Adopting an animal can be a truly life-changing experience. They might just be a cute friend at first, but they become an integral part of your family unit before you know it. This is especially the case with service animals, as they can help people with disabilities become independent and active.

Take the story of Bella and George, for example. Bella was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Morquio’s Syndrome at just two and a half years old. The disorder attacks healthy bone growth which causes her to have difficulty growing and getting around on her own. Bella spent much of her early childhood being confined to walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs. That is until she met a Great Dane named George.

The connection between Bella and George was powerful and immediate, and they’ve been an inseparable duo since the day they met.

Thanks to George, Bella can now do things on her own just like any other kid her age. She can go from class to class without her wheelchair and you can even see her sledding in the snow at 1:04, something she’d never be able to do otherwise!