Autism Service Dog Provides Confidence and Friendship

Written by Michelle O'Neil on December 28th, 2009

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. 

 

 

3 Comments so far ↓

  1. Gail C. says:

    Riley’s comments put a smile on my face. Thanks Riley, I needed that.

  2. Betty says:

    Aww! That’s precious!

  3. Sally says:

    Well put, Miss Riley, all our love to you and Jingle.