Special Needs Family Adopts Paralyzed Dachshund, Finds Its Christmas Miracle

The story of Willie, a paralyzed dachshund, began with tragedy but ends with hope.

The pooch, who's estimated to be around 7 years old, was found abandoned in a cardboard box outside the Humane Society of Tampa Bay in Florida a few weeks ago. He was paralyzed from the waist down, according to the Humane Society. After weeks of rehabilitation and with the help of a wheelchair donated by For Paws Hospice, Willie began to get his mojo back, but still didn't have a forever home.

His story took an amazing turn, though, when a local woman called Sandy Lewers paid a visit to the shelter to pick up her escaped cat.

Willie quickly stole her heart.

The retired U.S. Postal Service worker has a 21-year-old son and 18-year-old daughter, both with autism, along with another dog that once used a wheelchair, making her home the perfect fit for a pooch with special needs like Willie.

"It has helped the children tremendously," she told ABC News. "It has helped our daughter overcome some seriously sensory issues she had."

Sherry Silk, the Humane Society of Tampa Bay's executive director, told the news station, "It's a great holiday story that he's now in a home with other dogs and is now going to be loved for the rest of his life."

Earlier this year, an abandoned, severely abused puppy found a best friend in a child who had been isolated by his autism. In October, a little boy with limited mobility formed an adorable relationship with a miniature horse with a similar disability.

H/T: Yahoo! News