Every dog is unique, and we are incredibly fortunate to have them in our lives. Occasionally, however, a dog comes along with exceptional qualities that go beyond the norm. This is the story of Aladdin, an extraordinary pit bull. Aladdin had a rough start in life; he was severely neglected, malnourished, and found in a high-kill shelter. He had lost 12 teeth and suffered from severe bone issues.
Due to his physical condition, Aladdin cannot bend his hind legs and has developed a unique way of sitting, lying down, and walking. Fortunately, his future owner, Michelle, discovered him at the shelter and instantly fell in love. In a video, she shares that despite his difficult past and evident discomfort, Aladdin wagged his tail the moment they met!
Within a year of his adoption, Aladdin became a certified therapy dog, thanks to his remarkable ability to connect with people. He has a special affinity for children and has an uncanny knack for finding those in need of comfort, even in a crowded room. It’s believed that his intuition might stem from his own experiences of suffering, or perhaps the ongoing pain from his deformed legs.
After the tragic shooting at the Orlando nightclub, Aladdin was on the scene. Amidst the chaos, he approached a man in need of comfort. The man later said, “This dog looked at me and knew I needed him.” Aladdin somehow sensed this man had been inside the club and instinctively knew he needed to offer support, creating a touching moment.
Aladdin’s compassion isn’t limited to humans; he also helps soothe dogs that have experienced trauma or abuse. Despite his incredible contributions, he still faces the stigma associated with his breed. Michelle, Aladdin’s owner, often encounters parents pulling their children away once they realize he’s a pit bull. Michelle works hard to counter these stereotypes, dressing Aladdin in cute outfits to make him seem more approachable.
Aladdin’s kindness and empathy have not gone unnoticed. The Humane Society of the United States named him “Therapy Dog of the Year.” During the award ceremony, a gentleman in the audience offered to cover the cost of medical treatment to alleviate Aladdin’s orthopedic pain, a gesture that was both generous and transformative.
Aladdin’s story is one of resilience and compassion, and it continues to inspire. His remarkable ability to connect with people and other animals in need is truly extraordinary. Don’t miss the chance to watch the video below and witness this heartwarming story for yourself. Aladdin’s tale is a powerful reminder that dogs should never be judged by breed stereotypes. If you support dogs like Aladdin and have a special place in your heart for pit bulls, be sure to share his inspiring journey