Well, the death row inmate wasn’t a human being, it was a Belgian Malinois or a Belgian Shepherd Dog. This is a medium-sized dog breed that is known for being highly active, engaging, and playful.
They require a lot of physical stimulation and if not properly engaged can develop neurotic behavior. For this reason, people unfamiliar with their care often tire of their excessive energy and give up on them. That’s what happened to Juno the dog. He was in the animal shelter only days away from being put down.
However, one man found him at the shelter and saw in him an answer to prayers. The man is a former law enforcement officer who worked closely with Belgian Malinois dogs and was experienced in how to train them. Moreover, he has a child suffering from an incurable illness called Sanfilippo syndrome which prevents the body from breaking down sugar. Eventually, the disease cripples the child, stunts their ability to speak, ingest food and may even cause neurological problems. The man and his wife wanted to buy a guide dog for their son, but lacked the $15,000 needed. In addition, they were told their son didn’t qualify as a good recipient for a guide dog.
Juno was up for the job. He has formed a strong bond with their 4-year-old son Lucas and has proven himself to be everything they desired. Photographs of Lucas and Juno show the level of camaraderie the two share. Indeed, Juno once again proves that dogs are man’s best friend.