Watch What Happens When Judge at Dog Show Invites Little Girl with Autism Into Arena
Usually at a dog show, all eyes are on the dogs. At this show, it was a little girl and her “dog” who stole the spotlight.
The little girl, who is autistic, was in attendance, looking on with her stuffed animal on a leash. To everyone’s surprise, one of the judges walked by and asked the girl if she wanted to show off her “dog.”
In the video tweeted by former NBA player Rex Chapman, the little girl’s “dog” is put onto the judging table and thoroughly inspected by the judge, who took his role seriously.
He then had the little girl run a lap to show off her “dog’s” skills, which left the audience cheering. The audience can be heard cooing in unison when the little girl ran over and hugged the judge, who had his arms outstretched.
Chapman tweeted: “This beautiful little girl has autism. She brought her stuffed-puppy to the dog show. One of the judges stopped, walked over to her, and asked if she wanted to show her dog as well. This is what happened. Humanity.”
The video has reached over 7 million views, receiving many heartwarming comments.
One user, Manny, tweeted, “Sometimes in this super fast paced world where we get caught up in so many important yet meaningless things it’s moments like this that we need to slow down to appreciate the little things that mean so much more. Awesome.”
This beautiful little girl has autism. She brought her stuffed-puppy to the dog show.
One of the judges stopped, walked over to her, and asked if she wanted to show her dog as well.
This is what happened.
Humanity.❤️ pic.twitter.com/wkkcJCiIWC
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) March 6, 2020
Another user, gaveedraseven, tweeted, “He was great the whole time! I saw at one point he went in like he was going to touch her shoulder but stopped short. Then he opened his arms at the end and looked over to what I’m guessing was a parent or guardian as if to ask is this ok. I just got the feeling that this was a guy used to physical contact who was consciously reigning himself in out of respect and understanding. Definitely a good guy.”
According to The Animal Rescue Site, the judge is Johnny Shoemaker, who has been involved in dog shows throughout the world. Those who have crossed his path confirm Shoemaker’s kindness towards children.
JayKwellin tweeted, “This judge has helped set up the “peewee” class at dog shows, which is for kids not old enough for the junior showmanship classes. He is literally this amazing with every child at a show and it is a pleasure to watch!”
While this story occurred in 2020, it shows what it really means to treat your fellow person with kindness, no matter how small. We can truly say that this little girl and her “dog” not only won best in show, but millions of hearts.
