ORLANDO, Fl. — Turning a light off, grabbing a drink from the fridge, opening the door — these are all things many people take for granted, but one local nonprofit is working to ensure these necessary tasks don't put a burden on those who need a little assistance.

Anyone who gets the chance to meet 11-year-old Chance Kern can see that he's a kid of few words — at least when a camera is involved. His dog Walden, on the other hand, loves to lap it up in the limelight.

Despite being an unlikely duo, the two are tied at the hip, because Walden isn't your average dog.

Chance was born with spina bifida and has been paired with Walden for as long as he can remember.

Walden is there for everything — from grabbing things Chance needs, to being there for a little hug after a tough day.

His dog is one of about half a million service dogs in the U.S., and the tenacious pups can quite literally save lives — from helping calm someone in a PTSD episode, to alerting if someone is having a seizure. 

While Walden runs the gamut of knowing different maneuvers, Chance’s mom says his best trick is taking the attention off Chance’s disability.

“When Walden’s with us, it’s different," said Amanda Kern. "It’s a little bit more like the questions are about Walden."

But Walden wouldn’t be riding along in the Kerns' minivan if not for the help of Canine Companions, the nonprofit organization that trained him as a puppy. The organization passes the dogs along to families who need them the most — free of charge.

Officials with Canine Companions say they’ve helped 7,000 clients, 95% of whom report their dog increased the quality of their life. 

And even though Walden is Chance’s dog, he helps out other members of the family too. 

“A little over a month ago I found out that I was diagnosed with breast cancer," Amanda said. "And that day (Walden) decided he would visit and put his head on his lap. It just re-affirms that he knows when we need him most.”

Though Chance’s story has not always been a smooth one, if you peek in the back seat on the way to errands, you'll see Walden and him cuddled up watching YouTube videos together. Together, Amanda says, they're simply a boy and his best friend.

To find more information on Canine Companions, or to donate to the nonprofit, visit the group's website.