WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– Five year old Kaleigh Andrews is one happy girl now that she has a new friend.

She received a free Goldendoodle service dog.

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“There’s arthritis in my knees and my ankles, so that’s why I have a service dog” said Kayleigh Andrews.

Kaleigh was diagnosed when she was two years old with juvenile rheumatoid idiopathic arthritis.

Amanda Andrews, Kayleigh’s mother started researching service dogs because her daughter started limping.

Andrews posted about her search online for a service dog to help with mobility. Not long after she posted she was shocked at the response she received.

MapleHill Goldendoodle’s contacted Andrews and said they would like to donate her a dog.

A donation that is close to their heart. The breeder’s sister has down syndrome.

They donate one puppy from every litter to a wounded warrior or someone with a special circumstance.

They even drove all the way from Pennsylvania to deliver the puppy to her new home.

“To have something give her a smile on her face and look forward to is every parents dream” said Andrews.

For Andrews this dog will provide a peace of mind knowing her daughter has a companion.

But for Kaleigh she said getting a new puppy is, “super, super, super exciting!”

May is arthritis awareness month and the family says this was a great way to celebrate.