 A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance
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Abbey
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Abbey's weekend adventure! To test out her new skills, Abbey spent the weekend with two of our HOPE volunteers. She did a great job with her obedience skills and was a lovely house guest for the whole weekend. Way to go, Abbey! |
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| Checking out the backyard. | Smile for the camera! | Who's coming to visit? |
See videos of our sweet Abbey girl here!
Week 1 ║ Week 2 ║ Week 3 ║ Week 4 ║ Week 5 ║ Week 6 ║ Week 7
Week 8 ║ Week 9 ║ Week 10 ║ Week 11 ║ Week 12
Week 13 ║ Week 14 ║ Week 15 ║ Week 16 ║ Week 17 ║ Week 18 ║ Week 19
Week 20 ║ Week 21 ║ Week 22 ║ Week 23 ║ Week 24
Week 25 ║ Week 26 ║ Week 27 ║ Week 28
ADOPTED!!!
Week 27
After nearly seven months of life in the big house, Abbey was paroled to her
FOREVER house this weekend! The handlers, the prison staff and all of the
HOPE volunteers couldn't be happier for this little girl! In a sense, hers
was a "rags to riches" story. Because of the devoted attention she received,
Abbey went from being a very shy, neglected pup to a pup who now walks with
pride and has twinkles in her eyes! Congratulations to everyone who helped
this fur-baby through her journey, and to Abbey and her new family!
Week 26
It's obvious from the new pictures of Abbey on our site that she had quite
the weekend last week and LOVED being the center of attention! She has taken
off some weight and is a slimmer-trimmer version of our former Miss Abbey.
Her handlers say that she continues to do well in her training, is getting
along well with most of the members of her doggie tier-mates and is acting
more and more like a "carefree spirit." Abbey's handlers were thrilled to
hear how well she did on her venture out of the prison! Abbey had a great
time exploring every new smell she could smell and laying in the sun room
just watching the big world outside. Abbey also experienced some time at the
Kipona festival and although she got a little unnerved at times, when she
was able to regroup, she did really well with all of the strangers she met!
The HOPE volunteers who took Abbey under their wings for the weekend told
her handlers that they should be proud of her accomplishments...and they
are! "She has made huge improvements over the last seven weeks. We just hope
that she finds the home and family she deserves."
Week 25
Abbey's handlers are so very proud of the progress that she made this week!
Not only does Abbey continue to make friends with the people in her world,
she's also warming up to the other dogs! If you've been following Abbey's
progress in the program, you know that from early-on she has had problems
becoming part of the pack. She's even learning to take corrections from the
other dogs and then move on right away so they can all get back to their
game. As a result, Abbey and Jonas have become great friends! Abbey's
handlers say that Jonas "is very comfortable around her and gives off all
the right doggie signals for her to learn! They are both doing great
together!"
As far as her human contact, Abbey is giving positive signs when someone she
knows comes to her cell. When a stranger comes to visit her, she will give a
low bark or growl. Her handlers encourage her to welcome the newcomer with a
"happy voice" while her visitor "grabs a treat" and rewards Abbey for her
good behavior! Abbey's handlers are also using this training when she's in
the general population, with good results!
Abbey's confidence has blossomed in the last few weeks and we couldn't be
more proud of her and her handlers! Abbey will need a family who is
dedicated to continuing her training. Her handlers know that with the right
environment, she will "make someone a loving, faithful friend." Paws crossed
that you find someone who will work with you and love you as much as all of
us in the HOPE program do, Miss Abbey!
Week 24
Miss Abbey continued to broaden her circle of friends this week! She even
went out on an outing with one of the HOPE volunteers and did very well.
Abbey's handlers say that as long as someone allows her to meet them on her
terms, she does great...especially, if they kneel and get down on her level.
She continues to play more in the housing block and understands that when
someone other than her handlers take her away from her space, that all is
well, and no harm will come to her. When she gets too stressed, her handlers
will give her a "happy party" to relax her so she's not so afraid of new
things in her world. Abbey is also wanting to go outside and watch everyone
while they're going to breakfast. She's going up to to her new friends for
some pets that she dearly loves. She's even going up to strangers, giving
them a sniff and then coming back to her handlers! Abbey started her life
being chained outside and severely neglected. The fact that she's learning
to trust anyone again is truly a testament to her handlers! Way to go,
Abbey!
Week 23
Our Abbey continues to make progress! She is now starting to play
and run when she's out on the housing unit! That's a big step for her since
that area has always been pretty scary to her. She continues to enjoy
having "friends" over to her "house" for treats. Despite her worries,
she keeps a positive attitude as she takes on each new challenge. We
all enjoy watching her begin to see the world a little differently.
She now looks to people for reassurance and comfort and that sense of
security will only continue to grow as she finishes the program and waits
for a home of her own. Keep up the good work, Abbey. We are all very
proud of how far you have come!
Week 22
Abbey continues to blossom under the loving care of her new
handlers! They know that some of their training techniques are new to her,
but they are taking all the time Abbey needs to adjust to "gain the
confidence that she will need to move forward."
Abbey has been showing a "different soul" whether inside her cell or out on
the block! She's eager to play and have people approach her as long as she
has one of her friends by her side. She's really coming around to the
idea of accepting new people in her life Of course, Abbey especially loves
to have friends over to her place because she knows that it means lots of
treats and attention!
One thing that Abbey's handlers have to say about her, is that "when she is
playing , she really likes to talk. When she's playing a super fun game of
tug, she grumbles and growls and sounds like a car engine gearing up for a
big trip. It's very funny to hear and even funnier that she stops
talking immediately wen her handlers let her know that the game has come to
an end. With a little practice, maybe you could learn Abbey's language
of play and have as much fun with her as we do!
Abbey now has some new friends that come and visit and play with her
everyday! Abbey's fans love being showered by her attention, and of course,
Abbey loves the attention as well! Our little dog who is still getting used
to strangers loves climbing onto the guys' laps for a nap and some scratches
behind her ears. When Abbey and her handlers are watching their block mates
going to the "chow hall," Abbey will see her new friends, and will get so
excited that her whole back-end goes to and fro! As the guys go past her,
Abbey will sit. Her new friends take a moment, kneel down, and say hello to
her. Abbey, our sweet shy little girl rewards them with a kiss for being her
new friend.
Week 21
Abbey is adjusting to her new handlers, new schedule and new
rules, but overall, she's doing "extremely well." When people come to visit
her now, whether at her door or in her living space, she gives a happy bark
to invite them inside for a visit. Abbey has even started venturing out of
her crate to say "hello" to her visitors and welcomes their attention.
With a little patience and lots of cheese, Abbey is learning that visitors
are a nothing to be afraid of!
Abbey made terrific progress this week in facing her fears of being in the
middle of a crowd. She practiced so much with her handlers that at one
point, she just laid down during the hustle and bustle. She has even
attempted to approach a few strangers and give them a quick sniff from
behind. She doesn't like to be noticed quite yet but that will come
with time.
Abbey is blossoming with the attention of her new handlers. The other
handlers in the program, some of her fellow tier mates, and the staff are
all chipping in to further Abbey's well-being. With such a painful
start to her young life, her progress is truly heartwarming. She is
learning to trust again and, with any luck, we'll learn that time truly does
heal all wounds.
Week 20
Abbey's handler moved off of the block last week, so Miss Abbey
is now under the loving care of two other handlers. Her new handlers were
familiar with her issues (although they are getting more familiar with them
now that they are living with her) and are re-focusing some of her training
techniques. Abbey is responding well to them! Her handlers give her a
"comfort zone" when she's out on the block and when she gets scared of those
people she doesn't know upset her somehow [she still doesn't like to be
stared at by strangers]. They talk to her in an "upbeat" voice when folks
come to give her a call so she knows that visitors are "not a bad thing for
her." They've kept a leash on Abbey, so when other handlers in the program
come to take her out for a nice walk, it's easier for her to accept someone
else's firm but gentle hand. Abbey's "no pulling" walking is coming along,
and she is doing so for those who take her for a some outside time! Abbey
now sits "politely" around the other dogs in the program, without incident!
In fact, Miss Abbey has made friends with Georgie, Rocco and Jonas! Her
handlers say that "we are happily impressed with this behavior on her part."
Overall, her handlers know that Abbey has some continuing issues, but
they'll address them one-by-one! Abbey's handlers think that given some more
time, she will continue to make improvements! Abbey's handlers continue to
use positive re-enforcements when her behavior calls for some "tough love."
Abbey, for the most part, however, only needs "just a word or two, no
hands-on are needed, which is a really nice thing for her and [her handlers]
as well!"
Training aside, Abbey is postively smitten with both of her handlers!
Whenever one of them returns to the cell, no matter how long or short of a
time it has been, Abbey "gets all excited when she sees him. She will give a
low inviting growl and bow to him then go straight into play mode with him."
Her handler does a great job of settling Abbey down, and then it's time to
play some more! When Abbey starts to "mouth," during playtime, the play
stops immediately. Abbey is getting the hang of this, which "is a good
thing." Each morning, when her other handler lets her out of her crate, she
comes right to him for all the pets that he can give her! "To be honest, she
is a real sweet dog...she likes her belly rubbed and to be scratched below
her eyes...I spend a lot of time on the floor with her to have her get used
to having people down on her level. I have also allowed her onto the bed as
long as she behaves herself. So far no issues have arisen...knock on wood."
One of Abbey's handlers even crawled into her crate when she wasn't in it.
She just seemed curious as to why he would do this, but once he got out, and
she realized that everything was in its place, everything was fine!
Abbey, relax and enjoy your new journey. Your handlers just want you to
succeed, and will work with you until you find your forever home!
Week 19
Abbey is "doing good" and continues to listen! Abbey and her
handler now have a new "cellie." There were a few adjustments, but Abbey
accepted her new person with no issues at all! In fact, she is very playful
with him and he is able to do all of the things that her "main handler" has
taught her! Abbey continues to do very well in the yard! She is much more at
ease now and will greet people at the fence! She is becoming more relaxed
and is not sticking to her handlers as much as she used to...she even goes
off to other parts of the yard all by herself!
Abbey, face your fears, and you'll find a forever home before you know it!
Week 18
Abbey continued to "maintain" and show good behavior this week!
She also continued to surprise her handler with her approaching people she
doesn't know! Abbey hasn't shown any shyness or fear, and now allows the
"strangers" in her environment to give her a pet! This pup has a lot of
energy, and still tends to get excited easily, but her handler is working
with her in this area. Abbey likes to be close to her handler, so the two of
them take a nice walk around the yard so that they both can get some
exercise! When there are no other dogs off-leash in the block, Abbey's
handler will open the cell door and let her walk in and out of their space
while other folks on the tier come to visit them. Although this training
technique is a little new to Abbey, she's learning to understand that people
at her door are just coming to say "hello," and she need not be afraid!
Abbey's handler will continue to work with her on this as well.
Abbey, you are doing great! The more people you meet, the more pets you get!
Here's to a lot more loving touches from your block-mates!
Week 17
Abbey's handler reports that he has had the good fortune to live with
this pup for almost four months. It's been a journey, but the journey has
been a good one! Abbey's handler has seen such a difference in her since she
entered the program! Abbey was quite shy when she came to the prison, but
now she is friendly and is good about greeting others on the block! Abbey is
a dog with a curious soul and a lot of energy. She can be very playful! She
loves to play tug with her handler! Abbey will bring the rope to him every
evening for some play! Abbey still likes her "routine," and follows her
handler's schedule very well! Abbey also respects her handler's wanting some
quiet time in their space. When he wants to sit back and read a book, Abbey
will lay down and relax, gnaw on her bone, or just "hang out" in her crate.
Abbey's handler swears that she knows the difference between her "doggie
toy" and her "bear toy." Of course, Abbey knows the word "rope!" As soon as
her handler mentions "rope," our little girl looks for it until she finds
it, and then "the fun begins!"
Abbey is now walking on-leash and listening well. If her handler stops to
talk to one of his block-mates, and the conversation goes too long for
Abbey's liking, she will just lay at her handler's feet and will wait for
him to finish his conversation. Abbey's not a vocal dog, and is content to
find something to do when her handler is doing other things. She's come such
a very long way. "She has been a pleasure to have and if I can have this
kind of relationship with this beautiful dog, so can anyone."
Weeks 15 & 16
Abbey is doing well with her people skills! Instead of shying away from
new folks, Abbey now approaches them in a friendly manner! It's been a slow,
steady process, but her handler has noticed a lot of improvement in the last
few weeks! Abbey also is doing well with ignoring most of the other dogs
while on-leash. She even showed some positive curiosity about her new pack
member, Jonas! When all of the dogs are waiting patiently to go outside to
"do their duty," Abbey's handler keeps her in a "sit and stay." Abbey
responds well when her handler gives her the "OK, with me" command, as they
follow the pack to the doggie yard. Keep working on your social skills,
Abbey! You're doing great!
Week 14
Abbey is a routine-oriented pup! She knows "when and where" she's
supposed to be as she spends her days in the program! Abbey's handler says
that she is responding to his "structure approach" to her training. She
continues to do well with ignoring some of her pack members while on-leash,
and "is showing a lot of improvement" in this area! Strangers can still be
"strange," but her handler is continuing to work on building Abbey's
confidence to the new people in her life! Although Abbey is still working
through these couple of issues, she is such a sweet dog when she knows that
the people around her are trusted friends. Is there anyone willing to be a
friend and family member of this cute little girl? We HOPE so!
Week 13
Abbey continues to do well in most of the areas of her training!
Her handler is still working with her on her two major issues -- ignoring
the dogs she shows exception to, and her wariness with strangers. Abbey's
handler says that the former is more difficult than the latter, but Abbey is
working through it! Abbey does better ignoring the other dogs while she's
on-leash. This little girl has come a long way since she came to the prison!
We know that she and her handler will work out her fears so that she can
find her forever family! On a positive note, Abbey is loyal and eager
to please. Once she is comfortable with you, she will be at your side
through thick and thin. Now all she needs is someone willing to
give her a place to feel safe and comfortable.
Week 12
Abbey's handler reports that she continues to improve with her
training this week! Her "grumbling" at visitors is lessening...she walks
well on-leash...and she's learning to follow commands when strangers are
around her! She also shows improvement with interacting with the other dogs!
Although she still has issues with some of the other canines, her handler is
continuing to work with her so that she can truly become part of the pack!
Abbey's handler suspects that his way of treating her is different than her
former "owners," but he's watching Abbey closely to make sure that she
"minds her manners" with the other handlers and the other dogs! Although
Abbey will sometimes get overwhelmed with all of the noises that she
encounters when she's outside (so many people, so much machinery), she LOVES
to play one-on-one with her handler in their space! Abbey's handler will
continue to let her explore new people and new environments, and HOPES this
little girl will find her forever home!
Week 11
Abbey's handler reports that she continues to do well! In the
last few weeks, Abbey would "grumble" when anyone came to her door. When one
of the other handlers came to see her the other day, Abbey's handler asked
him if he noticed anything different about her behavior. Abbey didn't make a
"peep" when she saw her visitor! Yay, Abbey!
Abbey's handler encourages her human block-mates and the other handlers to
come pay her a call. He will bring Abbey out of her crate and give her "no"
and "stop" commands. He will then have Abbey's visitor praise her and
give her a treat. Abbey is more confident with other people now as a result!
Although Abbey still gets a little overwhelmed when there is a lot of
movement around her in the block or in the yard, when she's in her space
with her handler, she is "ideal...she is very playful and content."
Week 10
Abbey's handler says that she "is doing good, and is very
playful! She is learning to ignore the dogs she gets over-excited about, and
is working hard with her handler on her lunging issues. Abbey's doing a
great job, because her lunging incidents are fewer and farther between!
Abbey also is not as shy as she was about greeting people! Her handler says
that she continues "to get better at this." Abbey is gently corrected about
her "mouthing" and her handler always encourages others to reinforce this
behavior when they come in contact with her. She's still a bit nervous in
the doggie yard with all of the activity (tractors, trucks, cars and human
traffic can be very scary for a shy pup still learning to find her way in
life), but Abbey's doing much better! Sometimes she'll bark at someone who
stops at the fence, but will stop when her handler tells her to do so...with
or without treats!
Abbey, the picture of you and your handler that appeared in the Lancaster
New Era last week shows everyone just what a loving girl you are! Keep up
the good work, little one!
Week 9
Abbey really only has two issues that her handler can see. The
first is her not knowing how to get along with the other dogs. The second is
her tendency to "mouth" when she's excited. Abbey's handler is concentrating
on guiding her through these issues, with success!
This week, Abbey has been working to ignore the other dogs. Her handler
takes her off-leash while the other dogs are on-leash and doing their
training. Abbey stays with her handler at a distance from the other dogs'
activities. She doesn't go to investigate or pay attention to them. Abbey's
handler's next step is to have her do the same thing when the other dogs are
off-leash. We're sure that with her handler's guidance that Abbey will be
able to be a part of her pack one day!
Abbey will greet people at the fence, as long as her handler is with her and
tells her "it's okay!" Sometimes Abbey will do this without treats, but
sometimes her handler will pass a treat to the person outside of the fence
to reward her for efforts! Abbey tends to get excited easily (although her
handler can calm her down just as easily). Abbey's mouthing is gentle but
her handler is still working with her to stop that behavior. He thinks that
a lot of repetition will stop this because "Abbey is a routine-oriented
dog."
Abbey, we know that you'll be able to face your fears, and find your forever
home!
Week 8
Abbey hasn't been able to work with her handler and his new training
technique this week because of the dreary weather. Abbey's handler, however,
DID have an opportunity to work with her in the dog runs to correct her "on
leash" commands when some of the dogs she still has issues with came into
her space. Although she is responding to her "leave it" and "sit" commands
with her "foes," Abbey's handler still needs to watch her carefully. As soon
as the weather breaks, Abbey's handler is confident that she'll come around
because she's a good listener! Abbey's handler thinks that with some more
time and guidance, this little girl will become friends with all of the
other members of her pack!
She is such a sweet girl and we are having so much fun watching her blossom.
She is very responsive to her handler and it's easy to see how much her
manners and behavior have improved in just the short time she's been with
him. She will make a fantastic friend for someone who is interested in
continuing her training and helping her build her confidence. We're
rooting for you, Abbey!
Week 7
Abbey is doing well with her commands! She still gets a little frightened
with the new machinery noises that's she's encountered this week. Her
handler is bringing her near the big engines every day as they come into the
body shop...tractors, motorized carts and push carts. She has been generally
fine with the grumblings of the engines, but when a Greyhound Bus rolled in,
Abbey got really spooked. Her handler is continuing to work with her and her
reactions to these noises...of course a bus sounds a lot different than a
tractor! We're sure that Abbey will learn to relax more with her handler's
patient guidance!
Abbey continues to walk well on-leash, but she needs to be noodged
sometimes! Abbey's confidence in the dog yard has been improving! She gets
along well with Bianca and Georgie off-leash and that is a great
accomplishment for her! She's still working to find her niche with the other
dogs, but her handler hopes that she'll be able find that niche with some of
the new training techniques that he'll be using this next week!
Abbey still does well with the familiar faces that she sees daily! New faces
still give her pause, but when her handler joins her, Abbey is willing to
investigate the stranger. Abbey's doing well with her "with me," leave it,"
and some other commands that her handler has been teaching her! You're
finding your way, little one!
Weeks 5 & 6
Overall, Abbey is doing well! She knows her and her handler's
routines...when it's time to rise and shine...when it's time to romp in the
yard ...and when it's time to call it a day! Abbey is less guarded around
strangers, and is more willing to be around groups of people without showing
any guarding! Some of the other handlers have been working with Abbey, and
she's responding well to their commands as well! She continues to walk like
a lady without pulling while on-leash!
Although she still has some issues with a couple of her male dog companions,
she has made friends with Georgie and Bianca even while being off-leash!
Her handler will continue working with her over the next several weeks to
help her get to know all of the other dogs in the pack and have good manners
around each and every one of them.
Abbey shows off her comical side to her handler while they're in their
space! She definitely LOVES attention, and is very loving and gentle with
him. Abbey tends to be an excitable pup, but she obeys her handler's "stop"
and "sit" commands and will calm down for him. You're making progress,
Abbey!
Week 4
Abbey continues to do better walking on-leash! She also surprised her
handler by coming up willingly to one of the HOPE volunteers this week for
some pets and scratches under the chin. She was just as friendly and loving
as could be and loved all of the scratches and snuggles she received.
Her handler said that was a huge step for her, and he seemed really pleased!
Abbey still needs to learn to curb her enthusiasm around the other dogs. She
tends to get over-enthusiastic and overbearing with the other members of her
pack. Her handler knows that this is an issue, and will continue working
with Abbey to help her learn to better accept both her four-legged and
two-legged friends! Abbey's handler thinks that once the weather levels off,
Abbey will be able to have a few days in the doggie yard to burn off some of
her energy, and truly get to know the other dogs in the program!
Keep trying, little one!
Week 3
Abbey is getting better around different people, but she still has to work
on her socialization with the other dogs. She'll get better as her handler
works with her on this issue. Abbey is a sweetheart in her space! She had a
little stress this week moving around to a couple of different cells, and
having to say goodbye to one of her handlers who also moved. Overall,
though, little Abbey is doing well in the short time she's been in the
program!
Week 2
Abbey is more at ease meeting new people...and she also likes Lily! She is
now accepting treats from different people on the block and is doing well
when folks other than her handler walk her! Abbey's also walking off-leash
in the doggie yard and dog run! While in the yard, Abbey likes playing with
her ball, and is paying less attention to the traffic noises that bothered
her just a week ago!
Keep up the good work, Abbey!
Week 1
Abbey is settling in to her new routine! At first, she was very nervous in
the yard with all of the outside traffic noises, but she's doing better! She
seems to like dominating the other dogs, but she's learning to establish a
"working relationship" with them! Abbey knows her basic "sit, "paw," and
"down" routines, and already walks off-leash with one of her handlers! She
also comes right to his side when he calls her or claps his hands!
Abbey is still leery about strangers. She seeks out human eyes. She scans
the tier and if someone looks directly at her and holds a stare, she'll
assume that the stare equals a threat. She's not having any "mouthing"
issues, per se...it's more like "her teeth get in the way when she swings
her head back and forth"!
Abbey warmed up to her handlers right away! She's very happy to see them
when they return to her new space. Abbey is a lover once trust has been
established. Because of her background, trust from this girl must be earned.
It's not hard work ...it just takes a gentle hand for her to realize that
life isn't about being abandoned. Overall, she's a great pup, full of life,
very happy, great indoors, super affectionate and "pretty darned cute"! She
is responding well to commands in fairly active places and is showing more
confidence and less distrust daily. Whomever adopts her should probably have
the ability to provide Abbey with a steady, structured environment.
Her handlers have seen a big difference in her during her "maiden voyage"
into the program! You go, girl!
UPDATE - 3/12/09
Abbey is heading to the big house on Saturday to start her training.
She's a little on the shy side so we'll be helping her build her confidence.
She also needs some basic manners because she tends to get overly excited
when she's happy. She's a young girl, just a year or two and she's
ready for a home of her very own. Abbey is available for adoption through
The Phoenix Rescue Group.
Hounds of Prison Education
A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance