Canadian crutches, standard crutches, and then we got George and I gave up my crutches and started using him.”
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George provided support to Bella as she navigated the corridors of her school or climbed up and down the stairs. Bella shared, “He knows where all my classes are.” In classes, George would rest peacefully, only to spring back into action when Bella needed him.
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Like an intuitive companion, he supported Bella during her outdoor activities, assisting her on the playground and during gym classes, and was always by her side, ensuring her safety. With George’s unwavering assistance, Bella now leads a much more active life, even enjoying bike rides.
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This inspiring tale has captivated hearts globally, with ɱaпy following Bella and George’s journey on their Facebook page. For their exceptional bond, George is set to receive an Award for Canine Excellence from the American Kennel Club in December, one of five dogs recognized for significantly impacting their owners and communities.
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More than a support system, George has become Bella’s closest friend. Their story reminds us how impactful and powerful a bond can be when it’s cemented with unwavering loyalty, love, and mutual respect. The tale of Bella and George is a testament to the extraordinary potential of service dogs and the magic that unfolds when a little girl’s resilience meets a Great Dane’s loyalty.