A seven-year-old autistic boy named Jameson Wall was born dependent on medicines. He was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune condition, and his early years were filled with frequent trips to the hospital.
Life is challenging for Jameson. But things changed for the better when he met a new friend. His name is Sushi, a stray that eventually became Jameson’s service dog.
Here’s the duo’s sweet story.
Understanding Jameson’s condition
Laura Wall, Jameson’s mom, adopted the kid when he was a toddler. She soon discovered that the boy was suffering from two conditions: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections or PANDAS and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome or PANS.
The boy evidently has a hard time living his life comfortably. Laura said that there were times when Jameson looked like he had Parkinson’s disease, and he couldn’t say the words that he was able to speak clearly before. Moreover, Jameson engaged in self-harming behaviors.
But eventually, Jameson was able to cope with his condition with the help of a friend.
Jameson’s service dog
Sushi, who was once called Brucey, was a rescue dog from a shelter named Focus on Cumberland County Animal Safety (FOCCAS). Apparently, the dog was dumped at the said animal facility.
Jameson’s parents saw how well their son responded to a working dog at Vanderbilt’s Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital. They also considered getting a dog to support Jameson physically and emotionally. These factors might have inspired them to adopt Sushi.
But what actually led the family to take Sushi home was Jameson’s innocent reasoning. The boy wanted Sushi because he didn’t have a home.
Sushi’s presence greatly helped Jameson. According to Corey, Jameson’s dad, Sushi has the ability to bring the boy out of his stressful time quickly. Other kids also want to be around Jameson ever since Sushi became his service dog. Laura added that Jameson became capable of building a relationship with other people through the dog.
Indeed, Sushi changed Jameson’s life.
Source: WVLT-TV via YouTube