May your 2010 be filled with things that make you happy. Jingle has her eye on a Pup-Peroni in the shot above. Her 2010 will be full of them. Promise.

And Milk Bones. The girl loves her Milk Bones.

And her kids. They love her right back.

Happy New Year!

A college student who is a reporter for a local newspaper came by today to interview us about Jingle. She did an article last year when we were fund raising and wanted to follow up. Her first article caught the attention of a neighbor we barely knew, and he in turn brought it to the attention of the parishioners at his church, who in one Sunday service, passed around a second collection and came up with over five hundred dollars to contribute toward Riley’s service dog. We were very moved. 

Most of the questions today were directed toward me, but at the end the reporter asked Riley how her life has changed since getting Jingle. Riley doesn’t always respond well to being questioned. Sometimes she gets shy or  overwhelmed if she feels put on the spot, but not today. This is what she said, 

“I feel like I have more confidence, and I feel like Jingle is my friend.” We didn’t know she felt more confident, but the friend thing? Not a surprise. 

Jingle traveled with us to upstate NY to visit family for the holidays. She did great in the car, and was well behaved the whole time we were there, but appeared to be nervous. She refused to eat, just like when she first came home with us.

We are her fifth home. She was a rescue at a shelter, then she went to 4 Paws, then a foster family took her for basic obedience, then she spent time in a women’s prison for advanced obedience, then back to 4 Paws, then to us.  She is just a year old! No wonder she didn’t quite know what was going on. Riley didn’t need her too much while we were away. Basically at Grammy and Grampy’s house, everything goes her way! Nothing to get very stressed about. There were just a couple of tiny blips.

Jingle is so happy to be home. She gulped down her food first thing. She joyfully bounced around the yard when I took her out. I wonder how long and how many trips it will take for her to know she’s here for good.

Last year at this time we were still fund raising. We had taken a huge leap. Decided it was okay to ask for help. The first time ever since having Riley. So many readers were a part of making “Jingle” happen. And it wasn’t just about the dog, you know? It was about putting our egos aside, to make room for good to come Riley’s way.    

We’ve only had Jingle two months. We could not have received a better dog for our child. She and Riley match perfectly in sweetness.

Thank you again to everyone who supported us, and to anyone who has followed our story. Riley and Jingle are just getting started.

Have a Jingly Christmas and I double dog dare you to ask for help with something important to you in 2010.

Jingle loves to be wrapped in blankets. If she’s just hanging out with us, lying on the floor she adores having a blanket tucked around her. At night, she starts off sleeping with Riley. We usually wrap her in a separate throw blanket, which rests on top of Riley’s bed. 

Then, just before the grown-ups are ready for bed, we take her out, and by we, I mean Todd. I’m not going out there. Are you kidding? It’s freezing!

After that, Jingle usually decides to spend the rest of the night in her crate, which is in Riley’s room, with the crate door open, facing Riley’s bed. She’s done her job, she’s seen the girl to sleep, now she’d like some peace. A bit of uninterrupted shut eye. It works for everyone.

Nighty-night Jingle!

See you in the morning!

Good dog.

Jingle’s papers say she is part Aussie part Boxer. When people ask, and I tell them, they flip out.

BOXER? She doesn’t look like a Boxer??

Seriously, you would not believe how up in arms people get over it. Like I’m trying to pull a fast one. It’s been happening from the first day we took her out in public.  Lately, I just say she’s an Aussie mix and leave it at that. I can’t take the third degree. But yesterday, we met a little boxer named Kate. She had the same front legs as Jingle. Slightly splayed outward. The same doe like front paws, white from mid leg down. They had the same little twist of fur on their chest. And upon greeting each other, the hair on their backs stood up in exactly the same manner, almost cat like.

I’ll probably still keep her Boxer status on the down low. People get weird about dogs.

All I’m sayin.’

Today Jingle helped Riley through a meltdown at martial arts. Riley sat on the floor in the instructor’s office, stroking Jingle’s ear and her muzzle. Aside from helping Riley, she is a huge hit there, turning the most quiet of kids into chatterboxes. Once home, she posed for a photo shoot. She tormented the cats. She attempted to steal Seth’s peanut butter apple but only got so far as a lick. She chewed her bone. She got brushed. She also continues to be featured over at The Bark.  It’s a full life, but some dog’s gotta do it.

Poor Jingle. Seth is sick today and I had to talk with one of Riley’s teachers so I didn’t bring her when I walked Riley to school. Todd heard her crying, and thought it was just because we left without her. It took him a while to realize we’d locked her in the foyer when we were getting shoes and coats on. Not only did she not get to come, she got trapped in a tiny three foot box with an icy tile floor.

I’m hoping a little peanut butter in her Kong will jump start the forgivness process.