Xena, the Staffordshire Terrier mix, was rescued in DeKalb County, Georgia. The little puppy was severely malnourished and was taken to a local animal shelter. Although she weighed only 4 pounds and was on the verge of death, she was nursed back to health by her dedicated foster family. Her progress was also featured on Facebook as she fought to stay alive.

The little dog found her forever home with the Hickey family. According to Linda Hickey, the family bonded immediately with Xena, especially her autistic son Jonny. She says that her son went from being "painfully shy" to being an "outgoing chatterbox."