When Kimberly Elliott adopted a Goldendoodle with a neurological disability, she vowed to give him a wonderful life. Little did she know, this spirited pup would soon be doling out hope and joy to the world! Here, read Josh the Goldendoodle‘s story.

While browsing through online animal rescue sites, Kimberly Elliott came across a Facebook post with a photo of a fluffy red Goldendoodle puppy that made her breath catch.

The caption read: Fosters needed for Goldendoodle with special needs!  

Immediately, it piqued her interest since she’d been missing her previous Goldendoodle that had passed away—but this would be a first. With her extensive experience in fostering and adopting from local organizations, Kimberly had never cared for a dog with special needs before. Still, something pulled her in. She was drawn to the photo and felt a call to help him. Whatever it takes, I can do it…I’ll learn how to give him the care he needs until he can find his forever home, she vowed.

With Kimberly’s husband, Andrew, fully on board, they welcomed “Josh” into their home, but soon discovered how very limited the adorable pooch was in his mobility. Having cerebellar hypoplasia, a painless benign condition where the part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement and balance doesn’t fully develop, Josh had no balance and was unable to walk on his own.

Overly cautious, Kimberly put pillows, blankets and padding all around the house, and even borrowed a friend’s wagon to include Josh on walks with her other dogs. He was severely limited by his disability, yet he adapted to everything so well, and even seemed joyful and content.

What if we all accepted our challenges like Josh does? she thought, wrapping her arms around the lovable pup. Kimberly was aglow with a new purpose.

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Josh the Goldendoodle breaks boundaries

To make life easier for Josh, Kimberly and Andrew got him a tailor-made wheelchair, a harness with a handle on the back to help him up and guide him to walk, and a roomy backpack for Josh to ride along while they went hiking. This opened up a whole new world where the trio could enjoy the beach, camping and go for walks.

Proud of his continued progress, Kimberly shared updates on her personal Facebook page.

Soon, someone suggested Josh should have his own Instagram page, so Kimberly jumped right on it and created @JoshTheDoodle. She shared his journey and all his accomplishments like a proud mom, and was blown away by the response.

Josh inspires me to feel “normal” and celebrate who I am, one person wrote. Others loved how Josh didn’t provide answers or wave a magic wand, he just existed as who he was. People rejoiced in this perfectly imperfect being, giving others permission to live more fully and authentically.

Seeing how Josh touched so many lives, Kimberly started the Be Like Josh Foundation (BeLikeJosh.org), specializing in rescue, rehabilitation and advocacy of dogs with neurological disabilities.

Through social media, videos, visiting schools and holding community events, Kimberly and Josh, along with the other animals she cares for, spread the message of love and acceptance for all animals—and people—regardless of their differences.

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Josh the Goldendoodle’s ‘pawsitive’ message

In January of 2022, Andrew and Kimberly set out in an RV, launching the official “Josh Tour,” traveling and hosting free community events called “Josh Meets.” All proceeds went back to the Be Like Josh Foundation and people of all ages could come and love on Josh. Fans would wait in line for hours just to hug Josh, connect with him, shed tears and laugh uncontrollably.

“We don’t know what it is, but Josh is simply magic,” many fans would say.

Kimberly came away forever changed, seeing the community of diverse people embracing Josh’s message of unconditional love and inclusion—it’s a celebration of life!

Today, with Josh’s popularity soaring and his Instagram growing to 339,000 followers and millions of views, the once homeless pup is now a beloved ambassador for loving and accepting ourselves — just the way we are.

“Through all of our differences, the one thing that we share is our desire to be seen and included…to feel valued, respected and loved,” shares Kimberly. “For those individuals who have a hard time loving themselves and other people, perhaps they can start by loving Josh and seeing how his heart is what really defines him.”