Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manifests itself differently for each person, but the first signs of the disorder usually emerge between 2 and 3 years of age. Coco Bradford, a now 5-year-old from St Ives, Cornwall, had been developing as usual and even spoke her first word when she was 26 months old.

Then, everything suddenly changed. Coco’s speech quickly disappeared completely, she stopped responding to her name, and stopped making eye contact.

“When we first were told Coco had autism we were heartbroken, I had already read so much about it and was praying it wouldn’t be that,” Coco’s mom, Rachel Bradford told The Daily Mail. “How could she possibly have autism when she developed normally, spoke, made eye contact, passed her two-year check easily.”

“She immediately started getting frustrated and life changed for us forever,” Bradford said.

The family couldn’t afford to send Coco to ABA therapy, which teaches new behaviour patterns through positive reinforcement, so older sister Chelsea Elcocks set up a fundraising page. Thanks to the generosity of friends, family, and strangers, Coco could finally get the vital therapy she needed. “Coco has been having ABA for only four months and the improvement has been phenomenal in every single part of her life,” Elcocks said.

Finally, after three long and painful years of silence, Coco shocked everyone two days before her fifth birthday by asking for ‘more toast, please.’

Mom happily shared the news in a Facebook post and wrote: “‘I want more toast please.’ This is Coco history being made, first five-word sentence ever, pretty relevant as it’s her 5th birthday in two days. Totally unprompted by the way.”

“It was a really magical moment,” Bradford said. “She looked so pleased with herself and was jumping up and down and just kept saying ‘I want more toast’.

Watch the amazing video below to see how far Coco’s come since starting her therapy.

Can you believe Coco finally spoke after being silent for three long years? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this amazing story on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: Rachel Bradford]

When Marine Corps soldier Nick Saunders enlisted with his best friend, he never imagined the horrible things he would witness would haunt him for the rest of his life. Saunders had been handling it all fine as he served his country until he got news that his best friend died after stepping on an IED, and later witnessed multiple suicides by those serving with him.

When he finally returned from war, Nick was haunted by the ‘shadows’ of the men that he had witnessed die, and each night he would relive the horror. “There’s been nights where I would just be laying on the couch or in bed with somebody, and I’d see a shadow and I’d reach over and punch them in the chest,” Nick explained.  “There’s been times where I woke up and I’ve had my AR-15 pointed at them because I thought they were a shadow.”

When doctors tested Nick for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, he scored a 78 out of a possible 85 points, which meant his PTSD was extremely severe, and after four years struggling to function, Nick decided to put an end to it all one way or another.

Nick was never given the support he desperately needed from the Department of Veteran Affairs, so when it all became too much for him to bear, he showed up to their offices with a loaded gun and threatened to kill himself if they didn’t help him right away.

After a doctor listened to Nick’s story, she paired him up with an incredible Beagle named Winston through the Vets to Vets organization and finally his life was transformed.

“When I get anxious, he’ll jump on my lap and bring me back to reality. When I have nightmares a couple times a night, he’ll push my in the back and wake me up and make sure that I’m ok.”

Watch the entire video below to hear more about how Winston came into this struggling soldier’s life.

Can you believe how completely transformed Nick is since finding Winston? Let us know you reaction in the comments below, and please SHARE this incredible story with friends on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: Youtube/Mackenzie Smith]

Kittens are normally less agile than their parents, but when the Watauga Humane Society found this tiny kitten named Olive, they noticed something was very off with her coordination…

After bringing her to get tested at the veterinarian, Olive was finally diagnosed with “Wobbly Kitten Syndrome,” which is a neurological disorder that affects her movement.

Wobbly Kitten Syndrome makes walking and staying still a struggle, as Olive’s head constantly wobbles back and forth. Yet it doesn’t stop the playful kitten from exploring and having fun, and cats with the syndrome learn to compensate for their movement.

“She is a spitfire. She’s got the biggest personality. It’s like her disorder doesn’t affect her,” said Christy Watson, manager of the Watauga Humane Society.

“She plays with other cats and she loves to be held. As soon as she sees a person her motor starts running and she purrs. She’s just the sweetest cat ever.”

Since the video of Olive was shared on the Watauga Humane Society’s Facebook page went viral, applications to adopt her started pouring in, but she finally found a forever home with a local North Carolina couple who have cared for other animals with special needs.

Watch the entire video below to see how this kitten won’t let her disorder stop her from having fun.

Did you know kittens could have Wobbly Kitten Syndrome? Let us know in the comments below, and please SHARE this with friends on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: Facebook/Watauga Humane Society]

Dogs are said to be man’s best friend, but it’s clear this patient Siberian Husky has found a best friend in this loving toddler who stands at just 3-feet tall and still wears matching pink pajamas.

In the video, dad catches his little girl giving the gracious family dog a nice big cuddle to start the day. And even when the wobbly toddler accidentally pulls on his fur to steady herself, the dog stays perfectly calm.

Luckily, the Husky gets some more time to sleep in when the cute little girl ends cuddle time to follow her dad down to the kitchen to start breakfast!

Watch the entire video below to see the heart melting moment this little girl was caught giving her fluffy best friend a morning cuddle.

Can you believe how gentle this dog was while the wobbly toddler gave him a big hug? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this with friends on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: Rumble/troyslezak]

While police dogs often go out on duty with their partners with limited or no protective gear, they are the most fearless and determined members of the squad and continuously put themselves in harms way to protect their own.

While the Pennsylvania Port Authority police were in pursuit of a knife-wielding drunken man, they attempted to stun the man with a taser, but his thick work shirt blocked the shock. An officer then released Aren, the 5-year-old German Shepherd to stop the man, but he stabbed Aren multiple times before officers resorted to fatally shooting the suspect.

Unfortunately, police dog fatalities are so common since they typically don’t wear protective vests. In fact, Aren was the eighth police dog killed on duty this year with an average of two police dogs dying per week in January.

Not only was Aren an exceptional partner to Sgt. Brian O’Malley while on duty, but he was also an incredible family dog, which is why his passing has been especially hard for the police officer.“It’s a horrible thing,” said Port Authority police Chief Matt Porter. “He’s a member of that officer’s family and he’s a member of the law enforcement family.”

Outside the veterinarian clinic where Aren was declared dead, police officers held a vigil for their fallen brother, and covered him with a flag as they passed the other saluting officers.

Watch the entire video below to see the touching way the police are honoring their fallen four-legged brother.

Were you inspired by this police dog’s selflessness and bravery while protecting his partner? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

[Featured image credit: KDKA CBS]

Losing your child is a tragedy that no parent should have to go through, yet when Heather Clark was faced with the heartbreaking news that her son had died, she decided to make the best of the crushing situation.

In the summer of 2013, Clark lost her 7-month-old baby boy Lukas, and decided to donate his organs so that three other families would not have to suffer the same pain she was living with. One of those three children, a now 4-year-old girl named Jordan Drake was the lucky receiver of Lukas’ heart.

Lukas died three years ago when he was just only months old after spending three days in the hospital from life-threatening injuries he allegedly got from his babysitter, but managed to save three other children who were dying with his organs.

After three long years without her son, Clark finally got to meet Jordan at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and hear her son’s strong heart beating in the little girl’s chest.

Watch the incredible video below to see the moving moment this mom gets to hear her son’s heart beat again.

Can you believe this mom got another chance to hear her son’s heart beat again? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this incredible story on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: TRIBUNE MEDIA WIRE]

While driving home from work one evening, this woman decided to listen to her intuition, and made a spontaneous stop at the local shelter. The woman already had two cats waiting for her at home, but nonetheless, she figured a quick look couldn’t hurt.

“I wasn’t looking for a kitten by any means (we already have two!) but just had a hunch to stop by the shelter on my way home from work and found this little lady and was immediately smitten with her,” Rey’s new mom told Love Meow.

The minute the fluffy kitten laid eyes on her, however, she practically begged to be picked up with her squeaky voice, and made it impossible to leave her behind.

“She’s named after the new Star Wars leading lady and she’s my little Rey of sunshine!” Rey’s human mom said.

Luckily for Rey, her older siblings Coen and Ava have been more than welcoming.

“I brought her home and it’s been perfect ever since. She’s so so cuddly and playful and her big brother and sister just dote on her and are constantly trying to groom her and play with her,” Rey’s new mom explained.

Click on the video below to see how little Rey is liking her new, cushy home.

Boing. Boing. #catsofinstagram #catsofig #cat #fluffycat #orangetabby #kittensofinstagram #kittensofinsta #kittensofig #meow #kitty #kitten #3months #rey2d2 #cutecats #cutekitten #worldscutestcats #fluffykitten #kittenplaytime

A video posted by Coen + Ava + (mostly) Rey (@coen.ava.rey) on Dec 16, 2015 at 4:46pm PST

Can you believe how overjoyed this tiny kitten is to have a new home? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this on Facebook to show people how important it is to adopt shelter animals.

[Featured image credit: Instagram/coen.ava.rey ]

New York based company Selfie Cookie is making waves among celebs like Lady Gaga and Diane Von Furstenberg for being the perfect way to say anything to the most important people in your life. As Selfie Cookie puts it, these freshly made cookies are the best way to ‘give someone a taste of who you really are.’

While the opportunities to send a Selfie Cookie are endless (literally, anywhere in the world), here are 13 creative ways you should be using the sweet treat to say what you really mean.

11. Anniversary Cookies

Cookies may not be one of the traditional milestone wedding anniversary gifts, but it sure tastes better than the first year paper gift.

10. Birthday Cookies

All anybody really wants on their birthday is food, or money anyway.

9. Netflix and Chill Cookies

There’s no better way to binge-watch your favorite TV show than binging on cookies of your favorite characters.

8. Proposal Cookies

The fool-proof way to ensure a ‘yes,’ since no one can say no to a cookie.

7. Bachelorette Cookies

Remind the bride-to-be how lucky she is she found the one… by reminding her of all her terrible dating choices from the past.

6. Breakup Cookies

Instead of accusing your boyfriend of cheating, dump him with the proof.

5. Embarrassing Baby Photo Cookies

Every parents’ payback for all those sleepless nights, throw-up stains, and mind-numbing hours of The Wiggles.

4. Save the Date Cookies

Save some paper, and send out a save the date that people will actually be excited about opening.

3. Valentine’s Day Cookies

This gives a whole new meaning to eating each other’s faces off.

2. Blackmail Cookies

You may have caught me sneaking in past curfew, but I bet mom and dad would love to see these pictures of you passed out drunk at a party.

1. Payback Cookies

Remember that time you drunkenly danced on top of the bar, puked in your bed, and locked yourself in the bathroom? Well, I do… and I took pictures.

Who would you want to send a Selfie Cookie to? Take $5 off with coupon code Lifedaily and finally tell that someone special how you really feel!

Please SHARE this post with your friends on Facebook to let them in on the Selfie Cookie secret!

[Featured Image: selfiecookie.com]

Officer Matthew Hickey has worked on the Marietta Police Department for over 30 years, and for the past 4 years, he got to spend his time on duty with a police K-9 named Ajax who has become far more than a work dog.

However, when Hickey retired after years of service, the city told him he could pay $3,500 to keep his partner, and then rescinded the offer so that Ajaz could be put up for auction to the highest bidder. “Officer Hickey came in when he retired and wanted to buy the dog right then, but we couldn’t do it,” Marietta Mayor Joe Matthew said. “It’s impossible. I would have loved to, but the state law won’t allow us.”

But Hickey decided he wouldn’t let the dog who had become his family get away that easily. “Ajax is a family member; he’s one of my children,” Hickey said.

Crushed at the news, Hickey went public with the issue, and set up a Go Fund Me fund to raise money to buy Ajax at the auction, and has so far raised almost $70,000.

On Monday, Police Chief Rodney Hupp criticized the way Hickey handled the situation, but also explained that Hickey would be able to keep Ajax if he becomes an auxiliary cop.

While the situations in hopeful, an update to Hickey’s Go Fund Me page explained that there are plenty of details that need to be worked out until Ajax can be reunited with Hickey. “As stated in the press conference the offer of auxiliary officer had been considered, but has not and CANNOT be offered because it has to be approved BEFORE IT CAN BE OFFERED. Furthermore, Officer Hickey still HAS NOT been cleared by his doctor to return to active duty whether that be regular or auxiliary duty.”

The update also went on the explain that the extra money raised would be donated to the Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc organization, which provides police departments with bullet/stab proof vests.

Watch the entire video below to see the Marietta Police Department’s statement on getting Ajax back to his rightful owner and partner.

Would you go through this much trouble to be able to keep your dog? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this with friends on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: GoFundMe/Corey Orr ]

The ostrich, which is native to Africa, uses its long skinny legs to jump and run up to speeds of about 43 miles per hour, and even can even deliver powerful kicks that can kill even a lion. Yet, it seems just a little bit of cold water and ice managed to trap this young bird.

When the staff at the Pittsburgh Zoo noticed an ostrich had fallen through some ice that had formed over a small creek, they jumped to action, using branches and a special medal hook to try and rescue the panicked animal.

At first, the six staff worked to break up some of the ice trapping the female ostrich, but was having difficulty getting her to walk towards solid ground. Eventually, one brave employee jumped into the frigid water to get the bird out as quickly as possible.

With the help of zoo employee Jesse Anna, the ostrich was guided back to the grass, and was luckily not hurt during the entire ordeal. The staff later dried off the ostrich, and wrapped her in a blanket to keep warm.

Watch the incredible video below to see the moment these brave staff members rescued this terrified ostrich.

Would you have gone in that icy water to save a trapped animal? Let us know in the comments below, and please SHARE this incredible story on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: Youtube/Alex Beech]

Dogs might normally be man’s best friend, but this special dog chose an unusual best friend who refuses to leave his side no matter where they end up.

It’s unclear how Sirence the dog and Thing Two the duck ended up together at the Garland Animal Shelter in Texas, but the staff quickly realized the two had formed a special friendship that began well before winding up in their care.

Yet employees worried no one would be willing to adopt both Sirence and Thing Two.

Workers at the animal shelter quickly picked up on Thing Two and Sirence’s special bond as they couldn’t stand being separated from one another. Luckily, a special family was willing to bring them both home, so they wouldn’t have to be torn apart.

“We like it when we see any animal get adopted out, but when you have a case like this, they’re bonded, we’ll call ’em brothers you know, they’re going home together so that’s our ultimate goal and I think they’ll be happy as well,” a Garland shelter employee said.

Watch the entire video below to hear more about the incredible bond that has formed between this dog and duck.

Can you believe the shelter was able to find a home to take both animals together? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: Fox 4]

While checking to see if his pet duck’s eggs had hatched one day, a West Australian man named Rex found something unusual cuddling in the nest beside the unhatched eggs

“I went to check on the eggs and a little bandicoot had made its way underneath,” Rex said. “I thought ‘what are you doing there?'” Due to their small size, especially as babies, bandicoots are easy targets for hungry predators, and often depend on finding some place to hide for surviving.

The helpless creature managed to make its way into this mother duck’s nest, and even after the baby ducklings hatched, the bandicoot was welcomed into the new fluffy family.

Surprisingly, the duck was less concerned with the foreign bandicoot joining her family of hatchlings, and more concerned with getting back on top of her nest to keep them all warm and protected when Rex lifted her to check on the new family.

“It’s been there for five days now. If it was by itself it would have been picked up by a magpie or something but it’s sought refuge under the duck,” Rex said.

Can you believe this mother duck actually adopted this vulnerable baby bandicoot, and cared for it like her own ducklings? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this adorable story on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: Wayne Cuthbert]

Toddlers have a way of getting into things they’re not supposed to and making a mess with just about anything, and often the first sign of trouble is when things suddenly get too quiet.

When mom and dad noticed things got mysteriously quiet after their sons were playing games together, they knew immediately that their little troublemakers were up to no good. Sure enough, when they went to look for their kids, they found a huge mess covering every inch of the bathroom.

Luckily, their guilty little boy named Ethan fessed up, and even offered to clean it all up!

When mom and dad walked into the bathroom, they were stunned to see shaving cream all over the floor, counter, and shower curtain, yet both of their little boys were mysteriously missing from the scene of the crime.

When mom went to find her little troublemakers, she found Ethan hiding silently behind a radiator with shaving cream all over his hands and in his hair.

With some pressing, he finally admitted that he was pretending to be comic book villain ‘Mr. Freeze‘ and was freezing everything with the white shaving cream.

Watch the entire video below to see this little boy’s inventive excuse for getting shaving cream everywhere.

Would you be able to stay mad at this little boy after hearing his excuse? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this with friends on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: Rumble/ListFam]

People often assume that police officers are mean-spirited grinches, but this compassionate cop and her partner are proving that even cops have a soft side.

When Officer Jamie Landrum was out patrolling the neighborhood, she found a lost 2-year-old boy who was freezing in damp clothes without a parent.

Yet before returning to the station, she knew she could do more to help, and made a quick stop at the nearest Walgreens to buy the little boy shoes, dry clothing, and fresh diapers.

While out on patrol at 2:30 a.m., two Cincinnati police officers spotted a 2-year-old boy wandering this neighborhood in freezing weather without a coat, socks, or even shoes.

Once back at the station, Officer Will Nastold worked to calm the scared boy and help him fall asleep by laying beside him on the ground playing with some toy cars.

Watch the entire video below to hear more about this incredible story, and the police who went above and beyond for a lost little boy.

WFSB 3 Connecticut

What would you have done if you found a 2-year-old walking alone in the middle of the night? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this inspiring story on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: FOX19]

While most Americans will be tuning into the Super Bowl this Sunday to see the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos duke it out on the field, any animal lover knows the highlight of the day is the Puppy Bowl hosted by Animal Planet.

This year, Animal Planet has teamed up with 44 animal shelters from across the country scouting players to fill the rosters of Team Ruff and Team Fluff for the big game, which promotes animal adoptions as these furry players are all looking to find forever homes.

In preparation of the big day, Animal Planet has partnered with Uber to deliver puppies for 15-minute playdates today, February 3rd, so that even more of these loving animals might find forever homes.

In the past, we mentioned how Uber was working with animal shelters to bring puppies straight to your door at one location at a time, but during this promotion, anyone Chicago, D.C., Denver, Los Angeles/Orange County, New York, Phoenix and San Francisco/San Jose areas can request a puppy playdate for just $30.

Just log in to the Uber app between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and request the puppies option in the app, and then wait for your puppies to arrive. Most of the animals are even ready to be adopted should you get too attached during playtime.

Watch the entire video below to find out more about how you can set up a puppy playtime.

Would you spend $30 for 15 minutes of playtime with some adorable pups? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: www.nydailynews.com]

If you witnessed a horrific crash while driving during rush hour, would you sit back and take pictures of the scene, call 911, or would you jump from your own car and risk your life to save a total stranger?

When faced with this exact situation, one brave Australian man named Athen Barnaby, who was wearing only shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals, didn’t hesitate to climb up onto the burning wreckage from a bad truck accident, and pull the injured 60-year-old driver out from a truck that was about to explode.

“I didn’t feel the heat much at all, I think it was just the adrenaline. I had my thick thongs on, and I just climbed straight up wherever I could find the angle,” Barnaby said.

“We were all yelling at him, saying, ‘mate, you got to get out of there, this thing is going to blow,” Barnaby told The Today Show. “He was yelling back saying he couldn’t see, he couldn’t see, he managed to get himself out of the window”.

Barnaby later received an award for his bravery, and he explained his training as a student pilot helped him stay calm during the emergency.

“The moment when all your life lessons of valuing life, caring for family and others all come into play when you have to make a sound decision of whether you put your life at risk to save another,” Barnaby wrote in a Facebook post.

Watch the entire video below to see the incredible moment this good Samaritan risked his own life to save a total stranger.

What would you have done if you witnessed this nearly fatal accident? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this incredible story on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: 9NEWS]

Anyone who lives far from home knows it can be challenging to travel home often, especially when kids are involved.

When Alex, who moved to New Zealand to live with his wife Paula, had twin daughters, finding the time to do anything, never mind fly halfway around the world to St. Louis, MO, became a struggle.

Finally, however, when the girls were six months old, Alex and Paula decided it was time to take the 17-hour trip to let Alex’s mom and first-time grandmother meet her twin granddaughters.

Alex and Paula stood eagerly at the front door waiting to surprise Alex’s mom, who thought her long-distance family would be arriving days later, with their twin daughters.

Grandma instantly teared up at the site of her precious granddaughters and couldn’t stop showering them with kisses and hugs in between her happy sobs. Not only was the emotional meeting long overdue, but the babies were the first girls born in the family for 54 years.

Watch the entire video below to see the heartwarming moment this grandma finally gets to meet her granddaughters for the first time.

How would you react to meeting your grandchildren for the very first time? Let us know in the comments below, and please SHARE this with friends on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: Youtube/goldpanpetedesign]

No matter how hard you try to train your dogs, it seems like there’s something to clean up at all times with their endless shedding, sloppy eating habits, and muddy paws. Despite all this, dogs are incredible companions who are loyal to the very end.

In order to minimize the time spent cleaning up after her three fluffy Golden Retrievers, which could be a full-time job in and of itself, this clever woman figured out a way to stop the mess before it even happens.

In the video, this dog owner has the car packed and ready for a road trip, but before she can load in the final four-legged passengers, she makes them wait patiently in a line while she meticulously cleans their paws of any dirt that could possibly dirty her clean car.

Watch the video below to see these amazingly obedient Golden Retrievers wait patiently to let mom wipe their muddy paws off.

Were you impressed by how well these adorable dogs were trained? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this hilarious video on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: Rumble/hommekid]

Soldiers who are deployed around the world to serve their country experience unimaginable physical and mental pain, yet despite all this, the hardest thing is being far from home and away from family and friends.

When 30-year-old Army Captain Tony Burch found out that his wife Mary Pat was pregnant for a second time, they were stunned to find out that they were having quadruplets. “We wanted a big family, but we thought we’d be able to spread it out more,” Burch said. “Instead, we got an instant upgrade.

Finally, when the big day arrived on Jan. 24th, Burch was halfway around the world where he was stationed in South Korea. Luckily, a helpful nurse called him to Facetime during the birth so he could be there for his wife and newborn children despite the distance.

Burch immediately knew he had to get back to his family, and four days after their birth, Burch made it to the hospital to finally meet his new babies Henry, Nathaniel, Samuel, and Molly.

“I have been able to do this with all of the babies at least once,” Burch said. “I put the baby on my chest and hold him, or her, while I’m in the rocking chair. They get the skin-to-skin interaction.”

Watch the entire video below to see this tough army captain melt when he sees his newborn children for the first time.

Were you touched by this new dad’s sweet reaction? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this amazing story on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: Facebook/AMITA Health]

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to find out their son or daughter has been in a horrible, life-threatening accident. But when these parents found out their kids had been in a horrible school bus accident, they were relieved to hear their children miraculously survived.

Eight young school children were on their way to school at the Longford Church of England Primary School one morning when their minibus crashed into a bridge on a narrow country lane and was completely totaled.

When the police and ambulance workers arrived at the scene, they could not believe the state the school bus was in, and braced themselves for the worst.

Despite all the destruction, however, all eight school children and the bus driver survived the horrific accident.

While the driver ended up in the hospital, the children miraculously walked away from the accident without any serious injuries.

Can you believe these lucky children walked away from this horrific crash?Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this amazing story with friends on Facebook.

[Featured image credit: dailystar.co.uk]