A service dog named Forest melted the hearts of Disney enthusiasts worldwide when he fell asleep during a special encounter with the iconic Mickey Mouse at Disney World. This touching moment was captured by Forest’s owner, Ashton McGrady, and shared on social media, quickly gaining widespread attention and admiration.

Ashton McGrady, a 31-year-old resident of Nashville, Tennessee, embarked on a trip to Disney World with her four-year-old service dog, Forest. Forest plays a pivotal role in Ashton’s life, providing vital assistance due to her various medical conditions. Ashton suffers from a connective tissue disorder known as Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a neurological condition called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and an incomplete spinal cord injury. Additionally, Forest performs essential psychiatric and Autism-related tasks, making him an indispensable companion for Ashton.

@radiantlygolden

These magical moments will never grow old 🥹✨ #servicedog #servicedogsoftiktok #servicedogteam #servicedogatdisney #disneyparks #disneytiktok #distokfam #mnsshp #mickeymouse

♬ What Was I Made For (Piano) – T I H H

Disney World, known for its commitment to inclusivity, welcomes service animals in its parks, along with guests with disabilities. The park’s policy ensures that service animals must remain under the control of their owners at all times, either on a leash or in a harness. This allows guests like Ashton and Forest to fully enjoy their Disney experience while ensuring the safety and comfort of all visitors.

During their visit to Walt Disney World in Florida, Forest had the opportunity to meet several beloved Disney characters, including the one and only Mickey Mouse. Forest’s remarkable bond with Ashton was evident as he felt so at ease in the presence of Mickey that he dozed off during the encounter.

As Ashton McGrady explained, “Forest always loves interacting with Disney characters, and he works so hard at the parks. They are long days! It really is a reward for him to get to meet them. But Mickey will always have a special place in our hearts, of course.”

The heartwarming encounter between Forest and Mickey Mouse was captured on video and shared on social media platforms, including TikTok and Instagram under the handle @radiantlygolden. The video quickly went viral, amassing over 470,000 views and nearly 50,000 likes. It serves as a reminder of the profound bond between service animals and their owners, showcasing the incredible impact they have on the lives of individuals facing unique challenges.

We encourage everyone thinking of getting a pet to only adopt instead of shopping. Read more resources about adopting animals on One Green Planet, including 7 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Furry Best Friend, 5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Adopt a Pet, and These Heartwarming Before and After Pictures of Adopted Rescue Animals Will Make Your Day! Read tips for pet adoptions and what to consider before adopting an animal. We recommend using these apps to find shelter dogs near you!

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