Yesterday Jingle graduated from 4 Paws for Ability and is now officially a service dog for Riley. Jingle and her sisters were rescued from a shelter in Kentucky, and brought to 4 Paws at just six weeks of age. After being there a short while, she was taken in by a foster family who taught her basic obedience. After that, she was sent to a women’s prison where she received even further training by one of the inmates. Then, it was back to 4 Paws until she met Riley. All that, and Jingle’s just 11 months old!
On graduation day, the two girls who had worked with Jingle in her foster family came to see her. Jingle forgot everything she ever learned. She did the happy Snoopy dance, jumped, and peed a little on her mat. She was so very thrilled to see them. The blur below captures the excitement.
She was clearly well loved. 
After a minute she settled down, and everyone loved on her. Jingle thought she’d died and gone to heaven. 
What are the odds a puppy dumped at a shelter in Kentucky would wind up at 4 Paws for Ability in Ohio, be taken in by a loving foster family, spend time in jail, and eventually become a service dog for a little girl with Asperger’s?
A couple of staff members at 4 Paws were in tears telling Jingle good-bye. She is such a sweet dog.
We are so thankful to everyone who has loved her along the way to Riley.
*If you have a dog that pees a little when it is excited to see people, do not correct them or scold them or you will make it worse. Most dogs outgrow this, but if you punish them they get nervous and the problem will escalate. (Luckily, we have hardwoods and not carpet)!
so cool!
Thank you so much for sharing this incredible experience. I have so enjoyed reading your blog. I wish Riley and Jingle all the best. From my experience, there is no better companion to have by your side than a loving, understanding and totally cool dog!
Congratulations!!! I am so excited for Riley and you guys too
Yay Jingle! On your way now!
Congratulations! I am SOOO excited and happy for you. It looks like it was a fantastic graduation….
Congrats! It will be so exciting to hear how Riley and Jingle do as a team once you get back home. Jingle and Riley make a great team and they are lucky to have each other to love.
I don’t know about outgrowing the little excitement pee! Our Dachshund is 13 and still does it. We just warn people that he leaks! Congratulations on your graduation!
Work with me Karen! I’ve gotta believe!
: )
I promise to work on those pictures, soon, cause I have a good one of Jingle’s whole family.