When Jacklyn Krol welcomed a yellow Labrador named Noodle into her life in 2020, she wasn’t just gaining a pet — she was gaining a lifeline. Noodle had been professionally trained as a service dog, specializing in medical response. Her main job was to stay by Jacklyn’s side and monitor for medical emergencies, alerting her when something was wrong and ensuring she was never alone in moments of need.
Jacklyn quickly realized that Noodle wasn’t only capable of saving her life, but also capable of bringing light, joy, and confidence to her everyday routine. As the two settled into their bond, they became inseparable. So, when Jacklyn decided to pursue her master’s degree in business administration at Purdue University, it was never a question that Noodle would be right there beside her.
From Lecture Halls to Study Sessions
Life as a graduate student was a challenge, and Jacklyn soon found that balancing coursework, projects, and exams was no small feat. But she never faced it alone.
Every morning, Noodle trotted into class alongside her mom, tail wagging, ready for another day in academia. While Jacklyn focused on lectures, Noodle would curl up at her feet, calmly snoozing through economics discussions and strategy debates. Professors and classmates alike grew accustomed to seeing the calm, golden presence in the front row.
“She just smiled through every lecture and was happy to be there,” Jacklyn told The Dodo. “She supported me through every assignment, every test, every late-night study session.”
With her steady companionship, even the most stressful days felt manageable. It was almost as if Noodle knew exactly when Jacklyn needed comfort, gently nudging her hand or laying her head in her lap during difficult study nights.
Making History at Purdue University
In 2023, after years of hard work, Jacklyn was finally preparing to walk across the graduation stage. What she didn’t anticipate was that Noodle would make history alongside her.
“She was the first and only dog to walk for Purdue University’s graduation this year,” Jacklyn proudly shared.
The moment was unforgettable. Dressed in her very own fitted black gown and custom cap, Noodle joined her mom at the ceremony. While most dogs might have been overwhelmed by the crowd and noise, Noodle carried herself with poise, walking proudly as though she knew the significance of the occasion.
Jacklyn’s cap was decorated with the phrase, “I used my Noodle,” while Noodle’s matching cap read, “Hi, my name is Noodle.” But the real showstopper was the special tassel given to Noodle by the university. Just like her mom, Noodle was officially honored for her part in the journey.
A Disney Dream Come True
Before graduation, Noodle and Jacklyn had already embarked on another incredible adventure together: an internship at Walt Disney Imagineering.
In 2022, the pair moved to Florida to take part in the highly competitive program. For Jacklyn, it was an opportunity to apply her studies in real-world projects, working behind the scenes to bring the magic of Disney parks to life. For Noodle, it was a chance to step into history once again.
According to Disney Parks Blogs, Noodle became the first canine Imagineer in Florida. With her cheerful personality and friendly demeanor, she quickly won over cast members and fellow interns. Whether she was resting under Jacklyn’s desk during office hours or greeting costumed characters with her signature smile, Noodle radiated joy.
The best part? After a long day of work, the duo would explore the parks together. Noodle, who was already a Disney World expert from past visits, trotted happily through Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, soaking in the magic with the same excitement as any guest.
Graduation Day and Beyond
After completing their Disney chapter, Jacklyn and Noodle returned to Indiana to officially finish their degree. Graduation day was a moment of triumph, not just for Jacklyn, but for both of them.
When the ceremony ended, Noodle celebrated in her own way: by playing with sticks outside, blissfully unaware of how groundbreaking her presence had been. To Jacklyn, though, the moment was monumental.
“Even though I did the coursework, I feel like Noodle played a huge role in this achievement,” Jacklyn said. “I couldn’t have done it without her.”
The ceremony wasn’t just about a diploma — it was a celebration of teamwork, resilience, and the extraordinary bond between a woman and her service dog.
Looking Ahead to New Adventures
Today, Jacklyn and Noodle are settling into post-graduation life. They reminisce about long nights in the library, unforgettable moments at Disney, and the surreal memory of walking the stage together at Purdue. But they’re not stopping there.
On social media, Jacklyn teased that “another adventure is around the corner.” While the details remain under wraps, one thing is certain: wherever life takes Jacklyn, Noodle will be there too — wearing her smile, carrying her tassel, and proving that no challenge is too big when faced together.
For Jacklyn, Noodle isn’t just a service dog. She’s a study buddy, an emotional anchor, a co-worker, a trailblazer, and most importantly, family. And for Noodle, the world is simply a series of new classrooms, offices, and adventures — all of them best experienced by Jacklyn’s side.
As Jacklyn beautifully summed it up:
“We did this together. And now, we’re ready for whatever comes next.”
