Judy met her husband George while sailing in the Caribbean. The pair were quick to fall in love. They got married and shared a great, active life in Vermont.
Soon after, Judy was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis. During the summer of 2011 she lost her ability to walk and most of her ability to move her upper body.
Something as simple as picking up the remote became an impossible task. Her husband George became her full-time caregiver.
When all seemed hopeless, they received a miracle: An organization called Helping Hands provided Judy with not only a caretaker, but a best friend.
Her name is Sophie and she's a capuchin monkey who is smart as a whip and equally as affectionate.
Monkeys are highly intelligent and make great companions; just take a look at this monkey couple who dine like humans!
It's no wonder Judy and George were instantly smitten with Sophie.
"She's been here with us for a year today. It's our anniversary. And I don't know how I could have gotten through this year without her," George says of Sophie, holding back tears.
"I think I'm her prized person. When I come in the room she makes more fuss over me and I love that," Judy says.
While Judy's friends poke fun at her for having a monkey, Judy wonders how she could have ever lived without her.
Their friendship is emblematic of the beauty that arises from hardship.
See Judy and Sophie's touching story below and SHARE if you teared up a bit like I did!
Judy and George met on a sailing trip and got married soon after. However, they didn't know that Judy's unforeseen illness would dramatically change their lives.
One day, Judy was unable to move her feet, which she thought was a bit funny. However, weeks after their wedding, she was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis.
George never left his wife's side for a single second.
After years together, George could no longer deny that MS would eventually kill Judy, who can't complete even the smallest of tasks. Things felt somber, until one special person changed everything.
When Judy first got the helper monkey, Sophie, she only wanted a pet that could do things like flick on the light switch or grab the remote when it had fallen.
Little did Judy and George know that they were welcoming a new friend and family member that would transform their somber story into one with a happy ending.
See how Sophia transformed Judy and George's life in the touching video below.
