Now, this is the type of story that restores our faith in humanity!
A fifth grader from Minnesota has offered to build a wheelchair for his teacher's dog, whose spinal tumor has left him unable to use his back legs. Owned by Dana Holden, the nine-year-old Daschund mix named Leonard captured the heart of Holden's student, Emmett Rychner.
Speaking to Minnesota's KARE11, Holden revealed that she often brought Leonard - also lovingly referred to as Lenny - to her students in class, who loved to see him play.
"When I would project it for the class, they just thought he was really funny. They just love him. They loved hearing stories about Leonard," she stated.
Seeing Lenny's disability must have tugged at 11-year-old Emmett's heartstrings, because he boldly decided to construct a solution for Lenny so that he was able to move around more freely.
Emmett had already made headlines several years previously, after striking up an unlikely friendship with a lonely WWII veteran, Erling Kindem, who lived next door.
"I mean, a lot of kids will say that they can do something, but to actually have that follow-through and persistence. I think he has just an empathy, and whether that's from Elring, or just who he is, he's got that in him already," Holden told the outlet.
KARE11 also spoke to the young genius himself, who told the station of his idea to help Lenny: "He was just the sweetest dog ever and I thought I’ve got to do something to help him."
While several of his attempts failed, Emmett didn't want to quit. He decided to create a wheelchair with larger wheels, as well as front and back lights for Lenny's evening walks. When Holden and Emmett placed Lenny in the chair, he raced around the room.
"It feels amazing. I just love finally seeing him walk," Emmett said of finally being able to help Lenny move around more freely again.
Several Twitter users commented their support and encouragement for Emmett, with one person writing: "The power is in Emmett's empathy, which hasn't faded with time... it has just grown stronger within him in that he just can't help himself - his instinct is to help and figure out a way to support others. That spirit, that heart, & that drive warms my heart [sic]."
While someone else added: "Great kid and another great story!"
"This kid will be someone to watch. He's destined to be a great inventor," another chimed in.
Brb, just grabbing some tissues!