The Puppy She Raised, the Support He Needed: Jolene’s Full Circle Story

She was once a wiggly puppy in the arms of a college student — and now she’s the support that steadies an Army veteran. But not just any veteran: that student’s father. Jolene’s journey with the Awtrey family is a story of love, service, and destiny coming full circle. And there’s no better time to share it than during National Service Dog Month, as we celebrate the extraordinary impact these dogs have on the lives they transform.

College days, puppy phase.

As a student, Alex poured her heart into raising Jolene, never knowing how deeply this little pup would impact her own family.

At Service Dogs Alabama, every placement is meaningful — but every once in a while, a story comes along that feels nothing short of destined. Jolene’s story is one of those rare full circle moments.

A Daughter’s Dedication

Alex Awtrey’s love for animals began early. “I wanted to be a veterinarian since I was six — I even dressed up as one for Halloween,” she shared. When she started volunteering with Service Dogs Alabama, she quickly discovered just how life-changing the work could be. Over the years, Alex has helped socialize and raise about 15 service dogs, each leaving an impression, but Jolene always held a special place in her heart.

Shake on it.

From her very first tricks, Jolene showed she was smart, intuitive, and ready for the important role she’d one day play.

Jolene first came to Alex as a tiny, wiggly puppy — “the cutest, fattest little thing,” Alex recalls. She picked up basic commands almost instantly, and her sweet, intuitive nature made her perfect for service work. Alex had the chance to raise Jolene for a few additional months as an older puppy, seeing firsthand her growth, confidence, and steady temperament. Jolene even shared in some of Alex’s college milestones, including attending her graduation celebrations, proving their bond was more than just training — it was love and companionship.

Graduation day, puppy on display.

Jolene was there for Alex’s milestones long before she became the one helping Dustin through his.

Raising a service puppy while juggling classes wasn’t easy. Alex remembers sleepless nights, running back to her apartment between lectures, and leaning on friends for late-night potty breaks. “She flopped around like she didn’t have legs, gave the craziest looks, and loved everyone she met. It took a village to raise her, but she was so worth it.”

A Father’s Need

While Alex was building her skills as a puppy raiser, her father, Dustin Awtrey, was quietly wrestling with challenges of his own. A combat veteran, Dustin struggled with PTSD, heightened anxiety, and the stress of running a business. After losing the family dog of 17 years, his wife and daughter encouraged him to apply for a service dog.

“It wasn’t one big moment,” Dustin explained. “I just knew I needed more help — counseling alone wasn’t enough. My wife and Alex kept pushing me to apply. Looking back, it was the best decision I ever made.”

From the very beginning, Jolene seemed drawn to Dustin. Even as a young puppy, she naturally gravitated toward him, sensing the connection and forming a bond that would become central to her work as a service dog.

Then and now.

What began as Alex raising puppies for others came full circle — the one she raised now supports her dad every single day. Alex continues her volunteering, pouring love into more dogs.

The Call That Changed Everything

When Service Dogs Alabama called to say Dustin had been matched with a dog, he had no idea who it would be. “When they told me it was Jolene, I was shocked. I remembered her energy as a puppy and never imagined she’d end up with me. But she’s completely different when she puts that vest on. On duty, she’s calm and focused. Off duty, she’s still that playful pup Alex raised — gets the zoomies and all.”

For Alex, hearing the news was surreal. “I knew Dad was on the list, but I never thought the timing would work out so perfectly. It felt meant to be.”

Life with Jolene

Today, Jolene is a steady presence in Dustin’s daily life. She wakes him at 5:25 a.m., just before the alarm, for coffee and quiet time. She knows when his anxiety spikes and nudges him until he calms down. At work, she steps out from under his desk if tensions rise, standing beside him until situations ease. At home, she follows him room to room, sits through evening belly rubs, and even keeps him from arguments — once gently keeping him in his chair when he started to scold his son.

Backseat driver, best friend for life.

From errands to road trips, Jolene is always along for the ride — keeping watch over Dustin wherever he goes.

“She makes me calmer, more grounded, happier,” Dustin said. “I’m responsible for her, and she’s responsible for me. She knows what flares me up before I do. She’s part of the family.”

A Family’s Pride

For Alex, Jolene was always one of her favorites — intuitive, attentive, and goofy, making her unforgettable. Raising and socializing dozens of service dogs gave Alex perspective, but Jolene held a unique place in her heart, both as a puppy and as a young adult. Seeing Jolene thrive and eventually be matched with her father was a moment full of pride and emotion.

Dustin agrees. “I’m so proud of Alex. Not many people her age volunteer like that, with so much time and commitment. Knowing this dog spent so much time with her, and now helps me every day — it validates that the program works.”

Full Circle

From puppy to service dog, from a daughter’s hands to a father’s side, Jolene’s journey is a testament to love, dedication, and the extraordinary work of Service Dogs Alabama. She’s more than a service dog — she’s proof that life’s most meaningful connections can come full circle.

Help make more stories like Jolene’s possible — volunteer, donate, or support Service Dogs Alabama and change a life.