A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance
	Banshee   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 ADOPTED!!! Weeks 24 & 25 Banshee was excited to see the HOPE volunteer who recently updated her video for the website, and to show off her “cute tricks” for the camera!  Her handlers have been working on Banshee’s “out” command “with some good success.  She is learning that when she gives up her high-value toy, she’ll get it right back.”  This pup has been playing with her toys more often.  When her handlers make a playful bite at her, she “will whine and smile in play mode.”  Banshee also loves when her handlers say “3…2…1…Let’s Go!  She starts hopping around and barking with excitement, ready to race.”   She also had a good time playing out in the yard this week.  “Rocky and his handler would throw a squeaky rubber football near Banshee, and she would fly to go after it.  Then, we would throw the ball near Rocky, and he would go after it.  It was a good exercise to practice the out and watch commands, plus it was a lot of fun.”   After a long wait, Banshee has been adopted, and she left the big house on Saturday! Her handlers “are so happy Banshee found such a good home to go to, as that is what she deserves.  Congrats to her new family!!!”     For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus      Jada       Joey       Rambo       Maggie       Cam       Rocky       Taavi      Checkers      Nash Week 23 Banshee had another fantastic week. This week, she also went on a field trip with her friend Margie. This is what Margie had to say...   We started out today by just walking thru a neighborhood so that the 2 of us could get used to walking with each other.  We did pass a couple of dogs and there wasn't any reaction from Banshee.  A man stopped us  - he thought Banshee was gorgeous and offered her some pepperoni which she took very politely.   Then we went on to the flea market - of course it wasn't as busy as it is during the summer, but there were plenty of vendors and people as well as dogs.  We walked up and down the aisles.  At one point she did get very anxious and fearful, so we stopped for a minute while I rubbed her chest and Banshee gathered herself and then continued on and she was fine.  She pretty much ignored most of the dogs we passed or at least didn't react to them except for one who reacted first.  All in all I think Banshee did really well today.  She also did fine going in and out of the prison.    Maybe she was just having a bad day - hopefully.  She was so cute when we got back to the block.  Her handler and I were sitting, talking and Banshee was just lying on the floor between us hanging out and completely relaxed.  Then the best part - before I left I got a face full of kisses.     For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus      Jada       Joey       Rambo       Maggie       Izzy       Rocky       Taavi      Checkers      Nash Week 22 Although Banshee would do best in a home where she is the only dog, her handlers are happy to report that she “has been doing well around Taavi and Joey.  She can be right next to them, side-by-side in the dog runs.”  That’s a great accomplishment, little girl!  As for her other training, this week her handlers worked on her “crawl” skill, which “she is getting down, and we hope to increase the distance.”  Of course, Banshee loves her time in the doggie yard.  “We have been teaching her agility on the leash and have been racing with her when she’s off it.  The tricky part is that she’s faster than either of us, so in that way, she’s training her handlers.  It was another good week for Banshee!"     For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus      Jada       Joey       Rambo       Maggie       Izzy       Rocky       Taavi Week 20 & 21 Banshee spent the last couple of weeks becoming acquainted with an additional handler in her world.  It didn’t take long for the two of them to bond because they have been “running and leaping over a large drainage ditch.  Banshee’s cardio is so well, the two of them chased each other for more than an hour!”  In fact, when her handlers practice running in the heel position now, this pup “no longer trips us, and we turn up the speed!”  Although Banshee is still working to master her “pray” command, her handlers gave her gold stars for her sit pretty, sit stay and down stay (she can do this longer now), watch me and her beloved scent game!  They introduced cheese into the mix with the tea bags this week, and Miss Banshee “would find it quickly, almost following the path taken to hide it in the first place.”  This pup has some favorite people on the block, and is friendly to those she chooses to approach.  “When she sees someone who excites her, she gives a low growl/howl, but it is a friendly gesture.  She does it mainly with us and one of the sergeants.  It could be interpreted wrongly, but she’s just saying Hello [with that goofy grin of hers].”  Every week, you learn new things, sweet girl.  Keep up the good work!    For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus      Jada       Joey       Rambo       Maggie       Izzy       Rocky       Taavi Week 18 & 19 Banshee continued to excel at learning her skills!  She and her handler worked on her “command-chaining, which is doing several commands quickly without receiving a treat until the end of the chain.  The commands include sit, stay, front/come, and then finally the food treat and major praise.  She also worked on her sit pretty and pray skills.”  Her handler reports that Banshee looks like a prairie dog when she sits pretty!  “She is very quick and very smart.”  Miss Banshee has also been getting along better with her pack mates lately, including Rambo and Taavi!  Yay, Banshee!  This pup and her handler love to play and wrestle gently with each other.  If she gets a little to exuberant, an “easy” command will calm her down right away.   “She is very vocal, making all sorts of noises.  It’s hilarious seeing that big grin on her face.”  Banshee also “will play with every toy in her crate, each for a few minutes at a time, and occasionally will bring one to me to play with.  When she’s bored, she’ll roll around on her back in her crate, looking at me to play.  Banshee is an amazing companion with extreme loyalty and friendship in her personality.  If I were able to adopt her, I definitely would!”    For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus      Jada       Petey       Rambo       Maggie       Izzy       Rocky       Taavi Week 16 & 17 Banshee’s handlers report that “she has been very vocal with the ‘talk to me’ command.  It almost seems like she says ‘hello’ or ‘bring it on’ like she wants to play.  She kind of growls/yodels/howls it.  She especially does it for a couple of the other handlers, and it is very funny!”  Banshee also is working some new commands. Her handlers label a tea bag as a scent.  They then put another tea bag on with a treat on top of it, partially hiding the first tea bag.  When they tell Banshee to “find it,” she has a lot of fun trying to find her prize!  Banshee also attended the Mutt Mixer, and did well with all of the different people she encountered.  Her handlers gave her a bath prior to the event, and “she did just fine with that.”  This pup loves lying around on rainy days, and snuggling on the bed (the top bunk especially)!  When it’s time for her to get down, “she’ll roll away and bury her nose with her paws, giving the look, ‘Please leave me here!’ It was another good couple of weeks for our little girl.”     For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus      Jada       Petey       Rambo       Maggie       Izzy       Rocky       Taavi Week 16 This week, Banshee’s handlers continued to work on her “take it” commands, but added “out” and “let me see it” into the mix as well, and gave her rave reviews for her skills!   “She learns very quickly.” Her handlers report that Banshee “really loves her rawhide/chew bones!  She’ll flip on her back while chewing on them. Banshee went on an adoption event last weekend, and her handlers were happy to hear that their pup did very well overall…even with little children.  “It was another good week for Banshee!”     For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus      Jada       Petey       Rambo       Maggie       Izzy       Rocky     Weeks 14 & 15 Banshee’s handlers report that she’s had another good couple of weeks.  She has been “yodeling” more at certain people when she greets them.  She tilts her head up and “talks” with different pitches of a play growl.  She does it mainly to one of the Corrections Officers and a couple of the other handlers.  “It is hilarious!”  Banshee has been learning the “Take-It” command by accepting a toy, and taking it with her mouth.  She also has been playing more in the dog runs, and barking excitedly at the other dogs!  After Banshee’s potty break in the morning, she “is off to the races, shaking a flat volleyball, tossing it, and playing chase and tug of war with me. She is so fun to play with. When we’re out in the yard, we gently poke her hind leg, say ‘pow’ and run, looking back for her to chase us.  She runs very fast!  We worked on her long distance “come” command, and she comes flying to us!  Once a groundhog was visible beyond the fence, and she was at full attention sitting and watching the groundhog.  Her handlers report that this fun-loving pup is also a good companion to snuggle with!  Is anyone out there willing to give her a home to snuggle in?  We HOPE so!    For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Jada       Petey       Rambo       Maggie       Izzy       Rocky Week 13 Banshee’s handlers focused on her positive interaction with new people and the other dogs this week. When they told her to “go say hello, and point to a stranger, she went willingly for a pet!” Banshee and Rambo tested their waters getting to know each other in separate dog runs this week. Their handlers had them focus on their treats rather than each other. Although it’s still a work in progress, these pups’ caretakers will keep working on their socialization skills. “Banshee absolutely loved playing in the snow. She would bury her nose in it, leap a few feet and bury her nose in it again! It was awesome and funny to watch. Banshee also loves playing with her bone pillow and squeaky toy, and will go from playing with one of them to the other. She also started talking to us this week with a low grumble/yodel. We say, ‘talk to me’ to amp her up and it’s very funny to hear her reaction. It was another good week for Banshee!”   For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Jada       Petey       Rambo       Maggie       Izzy       Rocky   Week 12 Banshee’s handlers told us that she had “an exciting week getting used to the two new dogs that came into the HOPE program, Chi Chi and Rocky. So far, she is doing very well around both of them!” Our handlers worked together to make that happen, and although they are taking it slow, Banshee “is definitely improving her behavior meeting new dogs!” This pup also went through her basic commands and obedience skills like sitting at doorways and waiting to go through them this week. Banshee “had a ball chasing her handlers around the little brick building in the dog yard. She came inside, rolled onto her back, flipped around, and eventually took a nap.” Keep up the good work at getting along with your pack mates, sweet girl!   For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Jada       Petey       Rambo       Maggie       Izzy       Rocky   Week 11 Her handlers report that “Banshee was a socialite this week! She was wagging her tail, and enjoying the attention.” Although she’s still not too sure about accepting Rambo into her world, Banshee is getting better at accepting the other dogs at the prison into her circle of friends. As for her training, this pup’s leash walking is getting better “even when she’s in hunt-mode, all crouched down. She’ll stalk slower so as not to pull.” Her handlers also gave her great marks this week for her down commands, and the fact that she doesn’t mind when they give her a bath! “Miss Banshee is doing fabulously, and cannot wait to get a loving home! She really is an amazing friend!”   For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Jada       Petey       Rambo       Ike       Bo       Maggie       Izzy   Week 10 Banshee’s handlers reviewed all of the commands in her bag of tricks this week. “She has a very good come command at long distances, and when she’s off-leash in the big yard, she’ll come to us from the other end of it!” Banshee also loves playing with her handlers. One of them reports that they were playing chase “kind of like when two cars are driving at each other, and find out which driver will swerve out of the way first to avoid a collision…Banshee came flying at me, and ran right into my legs. I almost fell over! It was very funny!” Banshee’s biggest accomplishment this week was “doing well with all of the other dogs, both on-leash, and even in the dog runs.” This pup has found a soul mate in Petey, the newest member of her pack. When they’re out in the dog runs, “she does a grumble/growl with him and rubs up against the fence splitting them apart for Petey to smell her. They run up and down, growling friendly and playing with each other.” Her handlers say that “Banshee had a good week, and had fun!” We’re particularly proud of the fact that you allowed Petey in your world, sweet girl! Keep up the good work!   For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Jada       Petey       Rambo       Ike       Bo       Maggie       Izzy   Weeks 8 & 9 Banshee is still working on learning that her pack mates can be her friends, “and she’s doing well overall.” Although each dog has their main handlers in the program, the other handlers pitch in to help when certain issues call for additional help. Banshee got some time in the dog runs and the big yard with some of her human friends, and did very well with them (although she chased one handler around the yard, much to her main handlers’ amusement). Her handlers report that this week was fun for Banshee. She got to go to her beloved dog yard and “run like crazy – even in the rain! Her come command is strong, even at the other end of the yard. We started to walk laps, and Banshee followed us off-leash. What a companion! Banshee loves the great outdoors.  She spots rabbits and groundhogs from far away. Her ears perk up, she gets low to the ground, and then walks on eggshells getting closer to the prey. She also sticks her head in every hole in the ground. Miss Banshee loves her favorite squeaky toy. She loves it, cuddles with it, and occasionally nose-butts it so it squeaks.” Silly girl! “Another good week for Banshee!”   For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Jada       Petey       Leah       Rambo       Ike       Bo       Maggie       Izzy   Week 7 Banshee’s handlers report that “she’s doing great on her commands, but we are still increasing her long-distance stays and leave-its.” This pup concentrated on gradual integration with the other dogs. Her handlers put Banshee into a sit and have the other dogs approach her. If the other dogs get close to her, and she doesn’t react, they treat her. “We are taking baby steps because we want the whole situation to be positive for Banshee.” Since it’s not all work and no play in the HOPE program, this pup had a grand time finding some smelly onion grass to roll in (she also enjoyed the bath that she got, and didn’t mind it at all). Banshee also loves running “super-fast and playing ‘Chase Me, Chase You.’ It was a good week for Banshee!”   For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Jada       Nyla       Leah       Rambo       Ike       Bo       Maggie       Izzy   Week 6 Banshee’s handlers gave her great grades on her report card this week for her longer stays and come skills. She can also be trusted to not chew up anything when she is out of her crate when they’re not in the cell. Banshee got to go on an outing with HOPE volunteer, Margie, and did very well greeting people for pets. Her handlers also report that this pup now has “a good reaction to people approaching her, and is getting to like short, quick pets from strangers.” This pup finally got some time in the big dog yard after all the rain we had. “She runs incredibly fast low to the ground, with her mouth open. She loves leaping up to grab a mouthful of pulled weeds/grass and shakes it to pieces. She also loves playing chase and peek-a-boo around the little brick building in the yard.” Banshee also enjoys the quiet times she has with her handlers every day. “She loves to relax, cuddle up and get her muscles massaged. She squints her eyes to let us know she enjoys it, while smiling and tilting her head back. She prances around at night, trying to catch our attention with that sharp blue eye, to cuddle up on my bed! She really is a good, loyal friend and companion.”   For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Jada       Nyla       Leah       Rambo       Ike       Bo       Maggie       Izzy   Week 5 Banshee’s handlers say that she improved with her skills this week. She and Maggie played off-leash in the big yard, and although it wasn’t always smooth sailing, this pup did really well! “She runs incredibly fast, but telling her to come to us gets her to settle down.” This pup also worked on her attention span around the animals in the yard. “When she sees groundhogs or rabbits, she perks up her ears and wants to go after them.” Her handlers have been using the “come” command to teach her that the wildlife is okay in her world. Even though she still has some things to learn, her handlers will continue to make sure that she will find her forever home. From day one, her handlers have “loved seeing her giant smile and beautiful eyes.” We’re hoping that someone feels the same way, and will give you your forever home, sweet Banshee!   Field Trip Alert (as told by HOPE volunteer Margie) - I've had Banshee out a couple of times now. Last week she was on a 50 ft long line and really enjoyed the running and exploring - and she proved herself to be quite the groundhog hunter - nearly getting her head stuck in a groundhog hole! This week we worked on loose leash walking and meeting friendly strangers. Her handlers should be very proud of her. We went over to the college and walked all through the campus. Banshee did really well with her loose leash walking - I only had to "be a tree" a few times and when I stopped it didn't take her long at all to stop and turn around and acknowledge me so that we could continue on. Banshee got to meet several new friends. She didn't seek people out as we passed them, however when we stopped to talk to people, she didn't shy away at all and readily accepted pets and treats. She was very polite with everyone and really seemed to be enjoying the attention. After our walk we stopped at the stream and Banshee jumped right in to cool off and enjoy a nice drink. On the drive back to the prison, I looked in the rear view mirror. Her ears were relaxed and back, mouth was open with a grin, eyes were half shut and her nose was in the air taking in all the interesting smells - she was one happy girl.   For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Jada       Nyla       Leah       Hope       Ike       Bo       Maggie       Izzy   Week 4 Her handlers report that “Banshee worked on and succeeded with her longer sit, down/stay, wait, leave it and heeling commands this week. She is treat motivated and is a very quick learner.” One day, Banshee was out in the dog yard, and chased a giant pile of grass clippings “jumping and leaping after it…kind of like ‘toro’ with a bull. She grabbed the pile and shook it everywhere! She also loves when we chase her, and she chases back at us. She has quick, agile moves. We never know which way she is going to go!” This pup still prefers to be a lone wolf rather than part of the pack, but she continues to show her loyalty to her handlers. “Banshee always comes to us when called and is so eager to say hello with a big kiss when we return after going out. She is doing great!”   For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Chloe       Nyla       Leah       Hope       Ike       Bo       Maggie       Izzy   Week 3 “This week, Banshee got to run, play and learn out in the dog yard!” This pup worked on her waits while going through gates and doors (indoors), and her handlers are happy to report that she is doing her touch, sit and down commands more consistently. Although Banshee still prefers the company of her handlers, “her pretty eyes, giant smile and curious ears always draw people to her. She is doing well with meeting new people, is wagging her tail more, and becoming more comfortable.” Since she was such a good girl, Banshee was treated to play time. “She loves running, playing hide and seek and chase. She looks like she is herding, running in circles.” When she’s not learning her skills and playing, Banshee “loves to snuggle up real close and rest her had on you. She’s so affectionate and loves cuddling! It was a great week for Banshee!”   For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Chloe       Nyla       Leah       Hope       Ike       Bo       Maggie       Harley   Week 2 Banshee’s handlers report that “this week, she’s really beginning to open up to us and a little bit towards strangers too. When we point to someone, and tell her to ‘go say hello’ she will walk up to them and briefly accept their pets.” Banshee has exhibited some separation anxiety when her handlers have to go about their day, but they are working with her on this issue, and she makes improvements every day! This pup is still adjusting to life in the prison, but her handlers report that she is doing well with her training so far. They’ll still have to work on some of her basic commands, but so far, so good. One thing that Banshee doesn’t need any help with is running in the doggie yard! “She loves playing chase! She tries to herd us with a smile on her face, circling us as fast as she can, and occasionally running up to give us a nudge. She is a very loyal dog. She loves to see us when we get home.” We know that your handlers’ feelings are mutual, Banshee. Keep being you, sweet girl!   For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Buddy        Sky       Oscar       Chloe       Nyla       Leah       Hope Ike       Bo       Maggie       Harley   Week 1 Banshee’s handlers took her into their care just a week before their first report. “At first, she was very anxious about her new environment, but just after a day or two she opened up her playful and affectionate personality.” Banshee is already learning her sits, stays, come, in (going into the crate) and off commands. Although her handlers are still working on this pup’s attention span, “her demeanor is very mellow, except for when she is greeting us after being gone from her for a few hours. She is excited to see us and she tries to jump up – man, she can jump – going to us for a kiss. But we are breaking her of that, because jumping up without being asked is inappropriate.” Her handlers also report that “Banshee is very lady-like, often crossing her paws in front of her and grooming herself. Her smile and eyes (one of them is fluorescent sky-blue) are hard to resist!” Hopefully, a person or people will also find them hard to resist as well, and will want to call you their own, Banshee!   For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Buddy        Sky       Oscar       Chloe       Nyla       Leah       Hope   UPDATE 8-3-11 Banshee participated in her very first class today at the jail.  She's already off to a great start and loves all the attention she is getting from her new friends.  It's hard not to be drawn in by those fabulous eyes...one blue and one brown.   She is a beautiful, three year old Basenji mix who is available for adoption through Animal Rescue Inc.  Stay tuned for next week's update.   For information on adopting Banshee, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511.    You can complete an application online by clicking here. Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Buddy        Sky       Oscar       Chloe       Nyla       Leah       Hope
	Hounds of Prison Education A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance