After years of being around dogs, I’ve come to see therapy dogs as some of the most empathetic and selfless animals.
They’re trained to comfort people in need, but their kindness often reaches beyond humans.
This story follows a remarkable therapy dog whose quiet walk in the woods turned into a moment of compassion that surprised everyone.
Banner, The Gentle Therapy Dog
Banner has spent much of his life working as a therapy dog in Georgia, offering calm and comfort to those who needed it most.
He lives with his owner, Whitney Braley, and has been by her side for years, helping her through episodes of PTSD and anxiety.
Whitney quickly realized that Banner’s caring nature was special. Wherever she went, he wanted to be right there beside her.
One day, during a walk near their home, Banner’s behavior suddenly changed. He ran ahead into the woods, then circled back to Whitney, clearly trying to get her attention.
Curious, she followed him deeper into the trees until he stopped beside a sealed plastic box resting on the ground. Something inside was moving.
A Shocking Discovery In The Forest
When Whitney opened the box, she found seven tiny kittens, newborns, left alone in the woods with no one to care for them.
She knew she couldn’t walk away. Gently, she gathered the kittens and took them home, with Banner walking close beside her.
Back at the house, Whitney and Banner worked together to nurse the kittens back to health. Banner watched over them constantly, almost as if he had taken on the role of their protector.
The days that followed were filled with bottle feedings, gentle care, and sleepless nights, but their efforts paid off. The kittens grew stronger and more playful with each passing day.
Once the kittens were healthy, Whitney arranged for each of them to be adopted by loving families throughout Georgia.
No one knows how they ended up alone in that forest, but one thing is certain: Banner’s instinct and kindness gave all seven of them a chance at life.