Best Friends Forever: Service Dog’s Love for Little Girl Rewarded with the Best Day of His Life

Bella Burton was diagnosed with Morquio syndrome approximately 15 years ago. According to Boston Children’s Hospital, Morquio syndrome is a hereditary disorder that affects a child’s bones, spine, organs, and physical capabilities. Bella’s ability to walk was hampered by the ailment, which required the use of walking aids and limited her freedom. However, everything changed when she met George.

“I was walking around on my legs or in a wheelchair, and I was like, ‘I don’t really want to do this anymore,’” Bella recounted. After a year of working with George, a Great Dane trained as a service dog, Bella’s life was transformed. She no longer needed walking aids and was able to explore the world with newfound freedom.

Bella received a service dog from the non-profit organization Service Dog Project. One day, Bella was chatting with George and the next thing you know, his head was in her lap and he was gazing at her like she was the finest thing in the world. “I could feel he needed me, and I knew he needed me,” Bella said. Megan Kokaras, a Service Dog Project trainer, remembered the moment and knew Bella and George would be great friends for life.

“It was incredible the first time I walked with George. It seemed like I hadn’t walked in a long time, and now I’m thinking, ‘I can do it again,’” Bella said. George has enabled Bella to be more self-sufficient, and Bella and her mother, Rachel Burton, decided they had to submit George for BarkPost’s “Dog Best Day” series the moment they heard about it. “George deserves Dog’s Best Day because he has improved my daughter’s life,” Rachel said.

BarkPost recognized that George was the best boy and deserved a day off to be completely spoiled. Without him, his owner would not have been as sufficient as she is now. George’s first stop in Boston was the Copley Plaza Hotel, where the doorman welcomed him by holding the door open wide. Then, the hotel’s local vice president greeted George and Bella, saying, “Have the nicest day ever, on behalf of our K-9 ambassadors!”.

“George, you’re off the clock. Have fun in Boston!” The next stop was Wahlburger for a tasty snack. Since George is a service dog, he is not allowed to consume human food. However, today was “Dog’s Best Day,” so George was given roughly ten hamburgers on a tray, which he devoured.

After that, George and Bella went on a pleasant excursion. George loves the snow, and he and Bella enjoy going sledding together. The ski resort closed down the whole lift area so Bella and George could have fun. George was having the time of his life, racing about.

George was starving after all of his playing, so he went to Polka Dog Bakery where he was greeted with a large welcome sign. George felt like a child in a candy shop, except he was a dog in a treat store. “George adores the Dino-bone,” Bella said. “He’s drawing a huge scribble on the floor.” “I believe we have finally located a…”

“When they returned to the hotel, the room was packed with balloons and toys in every corner. George, who was given a beautiful new dog bed to sleep on, had the nicest day ever. Bella was overjoyed that he was able to receive a thank you for all of his love and commitment over the years.

“George is joyous, always smiling, and always there to cheer you up,” Bella remarked. “He’s my best friend.”

It has been a few years since George had his happiest day ever, and he and Bella remain as close as can be. If you want to follow their trip, like their Facebook page.”