Today at training Riley came running in from the kid’s area, crying. She stomped up and down a couple of times and shrieked,
“I was trying to tear a picture out of a coloring book, and it ripped, and I crumpled it up and now all my friends are MAD AT ME!!!! WAHHHH!!!!!”
“Riley, why didn’t you ask for help?” I asked.
That did it.
“I’m not a baaaaaaby!” she wailed.
I sat her on the mat in front of me and immediately gave Jingle the “lap” command. Jingle sprung to action, she started down by Riley’s knees, and I gave her treats as she inched her way up to Riley’s lap. After the treats, she just stayed there, her body providing deep pressure. I talked to Jingle in a soothing tone, telling her what a good girl she was. Riley started to pet her. We just sat like that, petting Jingle and I could feel Riley’s body start to relax. It didn’t take long, maybe five minutes, definitely less than ten. Then, when she was calm, Riley just got up and marched herself out of the room and back to the play area. We didn’t need to discuss it. She was okay.
This is exactly what we were hoping for. I sit here trying to think of a pithy ending for this post, but there are no words.
Amen.
* For more cute dog pictures (and puppies) visit my main page!
Hi there! I was so excited you posted your note about your blog! I LOVE Jingle. We got Blitzen in the Jan/Feb 09 class. I visited Jingle and her sibs everyday in their crates. They were so little and adorable. I took a special liking to them!!! (Blitzen is Australian Shepherd and Border Collie). She sounds like she is doing awesome transitioning into your care. Stay patient. Eventually she will adjust and you won’t know what you ever did before Jingle!!!!
take care,
Marcia
Hannah and Blitzen
Jingle is a dream come true.
This gives me goosebumps and makes me weepy. You don’t need any pithy words, my dear. Jingle “said” it perfectly.
I’m thinking – that we all need a Jingle. Someone who we cant resist loving and who can’t resist us when we’re stuck in the shadows. So glad Riley has her and you to shine the torch of love when she cannot see the light. XO
You did some amazing work, too. Perfect. Just perfect.
Amen.
oops
that anonymous was me
Oh this is just too fantastic!!
Awesome! My heart just sings reading about how you all are doing as a team. Things will just get better and better as you go along
No pith needed. Just Love.
And Jingle Love.