BURLINGTON, N.C. — A Burlington girl who had the most charming smile and sunny disposition has died. Dakaia Gray had terminal brain cancer.
The Burlington Police Department says Dakaia and her family were in Idaho when she passed Wednesday. She was there receving treatment for her cancer.
Dakaia Gray came to the attention of her community and beyond in August 2018 after her therapy dog, Annabella May, was stolen from their home during a break-in. The 11-week-old puppy was never found.
After WFMY News 2 aired the story of Dakaia's stolen dog, she and her mom heard from people around the state. A stranger eventually donated a replacement puppy for Dakaia.
Her story especially touched the officers at the Burlington Police Department. They took the report about her stolen dog, but the relationship didn't end there.
Several of them traded badges for a lawnmower and elbow grease and spent a Sunday afternoon, helping the family, by performing some routine maintenance of their home. They cut the grass and pressured washed the outside, among the many things they did.
The story even caught the eye of WFMY News 2's parent company TEGNA and was featured in a segment they called HeartThreads. HeartThreads features heartwarming stories from across the nation.
The community rallied to help and support the family in other ways too.
It's a fact that many in Burlington and WFMY News 2 will miss a young girl who left a big mark on your heart. Rest in Peace Dakaia.
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