Jingle Tracks

Written by Michelle O'Neil on May 28th, 2010

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Last week, Riley ran away during her clay sculpture class. She went screaming down a long narrow hallway which led to several places. I followed with Jingle on the leash, but we weren’t quick enough. Riley took a corner and disappeared. We didn’t know if she had gone upstairs to the public library? Outside(not in the best neighborhood)?  To the bathroom, or if she was hiding somewhere in the studio which is in an old winding basement with lots of nooks and crannies and side rooms. Jingle went toward a side room. I poked my head in and looked around but she wasn’t in there, so I took Jingle with me to look all over. I went in one direction and the teacher went in another.  
 
Turns out Riley was hiding in the room Jingle led me to, but I  hadn’t let her go all the way in to find her. A lot of the dogs at 4 Paws for Ability are tracking dogs, but Jingle wasn’t trained for that. 

I didn’t pay attention to where Jingle was trying to go and actually led her away from Riley.
 
Their bond has increased so much since Riley started homeschooling in January. If we are out somewhere in public, and Riley walks away to use a restroom, Jingle cries until she comes back out. Riley has made up a “Jingle” voice, and she speaks to us from Jingle’s point of view. We learn a lot. Jingle has much to say.

Next time, I will listen to her.

 

9 Comments so far ↓

  1. Courtney says:

    You know I’m not a dog person, but I think I would love Jingle.

  2. Jenny R says:

    That’s cool that Jingle knew what room Riley was in… and wow, such a gorgeous dog.

  3. Carrie Link says:

    I know you will.

  4. Amanda says:

    Remember. Dogs never lie.

    Hope things are looking better now

  5. Thank you for the Jingle love!

    : )

    You four are my favorite!!!

  6. graceonline says:

    Again, the tears pop. Again, I give thanks for this angel protecting Riley and watching out for her. Much love to you, Jingle dear!

  7. Lolly says:

    Atta girl Jingle!

    One of the mantras I hear in my ears from my instructors is, “Follow your dog!”

    It has taken me more than 20 years to learn that, sometimes your dog is distracted and screwing up, but 95 percent of the time, your dog knows more than you do.

    A friend said about our guide dogs, “They have more information than we do.” It comes from other senses than seeing, but they know…

    Lots and lots of praise!!!

  8. Sally says:

    WAYYYYY to go Jingle!!!!!!!!!!! Go to Youtube and watch the Razr tracking video, Jeremy will teach you how to follow Jingle tracking her girl! I am tearing up. I love Jingle.

  9. GoMama says:

    Jingle is the greatest!