Unfortunately, we live in a world where our furry friends aren’t always treated the way that they deserve. They’re abandoned, abused, and some are even made to do horrible things to other animals. When that’s the case, many dogs are put down because people are fearful that they’ll continue to act the way that they’ve been taught. Luckily, this dog, who was rescued from a horrible life, found a forever home, despite his rocky past.You see, Jingle has a bit of a rough past. The couple met him two years ago when the Brandywine Valley SPCA asked if there was any way they could foster him after being rescued, along with 11 other dogs, from a dog fighting ring.
And he wasn’t in the best health condition, either. He was covered in wounds, underweight, and because he had severe anxiety, Jingle was literally chewing off his own tail.
“I couldn’t leave him there,” said Anne. So they brought Jingle home, where he immediately warmed up to the couple. But he was still a really anxious dog, so he continued to chew his tail.
“The only thing that would calm him down was walking. We walked him four or five or six times a day,” said Anne. The exercise helped to reduce Jingle’s anxiety, and what it did for Anne and Vic was amazing too.
Anne has atrial fibrillation and high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat that can cause clots, stroke or heart failure. And a few times a year, Anne would end up in the hospital due to heart palpitations.
“The EKGs (electrocardiograms) have been fine. Our cardiologist said, ‘Whatever you are doing, keep doing it,'” said Anne. Their effort even began showing in their weight loss!
Anne lost a total of 20 pounds and Vic lost an incredible 60 pounds! Now that they’re more active, the couple is having a great time running around with their grandkids!
With Jingle by her side, Anne walked two 5k races! “That was good for me. It was a confidence builder,” she said. After a little while, the couple decided to fully adopt Jingle, instead of just fostering him. “We were thrilled to death. He actually chose us before we realized he had wormed his way into our hearts,” Anne said.
Anne won the campaign and earned a $5000 grant for the Brandywine SPCA! “We saved his life, but we like to say he saved ours,” Anne said.
