The City of Providence has something to be very proud of. Jesse, a lab mix, was rescued several years ago with her mom and six siblings. Abandoned in a metal shed on a frigid January night, the day old pups and their mother were rescued and placed in a foster home until they could make it ontheir own. Once available for adoption through the Animal Control Center , mom and all the puppies except Jesse were placed with loving families throughout Rhode Island . Jesse had already found her home with her foster family.

Since then Jesse and her new "Mom," Lisa, have begun their journey of educating the public on animal welfare. They use structured programs designed around AKC guidelines with the goal of bringing animal awareness issues into the public school system, hoping to teach children and families how to raise a healthy and safe pet. With the help and support of Carla and Elena at Ocean State Dog Training, Jesse has become an AKC GoodCitizen and is proof that regardless of how we may have started in this life, we all have worth and the potential to be important role models.

Currently enrolled in Pearl Salotto's Pet Assisted Therapy University Program, Jesse has dedicated herself to interaction with children that effectively demonstrates her unconditional love and shows how important respect is for ALL living things. She forms meaningful relationships through her education and awareness programs that see beyond cultural and social issues and focuses on the common bond of humanity. She enables children to realize their own self importance and recognize the same in their peers and others in their community.

Providence's Animal Control center helped see Jesse through her difficult beginning, providing her the opportunity to develop her skills and talents that allowed her to return the favor and serve the children of Providence in her own special, passionate way.