Inspiring True Stories of Animals Helping Humans

From dogs to horses to alligators, these heaven-sent animals are here to lend us a helping hand.

A beloved service dog. A wildlife ambassador raccoon. An emotional support alligator. Enjoy these true inspirational stories about loving critters that provide people with healing, love, and comfort.  

Rachel Webb Turner with her son and dog in inspiring stories of animals helping humans

1 of 7 Heaven-Sent Josie

Rachel Webb Turner worried about her son Wesley, who was on the autism spectrum. Could she be that mom? The one who could educate herself, advocate for her son, intervene when necessary. I am not your girl, God, Rachel thought. I can’t be the mom Wesley needs. He deserves someone better, someone more capable. One day, the weirdest, most off-the-wall idea came to her mind, so weird that she blurted it out loud. “We need a dog!” Learn how an Aussiedoodle puppy named Josie changed everything.


Magic the therapy horse comforts kids at Sandy Hook in inspiring stories of animals helping humans

2 of 7 A Little Magic

The miniature black horse with a white nose and a flowing mane trotted into a room in Nashville’s Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Some of the kids were in wheelchairs, some wore masks, some were hooked up to IVs, but they all squealed with excitement. “I can’t believe there’s a horse in the hospital!” a boy said. On this day, instead of undergoing challenging medical tests and procedures, these kids got to have fun with Magic the miniature mare. Read how Magic has a special way of knowing who needs her the most.

Dot Lee and her raccoon on the beach in inspiring stories of animals helping humans

3 of 7 True Trouper

As a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, Dot Lee took in and cared for injured animals until they could be released back into the wild. One day, she is called to care for an injured baby raccoon that no one thinks will make it. Yet something about this tough little guy told Dot he was not only going to make it, but he was also destined for something more. Learn how Trouper changed Dot’s life and so many others.


Christy Gardner and her dog Moxie in inspiring stories of animals helping humans

4 of 7 She’s Got Moxie

Christy Gardner served in the Army as a sergeant in the military police. In July 2006 she was severely injured during a peacekeeping operation in Korea. She had no feeling in her legs below the knees. She lost her memory, the hearing in her left ear and the ability to speak. But there was one thread of hope she held onto, one thing that stuck in her mind during rehab. Read about Moxie, the service dog that saved Christy’s life in more ways than one.


Wally the alligator sits on lap in inspiring stories of animals helping humans

5 of 7 Meet Wally

Cute and calming is how most people would describe the dogs, cats and bunnies that visit hospitals, schools and nursing homes to offer emotional support. Scary and dangerous are the words many would choose upon seeing Joie Henney’s comfort companion. His name is Wally, and he’s a five-foot-long alligator. Learn how Wally the alligator became an unlikely yet caring companion.


Peyo the horse doctor in inspiring stories of animals helping humans

6 of 7 Doctor Peyo

You expect to hear beeps, buzzes, even shrieks from machines and monitors in a hospital, but not clip-clop, clip-clop. And definitely not a neigh or a whinny. Yet those are common sounds in the hallways of Calais Hospital in northern France. Why? Because towering over the doctors and nurses in white coats and scrubs, you’ll find the sweet chestnut-brown face of Peyo the horse. Read how Peyo miraculously detects cancer and tumors.


The book "All God's Creatures 2023: Daily Devotions for Animal Lovers" by Guideposts

7 of 7 Daily Devotions for Animal Lovers

This inspiring devotional brings you 365 touching stories of animals who appear at just the right moment providing comfort and bringing us closer to our faith.

Plus, enjoy four FREE beautiful, custom-designed note cards and envelopes with any print edition purchase.

CLICK HERE FOR A FREE EXCERPT!

ORDER HERE!

Share this story

A Moment for Mom Right Rail

Community Newsletter

Get More Inspiration Delivered to Your Inbox

Scroll to Top