Boy and his dog, who suffer from dwarfism, draw confidence from each other

[Boy’s best friend/Caters]

A five-year-old boy with dwarfism has gained a new canine companion whose friendship is helping him to accept himself.

Quaden Bayles is an Australian boy who was born with achondroplasia, a common form of dwarfism, and who has faced cruel bullying both in-person and from online trolls.

Speaking to BuzzFeed, Quaden’s mother Yarraka Bayles explained that Quaden had become so depressed and ashamed about his body that even hearing the word “dwarfism” would upset him.

But thankfully, a new puppy named Buddy has given Quaden a whole new perspective about living with his condition.

You see, Buddy also has dwarfism as well, and knowing that his new pet shares his same diagnosis has done wonders for Quaden’s self-esteem.

“Before we couldn’t even mention the word dwarfism; now Quaden is so proud to tell everyone about himself and Buddy having the same thing,” Yarraka said.

Having a friend like buddy has helped Quaden be comfortable in his own skin, and after only a week the two are becoming fast friends.

“They do everything together. It’s helped him accept his diagnosis and for him to understand that it’s OK to be different, and Buddy has helped him see that,” she said.

“He’s brought so much loving and joy back into the house and we just love him so much.”