Woman reunited with beloved dog

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Thanks to the efforts of a few Four Seasons of Washington Nursing and Rehabilitation Center employees, one resident has been reunited with her pet after around eight months of separation.

Carrie Lugenbeel, social services director at Four Seasons of Washington, recently spoke of her efforts to help reunite Jill Fordyce with her dog, Matilda. Fordyce, who had been living in her own apartment, moved into a nursing facility earlier this year. During this time she had some health issues and had been transported to the hospital, and upon returning to the facility, Fordyce had discovered she had lost her dog.

“She didn’t know where the dog was, and the apartment manager had just told her that she would call a kennel for the dog,” Lugenbeel said. “After the doctor had met with Jill, they had written an order for social services to try and find the dog. I feel as though that was really thoughtful of the doctor.”

When beginning to uncover the location of Matilda, Lugenbeel was not confident. She had called the apartment complex and after leaving multiple messages, she finally received a call back. The dog had been placed in the care of a local kennel, Mell-O-Dee Kennels. Once a few arrangements were made, Fordyce learned she was going to be reunited with her dog.

“I am so grateful and glad they are taking the time to help me find my dog, I miss Matilda like crazy,” Fordyce said Tuesday during an interview. “I really appreciate the people who are helping to take care of me and my dog. I have had a lot of ups and downs in my life, but this is truly an amazing thing they are doing.”

While conducting the interview, one of the Four Seasons employees made a silent gesture indicating that Matilda was here and to keep it a secret. A few moments later, Matilda and several employees entered the room. Fordyce’s face lit up and a smile could be seen ear to ear. The two had finally been reunited. Matilda, a Jack-Russel, chihuahua mix, was excited to see her owner after months of separation. She was loved on by all in attendance and barked happily at the outpouring of attention.

The smile never left Fordyce’s face after she was reunited with her beloved dog.

Jill Fordyce and her dog Matilda were reunited Tuesday afternoon at Four Seasons of Washington Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Washington Court House.
http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2015/08/web1_JillAndMatilda.jpgJill Fordyce and her dog Matilda were reunited Tuesday afternoon at Four Seasons of Washington Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Washington Court House.
Nursing home resident grateful that ‘Matilda’ is back

By Martin Graham

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Reach Martin Graham at (740) 313-0351 or on Twitter @MartiTheNewsGuy

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