At only 5 years old, Quaden has suffered considerable physical and emotional stress because of his form of dwarfism called achondroplasia. Because of his unconventional height, he has been regularly ridiculed by both children and adults that don’t understand his condition. He has also suffered from fluctuating health issues and has undergone multiple surgeries, relying increasingly on a wheelchair.
Faced with so much scrutiny at a young age, Quaden became bitter and ashamed of his condition, forbidding even his family to speak about his achondroplasia. But this all changed when a family friend asked Quaden's mother if they wanted to take in a 9-year-old Shih Tzu named Buddy.
Amazingly enough, Buddy also has a form of achondroplasia, giving Quaden a new perspective on his identity. The two have become inseparable since then and are tackling the stigma surrounding achondroplasia together, much like what other children with the condition are attempting to do.
Learn more about how this amazing Shih Tzu has helped both Quaden and his family below.
[H/T: Today.com]
Quaden, who has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, suffers through a considerable amount of stress due to his condition.
While out with his family, he has received cruel teasing and ridicule about his height.
The shame that he received from the teasing, coupled with the physical ailments from his condition, caused him to hate it and forbid his family from even mentioning it around him.
But then a friend of the family asked if they would like to take in 9-year-old Buddy the Shih Tzu.
The furry addition to the family turned out to be just what they needed — he also has a form of achondroplasia!
Buddy's presence has helped lift Quaden's spirits, as well as the entire family's.
"Pretty much overnight, it's changed Quaden's confidence. It's been an instant confidence booster, where he's now accepting his diagnosis so happily, like it's cool to have dwarfism now. Buddy has made him accept it as OK, and that we're in this together," told Quaden's mother Yarraka Bayles to TODAY.
"That's been the biggest impact on all of us, because we're not having to hide or try to remember we're not allowed to say certain words."
Now that he has a beloved new pet with the same condition, Quaden has a completely new perspective on it.
Having only been in the Bayles' household for a couple of weeks, Buddy's loving and assured air has transformed their household, giving them all a more positive perspective.
"Quaden loves doing everything with buddy. They eat, sleep, and play together, and he loves taking his dog for a walk to the park & showing him off, telling everyone that his dog has dwarfism like him," explained Bayles.
Having a new fluffy friend with whom he can connect has drastically changed his outlook and has given him the confidence to face his ailments and his bullies.
If you believe a dog's love can completely transform families, please SHARE this little boy's touching story!
