Middle school is not always rainbows and butterflies. Not everyone who goes through this phase gets the easiest time; some are bullied. And one such bullied student is Carson Loveridge, a 13-year-old from Gainsville, Virginia.
The bullying began as soon as Middle School started. This left Carson feeling like no one at school liked him, which eventually evolved into thoughts that no one anywhere wanted him. His confidence fell, and ultimately, the poor kid became anxious and depressed.
Lynette Loveridge, Carson’s mom, found Carson’s experience devastating and worrying. The family did everything they could to help the poor boy, from talking to school administrators to therapists, but nothing seems to work.
One day, Lynette realized that what her son needed was a dog. She felt like a dog could give Carson a different kind of love and comfort that they couldn’t. It didn’t also hurt that her children have been asking for a dog for years.
Zero came to the Loveridge family when he was six-months-old. And in no time, they realized that this three-legged rescued dog was the perfect addition their family needed.
Carson and Zero immediately hit it off, and anxiety and depression never revisited Carson. Zero’s optimistic attitude, despite having incomplete limbs, inspired him. It made Carson realize that no matter how broken or how hurt one is, one can still be happy.
Thanks to Zero, the hero, the Loveridge family, can finally become a happy family. The three-legged pup did not only kick out anxiety and depression but also brought love and joy.
This incredible story of Zero and Carson did not only inspire the Loveridge family but many others as well. It also helped raise fund for a Forever Home when it won Petco Foundation’s Holiday Wishes campaign. You can watch their inspiring story below.
Thank you so much for sharing this video, The Petco Foundation, via Youtube!