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Finding the perfect prom date can be hard, and for those with challenging needs, making a special night happen can be more difficult than for others. But for Australian teen Erin Condrin, the solution fit into what she does in her normal, everyday life.

According to BuzzFeed, Erin is dealing with Classical Type Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a tissue disorder that includes skin hyperextensibility and joint hypermobility, aka fragile skin and loose joints, that can make it difficult to complete some every day tasks. But Erin found help just last year when she met Lacey. 

Lacey, a service dog found through Canine Helpers Australia, is Erin’s daily sidekick support—and now matching prom date.

Last week, when it was time for Erin’s senior formal, she knew that she wanted Lacey to be a part of her big night—and so she made sure that when she had her dress custom made, she also had a matching skirt made for her pal.

“It was natural she’d have a dress that matched mine,” Erin shared with BuzzFeed. "We asked my very talented dressmaker if she’d sew Lacey a skirt out of the left over material from my dress, and she was all for it.”

And though the pictures are incredible, it's clear the real treasure was the time Erin and Lacey spent getting ready together.

“Lacey brought a smile to everyone’s faces,” Erin said. “The ladies at the hairdresser’s took lots of photos and kept giggling whenever they looked over at her.”

Though Lacey wasn't able to actually make it to the big night—“We’ve only been a team for a few months,” explained Erin, “so I didn’t feel ready to take her to an event with a massive crowd and so many flashing lights”—it's clear the two had a blast getting ready. And, thanks to Lacey's help and support, Erin was able to hit up the dance and have fun with her friends.

“Thanks to Lacey, I am so much more independent,” said Erin. “Being a young disabled person can be daunting, but facing the world with an adorable fluffball by my side makes it so much easier.”

So how cute is this story? Did you love Erin’s idea for matching outfits? What kind of pet do you think would make the best prom date?

Photos credit: Erin Condren, BuzzFeed

by Alexa Matthews | 3/11/2016