When a miniature horse named Sammy arrived at the Carolina Equine Rescue and Assistance in North Carolina earlier this month, he was in dire need of medical treatment. Sammy had been abused so badly that Darlene Kindle, owner of the rescue center, was encouraged to put him down.

Darlene refused to give up on the emaciated pony, however. Although Sammy was reduced to skin and bones and barely able to walk, she had hope that he would pull through. Sammy needed to be washed, groomed, dewormed, and fed.

Just days later, Sammy’s health began to improve noticeably. He started putting on weight and walking more steadily.

But Sammy needed more than just medical care. He’s traumatized by the abuse he endured and has a long road of emotional healing ahead of him. Kindle’s golden retriever, Molly, gently introduced herself to Sammy and the two quickly became inseparable. Molly comforts him and is helping him learn to trust again by providing him with much-needed (and deserved) TLC.

Watch this video to catch a glimpse of the beautiful friendship between Molly and Sammy!