Jacksonville boy with Down syndrome becomes best friends with rescue dog

Harrison Gilliam, a 3-year-old boy from Jacksonville with Down syndrome, has found a best friend in Layla, his family's Boxer dog. Layla and Harrison share a special bond, with Layla patiently interacting with him and serving as a teaching mechanism. Layla was a rescue puppy adopted by the Gilliams when Harrison was born, and her personality blossomed when she realized he wasn't her puppy but someone to watch over and care for.

Layla's dedication to Harrison is evident in her actions. When Harrison was hospitalized, Layla was inconsolable and stopped eating. Layla's veterinarian, Christian Broadhurst, explains that animals, especially dogs, benefit from having someone to care for, and Harrison provides that for Layla. Their bond is mutually beneficial, as Layla's companionship helps Harrison with his physical development and coordination.

Pets, including dogs, can be beneficial to individuals with Down syndrome, providing companionship and opportunities for learning and independence. While there may not be extensive research on the topic, anecdotal evidence suggests that pets can have a positive impact on people with Down syndrome.

Therapy animals, such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and horses, are trained to comfort and assist individuals in various settings, but Layla is not trained as a therapy dog. However, her natural ability to connect with Harrison and provide him with joy is invaluable.

The Gilliams do not plan to train Layla as a therapy dog, as she already brings immense happiness to Harrison's life. Their bond demonstrates the power of the human-animal connection and the positive impact pets can have on individuals with disabilities or special needs.