Miracles often come at times when you feel like all seems hopeless, but amazingly, life makes a complete turn and surprises you. That’s precisely what makes it beautiful! Faith in times of uncertainty can be magical, if you hold on to it and never let it go.

Well, this heartwarming story is a perfect example of that scenario. Here we meet the Howards – a big and happy bunch who enjoyed each other’s company and often went on road trips together. Until a horrible tragedy came out of nowhere, and the idyllic family’s fate changed forever.

 

Fate Awaits

Caleb Howard was a bright and bubbly six-year-old who wanted nothing more than to play and have fun. But on one fateful day in June 2007, his life was turned upside down after he got involved in a car crash along with his entire family.

The little kid’s mother drove down Utah’s Highway 89 with her four kids, and out of nowhere, a massive truck collided with their vehicle, sending every passenger in a whirlwind frenzy. Everything happened so fast, and sadly, the Howard matriarch couldn’t avoid the crash despite her best defensive driving efforts.

 

Horrific Injuries

Among the passengers in the car crash was young Caleb. Luckily for him, he was strapped into a car seat – but that wasn’t enough to spare him from trauma. He suffered several cuts and bruises, but none more severe than his brain injury.

Caleb’s dad, Ben, saw how massive the bleeding was, so he was left devastated. Would his little boy ever get back to normal? More importantly, did Caleb have the physical strength and willpower to survive this ordeal? By now, the Caleb’s father couldn’t do anything else but pray for the best outcome.

 

What Happened?

The Howard brood were all piled up in their family vehicle the day the accident happened. Everyone was unaware of how one person’s reckless mistake would shatter their hopes and dreams for a happy life. Apparently, the truck driver dozed off just as he was traversing Highway 89.

It only took a few seconds of snoozing behind the wheel before the truck careened and hit the Howards’ unsuspecting car. Even if the mother drove as carefully as she could, there was no chance she could’ve avoided the oncoming disaster. In the end, she lost her life on the spot along with her elder son, Matthew.

 

Additional Loss of Life

At this point, the Howard family has lost two of their loved ones. But that wasn’t the end of their bad luck. There were four children on board the car when it flipped and instantly caused the demise of their mother and sibling.

Meanwhile, another Howard sibling failed to make it – Esther. She was taken to the hospital in hopes of having her injuries attended to; yet, it was all too late. The only ones who successfully survived the car wreck were little Caleb and Rachel, his other older sister, but not without critical injuries of their own!

 

All Out Support

Anyone in their situation would probably agree that it was all too much for people to handle. It took a toll on the Howard family, considering they’ve lost three of the most important people in their lives! Even so, Caleb and Rachel were lucky to have their dad around despite this difficult time.

Additionally, they also had an adoptive brother named John Devores, who was more than willing to pitch in and help in any way he could. They needed all hands on deck since Caleb was in a much worse condition than his sister Rachel, despite surviving the car crash.

 

Brain Injury

Who would’ve thought a simple car ride would turn into a nightmare with just a snap of a finger? Caleb was sitting peacefully in his car seat when their car slammed into a moving truck and caused a severe injury to his brain.

Not only that, but the six-year-old also amassed other problems, including some broken bones in his arm and leg. It was indeed a miracle how he came out alive from that accident! Yet, the attending physicians couldn’t help but worry about Caleb’s condition since it was too extensive from the initial assessment alone.

 

Doctor’s Advice

As it turns out, the fender-bender was so intense that his head slammed toward the seat even if he was safely strapped to his seat. For instance, his forehead faced the wrath of multiple contusions, along with the back of his head.

Caleb’s dad added that the injury caused millions of brain cells to not only deteriorate but disappear in the process. Yet amidst all that’s happened, the worried dad remained optimistic about his son’s condition. At this point, hope and prayers were the only things he could hold on to.

 

Declining Health

Ever since Caleb was admitted after the car accident, he’s been subjected to a handful of diagnostic tests. It was the only way for them to determine whether there was any possible recovery amidst all of Caleb’s problems.

Almost all of the kid’s tests came back with bleak results – even the doctors were convinced that the little boy didn’t have a chance to pull through this difficult situation. If he didn’t show any progress soon, then Caleb might end up in a much dire situation. Was there any possibility that this kid would get back to normal?

 

Recovery Time

The future looked bleak for Caleb, despite all the treatment plans the physicians had in store for him. Some were convinced that he wouldn’t make it out of the hospital bed, which is why Ben didn’t keep his hopes up either.

That way, the blow wouldn’t be too hard on him as a father. He’s already lost his wife and two children! Losing another is the worst thing that could happen to Ben right now. In all honesty, he didn’t know what to do or how he’d feel if that was the outcome.

 

Surprising Progress

Believe it not, Caleb didn’t want to go down without a fight. He wanted another chance at life, so like many survivors, he persevered until his condition improved. According to his father, the brave lad’s memory has started to return.

Just two months after the trying ordeal, the little fighter could also recall other events prior to the accident. It’s as if his brain has been re-energized! Caleb could now speak, albeit in small fragments – but that didn’t matter since he could already freely express himself, unlike before! For the Howard family, this was nothing short of a miracle.

 

Additional Help

Caleb was doing exceptionally well with his recovery process, but he still needed a little push in some areas. After careful consideration, his medical team decided it would be best if they throw in a therapy dog in his daily routine.

Apparently, this type of treatment has been proven to be quite effective in brain injury patients, mostly since the mutts can help in walks. Plus, they also assist in other tasks like retrieving items on the floor or simply offering their moving company. In any case, it was worth a shot since it might work with Caleb.

 

Some Doubts

Of course, there was still some apprehension left at the back of Ben Howard’s mind. Would this canine really help his poor son is recovering from his brain issues? If medical treatments won’t restore his full function, then how could dog therapy be more effective?

They didn’t want to throw away their resources if this option was just an experiment; yet, it was probably worth a shot based on all the successful research they’ve read about it. Thousands of dollars had gone down the drain by now, but they weren’t going to spare any expense if it meant restoring Caleb’s optimal health.

 

A Positive Impact

Dogs have always been known to be man’s best friend. It’s not something they only portray in the movies – it’s a fact of life! Even when you don’t have a life-threatening condition, these furry creatures have a way of brightening up anyone’s mood and bringing some sunshine in a sad situation.

Besides, if you ask any pet owner, they’d attest that their mental health has significantly improved from the moment they’ve had a dog around the house. With these testimonials in play, Ben slowly gained faith that his son would also reap the benefits of these incredible creatures.

 

Best Companion

As expected, Caleb wouldn’t be able to run around with or without a dog just yet as he still has a long way to go. Still, the presence of these four-legged friends would most likely serve as motivation for the young boy to get better fast.

Brain injury victims, in particular, are high candidates for depression. Even if they’re around friends or family, feelings of isolation will still kick in, and most of the patients feel trapped. Anyway, canine pals are likely to cheer them up than any other person, which is why dog therapy is very effective.

 

First Step

It sounded like a wild idea at the time, but there was no point in holding back from this alternative form of treatment. Finally, the moment of truth everyone has been waiting for has arrived. A Golden Retriever pup named Colonel walked in and was led towards the little guy.

As Caleb lay down on the bed, Colonel plopped himself by the boy’s side and eyed him with wonder. He was gentle and friendly, even if they had just met. The doctors braced themselves for Caleb’s reaction but didn’t worry too much since Colonel was well-trained.

 

Therapy Begins

Now that both Caleb and Colonel were in the same room, it was now up to them whether they’d begin their bonding session or not. Ben wanted to believe this was one rare opportunity where his son can at least have a semblance of a normal life.

If all goes well, and if this Golden Retriever is indeed a miracle dog, then maybe Caleb will conquer his paralysis and walk again. Meanwhile, the doctors observed the six-year-old’s behavior, making sure he wasn’t hostile or showed any feelings of resentment to Colonel. After all, this was all new to the little boy!

 

A Positive Effect

Colonel was used to being around patients like Caleb, primarily since he was trained ever since he was a pup on how to interact with those who needed his help. So, when the youngster first saw the dog, his overall mood and disposition changed in a heartbeat.

The adorable pooch was also immediately taken by the sick boy – it’s as if they’ve been friends even before the accident occurred. It was a heartwarming moment for everyone at the hospital. Based on how the events played out, it’s safe to assume this animal therapy was a great idea after all!

 

Surreal Moments

Caleb’s father shared how it was so incredibly surreal when his son and Colonel met – it gave Ben a boost in confidence that he made the right decision in getting this therapy dog. He noticed Caleb was more alert and aware of his surroundings ever since the canine first visited him.

Believe it or not, it wasn’t just the devoted dad who considered this as a turning point for Caleb’s progress. All the doctors who were handling his case saw Caleb’s changes and were highly impressed at how he swiftly responded to the treatment.

 

Activities Resumed

Colonel loved to snuggle up to Caleb, and in return, the kid’s brain activity lit up like fireworks. It was a sight to behold on the brain monitor since it’s been quite stagnant since the accident occurred. Not only that but most of his bodily functions have been restored too.

The duo’s social interaction only went on for a couple of hours, but the changes were evident, and the effects will surely be seen long term. If you ask anyone, they’d probably declare that this unique canine brought Caleb back to life!

 

New Movements

Interestingly, the child only started to regain his hand control when his therapy with Colonel began. He could now close and open his palm and even wiggle his fingers little by little! Alora, his grandmother, also chimed in and mentioned Caleb perceived his surroundings better.

But perhaps the most significant milestone they’ve achieved since the terrible tragedy was Caleb’s smile. It’s been a while since the Howard clan have seen it, and now it appeared more frequently, all thanks to Colonel! Honestly, the partnership between the Golden Retriever and Caleb is one for the books!

 

More Feedback

Apparently, Colonel’s presence around the hospital was the catalyst this kid needed to summon his strength and move his body. This revelation was also endorsed by Lisa Barnes, who took over Caleb’s occupational therapy sessions since his admission.

Since most kids can’t control their bodies, they need some sort of ‘nudge’ to fuel their desire to achieve whatever their goal is. In this case, Caleb’s main prize was the chance to touch Colonel and stroke his silky fur. If you look at his expression closely, you could see Caleb is doing everything in his power to pet Colonel!

 

One Month Later

In just four weeks, Caleb’s physical state went from poor to remarkable! No one could ever imagine he would bounce back from his injuries this quick, considering it was his brain that had a problem. Of course, the young one wasn’t completely healed, but it was a good start!

Apart from his increased awareness, little Caleb has started to converse with the people around him, albeit in short but meaningful fragments. He has also taken initial plans in pulling himself up and taking his first steps. It wasn’t going to be a walk in the park, but Caleb’s unwavering determination was challenging to break.

 

Stretching Himself

Moving your body after a horrific car pileup sounds like an impossible task to do, but Caleb was able to do so with the help of Colonel. The doctors all thought he would never have the chance to stand, let alone walk. But he proved everyone wrong!

Even if Caleb stayed in bed, he could stretch his arms better and grab whatever was left on his nightstand. Whether it’s a toy or a glass of water, Caleb felt a sense of pride whenever he does this on his own – a full recovery was right around the corner!

 

He Wants to Play

The little guy has gone through a series of various therapy sessions on a daily basis, but there is only one that he looks forward to. It was his moments with Colonel! Even if they would just lay there, basking in each other’s presence, it was clearly the highlight of his day.

Many of his friends and relatives paid Caleb a visit during his confinement, but it seems the young lad was only interested in Colonel. He preferred to spend much of his time petting and bonding with his brand-new furry buddy since it drastically changes his overall mood!

 

Something Special

The big question behind everything that was happening was the mystery about Colonel. Why was this canine so special, and how come he was having this amazing effect on Caleb? Sure, the dog was fluffy and cute – that’s a given fact! But there was another critical reason why they clicked together.

He may not have been aware of it, but Colonel had a way of putting this child at ease without even trying. Somehow, his presence took the kiddo’s mind off the pain of losing his mom and siblings, plus the actual physical hurting he went through. Colonel was the medicine Caleb never knew he needed!

 

Hospital Setting

Being in a hospital can be depressing, and entertainment is almost hard to come by. Since sick people constantly surrounded Caleb, he needed a new environment where there was some positive distraction. This injured little guy craved an ambiance where he didn’t need to focus on his pain.

And the only thing that changed the whole dynamic of Caleb’s treatment was this huggable Golden Retriever whose sole purpose was to keep him company. Suddenly, being in the hospital didn’t seem so bad as it quickly transformed into playtime rather than a treatment.

 

Great Influence

At a glance, anyone would say that Colonel was just like any other dog down the street. He looked pretty ordinary, but behind his dark brown eyes, he was the most special friend Caleb had at that very moment.

Day by day, the hospital staff were left in awe at how effective the animal therapy was going. Well, it wasn’t like Colonel could tell him jokes or do any funny tricks to make Caleb laugh. Still, the dog’s positive influence was truly instrumental in Caleb’s inspiring recovery. Indeed, participating in this experimental treatment was well worth their time!

 

Unique Therapy

Most animals are only thought of as pets, but their purpose goes far beyond making their owners happy with how cute they look. They are excellent companions, with some folks preferring to take care of them instead of having kids of their own!

Much has changed over the years, and now these animals have dominated the therapy scene by providing much-needed comfort. Who would’ve expected that dogs would play such an essential role in treating patients like Caleb? Now, more log-term patients would feel better quickly with the advent of animal therapy.

 

Some Miracle

No one was happier with Caleb’s incredible progress than his dad, Ben, and the team of physicians who catered to his every need. When the injured youngster first came in, they all believed he would never stand or walk, let alone run for the rest of his life.

The accident almost cost Caleb his life, and even though he survived, it also almost took away his ability to walk. As a parent, it’s almost unbearable to think that your son can never join a sports team or jog around the park. But everything changed with Colonel’s help.

 

Almost Bedridden

When Ben was notified about the accident that caused the demise of his wife and two children, he thought his world would never be the same again. Somehow, he found a ray of hope when his remaining children, Caleb and Rachel, survived.

We already know that while Rachel had some injuries of her own, Caleb was in a much worse predicament. The medical staff thought he was going to be bedridden forever due to the extent of his brain injury. The only thing that drove away that fear and brought some hope to the Howards was Colonel’s timely arrival.  Caleb was finally on his way to surviving this ordeal!

 

Discharged and Happy

After many weeks of staying in the hospital, the attending physicians finally decided to let Caleb go home. He was already in a better place, so instead of being cooped up in the hospital bed, he could recuperate at home instead.

Looking back, Caleb believes it was his fond moments with Colonel that placed him where he is today. Even if they don’t see each other often, the kid still considers his therapy dog to be one awesome friend! Caleb admitted in a 2009 interview that he was probably the mutt’s biggest fan- and rightly so!

 

Miraculous Incident

Thanks to Colonel’s presence, Caleb’s jolly old disposition came back. It took a lot of work to get there, but the sessions were worth it. Even the doctors were mighty impressed with his fast-paced recovery! Obviously, this wasn’t his primary treatment; nevertheless, animal therapy made all the difference.

Hanging out with Colonel sounds like no big deal, but it just proves that you don’t need an elaborate treatment plan to convince a kid to move. In the end, even something as simple as a furry animal would do the trick.

 

Viral Sensation

It didn’t take long before someone suggested that it would be an exciting idea to feature Caleb and Colonel in a video. Their journey has been documented by video since they met, so why not share it on social media and spread some positive vibes?

And predictably, the now-famous video quickly went viral after it was uploaded to a popular streaming platform. It’s been watched over 8 million times by viewers worldwide, and Caleb got nothing but the utmost support from everyone – including strangers. Additionally, Colonel got a host of fans judging from the comments too, and it was just heartwarming!

 

So Much Love

Most of the messages had the same intent, wherein viewers congratulate Caleb for conquering his battles despite how bleak his future seemed at the time. It’s been a tough road, but it goes to show Caleb was also one tough cookie!

Other well-wishers hoped Caleb would make a full recovery and get his life back on track. But the brave guy wasn’t the only star of the hour, so Colonel also got many accolades he most certainly deserved. Service dogs are known to perform miracles, and this well-trained mutt didn’t disappoint in this aspect at all!

 

Updates from Ben

Years have passed since the story about how Colonel’s presence helped Caleb made rounds in social media. So, some people couldn’t help but wonder about the kid’s current whereabouts. Is he able to work and run freely now? Their followers needed some answers!

Thankfully, Ben Howard was kind enough to post a little information about his son’s condition in 2016. He happily revealed that Caleb is back in school like a regular kid despite undergoing more than a dozen surgeries. And what’s even more remarkable was how he was getting above average grades – not bad for a brain injury survivor!

 

A Great Example

Families are often torn apart when something horrific like a car crash or major illness comes into play. But Caleb surpassed everything with the love and support of his dad, and of course, with Colonel’s help. And let’s not forget that the dog’s great handler also played a critical role in the healing process.

Beyond all this, Caleb has become a beacon of courage in his community for pushing real limits and getting back on his feet. The entire experience was unforgettable and could serve as an example or inspiration to those who are in the same plight as Caleb.

 

Heartfelt Message

It wasn’t just papa Howard who shared some insights about the whole occurrence. Caleb also took the time to thank his supporters for never failing to keep him motivated through all the surgeries he had to endure. Of course, he also gave a shoutout to his beloved family and siblings!

All the attention was genuinely overwhelming, yet Caleb appreciated each and every one of those who rooted for him. Not once in his life had he felt so extra special and loved until his journey with Colonel the Golden Retriever went viral online.

 

A New Pet

There was also another happy news that Caleb couldn’t wait to share with everyone – he now had a dog of his own! After going through his healing journey, the young lad realized that having a dog around wasn’t such a bad idea.

Luckily, Caleb’s dad said ‘yes,’ and they went straight to the pound after he got discharged from the hospital. There they chanced upon the perfect mutt, whom they named Star. With his new best furry buddy in tow, Caleb was set to enjoy a fun-filled childhood with memories to last a lifetime.

 

Hope Is Alive

The Howards faced the unimaginable after a part of them was taken away so unexpectedly. But they didn’t let the tragedy define their future, no matter how somber it may have looked from their perspective! Caleb’s fantastic recovery was the light at the end of a very dark tunnel -one which his dad Ben was really glad to get out of.

Of course, it also pays to have an open mind and heart about trying on new things, like animal therapy. If it weren’t for Colonel the dog, who knows where Caleb would be? It’s a reminder that for as long as hope and faith are around, anything is possible.