Jingle needs a Christmas miracle
Very special dog waiting for a very special home
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter would like to share a Christmas story unlike any other–one filled with hope, heartbreak, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a dog named Jingle.
On Dec. 6, 2020, a tiny litter arrived at our shelter from the Redlands outside Miami: five sweet puppies and their devoted mother, Paisley. We lovingly named them the Christmas Puppies: Claus, Holly, Jangle, Kringle, and the most outgoing of them all — Jingle. He was the cheerful one, the brave one, the puppy who greeted life with bright eyes and a wagging tail. When he was old enough, he was quickly adopted into what we hoped–and believed–would be his forever home.
But on a difficult day in January 2024, we received a call from his owners. Jingle, they said, was suffering from severe allergies. They had tried everything, nothing had helped, and they were moving and couldn’t take him with them. And just like that, the once-joyful Christmas puppy returned to our care–full grown, itchy, uncomfortable, and nothing like the vibrant pup we had known.
When Jingle arrived, his skin told the story before his eyes ever could. He was hairless, raw from constant scratching, and wounds covered his body. His discomfort was so profound that even the gentlest touch seemed to surprise him. But our veterinary team refused to give up on him. They rallied around Jingle with determination, compassion, and every tool they had.
We began allergy injections, special food, soothing baths, and further testing. The results revealed what we suspected–Jingle had multiple environmental allergies, including a significant sensitivity to dust mites, something nearly impossible to avoid entirely. Still, we pressed forward, crafting a personalized treatment plan that included immunotherapy injections, medicated baths, and a carefully managed regimen of allergy medications.
And slowly… beautifully… Jingle began to heal. His skin softened, his fur returned, and that little spark — the same one that made him the friendliest of the Christmas Puppies — began glowing again.
But here is where Jingle’s story becomes truly heartbreaking.
Despite his progress, despite his gentle nature, despite being friendly, handsome, playful, cuddly, and great with most dogs… Jingle has been passed over again and again.
For 685 days, nearly two years, Jingle has waited. He has watched other dogs come and go. He has seen puppies, seniors, shy dogs, and rambunctious dogs find the loving families they deserve. He has watched doors open for everyone but him.
Why?
Because Jingle will require lifelong allergy management and ongoing care–care that carries an unavoidable cost. And for that reason, not a single person has come forward to ask about him.
Not one.
But Jingle is not a burden. He is not broken. He is not “too much.” He is a dog who loves with his whole heart and longs for someone to love him back.
The Cape Coral Animal Shelter never gave up on him, and we have spent thousands of dollars to date getting to the root cause of his allergic reactions. And we won’t stop there. “The Cape Coral Animal Shelter Veterinary Clinic is committed to supporting Jingle’s future family” said Director of Operations Melanie Waite. “While his adopter will be responsible for his allergy-related medications and testing, we will ensure they receive these through our clinic at our cost, making his care as affordable as possible. Our veterinary team will personally walk his adopters through his care plan, answer questions, and be there every step of the way.”
“We know there is someone out there who understands what it means to live with allergies, to fight for comfort, to need just a little extra help” said Liz McCauley, executive director. “Someone with the patience, empathy, and love that Jingle has been waiting for.”
For nearly two years, our staff and volunteers have cherished him. But no matter how much we adore him, a shelter is not where a dog should spend his life–especially not a dog with a heart as big as Jingle’s.
So today, we ask for your help. Share his story. Lift him in your thoughts and prayers. And if you or someone you know has room in your heart and home, please consider being the miracle Jingle needs.
This Christmas, as people everywhere celebrate love, hope, and togetherness, we ask one simple question:
Is there a Christmas miracle out there for Jingle?
— Source: The Cape Coral Animal Shelter
The mission of the Cape Coral Animal Shelter is to engage a special bond between people and animals by means of adoption services, medical care, education, and training for the prevention of cruelty and abandonment. We provide a safe place where animals will remain in our care until they are placed in qualified, forever homes. of