 A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance |
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Brandee
Brandee has been adopted, but she'll be staying with us for a few more weeks
for some specialized training. Brandee is the first dog being adopted
through our Helping Hounds program. She'll be receiving specialized
training at the jail and then a full year of training with her new family so
that she can become a Certified Psychiatric Service Dog to a veteran who
needs her help.
Stay tuned for more information on this new program!
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
ADOPTED!!!
Week 20
Brandee has gotten so much attention not only from her new Veteran Dad, but
she has also been getting some extra attention at the prison! Since Mandi
went to her forever home, her former handler is helping out with Brandee's
well-being...much to her delight! Brandee loves the extra attention she's
receiving, as well as the the extra time she gets to romp in the yard!
Brandee's handlers continue to work with her to reinforce her basic commands
as she starts her journey into the "Helping Hounds" program. Her handlers
report that Brandee continues to be happy and healthy. Of course they are
proud of all of her achievements, but Brandee's handlers find that their
favorite "tricks" that she performs is just to be her "cute and loveable"
self. Brandee, we're so proud of you! Keep up the good work, and we know
that you'll love being a part of your new family!
Week 19
Brandee is officially adopted now and officially hired! Brandee is the
first dog being adopted into our Helping Hounds program which trains dogs to
be psychiatric service dogs for veterans with post traumatic stress
disorder. For Brandee's veteran it was love at first sight and they're
looking forward to getting started on the next phase of their training
together. Brandee will be heading home next week although she'll still
be visiting every week for the next year for training with her new family.
She's a special girl and we're so happy that she found such a special job to
do. Way to go, Brandee.
Click here for more information on the Helping Hounds Program.
Week 18
Brandee has been busy this week working on her "stay" and "wait” skills.
Brandee being Brandee doesn’t like to “wait” too long! This exuberant pup
doesn’t have too many problems with “distance on a stay,” but she’s still
learning to master the command. Brandee’s handlers can easily walk out of
her sight from 10 feet to 100 feet...the time that she keeps her stays is a
different story! Her “up to 5 minutes” waits are a breeze for her!
Brandee’s long-term stays are still a work in progress, but her handlers
plan to continue to work with her until she gets it down-pat. Overall,
Brandee has come a very long way in the program. “Our little spitfire
Brandee is doing just fine...we love her!” We’re sure whoever adopts you
will love you too, Miss Brandee! Stay tuned for a special update on
Brandee's pending adoption. She may have some very special news to
share with everyone next week!
Week 17
Brandee does not like rainy weather. Although she handled her
mandatory time inside with a smile, she would much prefer to be outdoors for
a good romp each and every day. She did a lot of training indoors on
the cell block this week and even did some positive training with Mandi.
Brandee is such a good dog and everyone on the block adores her. She's
an ace in her obedience classes and learning more and more each day.
Way to go, Brandee!
Week 16
Brandee had another fun week with her pals on the cell block. She's
learning to be a little more respectful of the boundaries of her friends.
Her handlers are helping her to develop an internal sense of when to back
off so that her friends can have a rest. Now that she's learning that,
her friends are even more eager to play with her. She's a special girl
and her handlers are just head over heels for her!
Week 15
Brandee’s handlers had another exciting week with this pup! The cooler
weather hasn’t curbed this fur-baby’s enthusiasm for running, hopping and
playing in the doggie yard. Brandee just loves the outdoors! She also
learned some new tricks. She can now “bow” and “weave” with the best of
them. Her handlers also reinforced the lessons that she has already
learned. Her handlers continue to introduce Brandee to new things and people
every day. “She seems to like just about everything!” Brandee is doing fine.
She is “happy, healthy and ready to roll!”
Week 14
Although Brandee still thinks that play is the best thing in her world, she
is also making huge improvements in her training! Her recalls from play are
getting better every day and she is doing a dandy job of walking with her
handlers while off-leash. Brandee gets along well with all of the other
dogs, but she especially loves her pals Harley and Champ. No exercise
trainer is needed when she sees her buddies. When they're together, they're
like Energizer Bunnies...they keep going and going and just really enjoy
each other's company! Overall, Brandee is making progress with her training,
and her handlers see no reason to wait any longer to find her a family to
call her very own. "She is a joy to work with and have around. She is ready
for a good home."
Week 13
Thirteen weeks and not a single application for sweet Brandee. Despite
that, her handlers report that "it has been another wonderful week with the
always-happy and ready-to-play Brandee!" Brandee worked on her "attention"
exercises and she will now look at her handlers when they call her name.
Brandee is always ready for whatever you have up your sleeve. Even
after training, this exuberant pup always has a little more energy to go out
to the doggie yard to "hop around and frolic." Brandee and Champ have become
fast friends! They would roll around together all day if their handlers
allowed them to do so. Actually, the fur-babies' love for a good romp helps
in their training. Their handlers work on their "calling off from play"
command, and it's been working out well. Brandee's handlers just love her,
and know that her forever home is out there somewhere. Paws crossed, little
one!
Week
12
Brandee
learned "touch it" this week, and her handlers couldn't be happier.
Although Brandee still continues to think that training is play, she has
become more patient this week and her eye-contact has also improved during
tasks when she needs to focus on her handlers. Although she still needs to
hone her skills when her handlers "call her off" during play, she's getting
better as each day passes! Brandee just loves her new playmates Mandi and
Champ. They romp and play together in the yard and Brandee doesn't mind at
all that her new friends cover her in "Boxer slobber!" Overall, Brandee
continues to progress nicely and to give her handlers the pleasure of
knowing they have her as their very own during her time in the program. Of
course, they would really like her to find her "very own" owners so that her
family could love and cherish this "beautiful animal" as much as they love
her. Could that be you? We HOPE so!
Week 11
Brandee continues to make progress in her training! Her handlers are adding
some new tricks into her agenda, as well as reinforcing the commands that
she already learned. Of course, Brandee would rather play than train, but
luckily for her handlers, she's food-motivated! Brandee knows that "nothing
in life is free," so she has to WORK for her treats! Actually, her handlers
say that they should have called her food "play" because those are her two
favorite things in life!
Brandee attended the "Meet and Greet" at the Camp Hill Borders on Saturday.
Before Georgie left the prison, he gave Brandee the following tip about
public events -- "Girlfriend, when you're feeling a little scared, hide
under the HOPE table, but stick that cute little nose of yours out from
under the tablecloth. When you're ready to be oohed and aahed over, petted
and told what a pretty little girl you are, come out from under the table,
and you'll be fine! That's what I did, and now I'm going to live in my
forever home!" Brandee took Georgie's advice to heart! She did exactly that,
but didn't "hide" for too long. The HOPE volunteers let her meet people on
her own terms, and after not too long, she was out in the public more than
she was under the table! Of course, the fact that one of her sergeant
friends from the prison stopped by, also helped to calm her nerves! Our
little diva Brandee didn't let it go to her head when everyone said how
beautiful she is and that her eyes are the "color of molasses."
Brandee continues to endear herself to her handlers. "Brandee is a great dog
and [she's] a pleasure to work with every day." She also gets along very
well with the other dogs and those who live and work with her on the block!
"She is a wonderful animal and will make a loyal companion" to her forever
family.
Week 10
Brandee worked on learning some new tricks this week, including "roll over,"
and "head down." Her handlers have also been reinforcing the commands that
she has already learned. Brandee picks up on new things very easily once she
gets in the zone. Brandee continues to be full of energy and has
decided that running around in circles is the best! She provides near
constant entertainment for her handlers. Brandee loves Harley and
Tyler, our newcomers to the program! To her, they are just two more
playmates to romp around with in the yard! Georgie remained at the prison
until he got his "parole" to his forever family. He liked to bark when
Brandee played with Harley. According to the handlers, Harley is her new
boyfriend...Georgie is the ex-boyfriend now." Her handlers say that
our little minx is doing fine, and that she is learning more each day. "All
is well in Brandee land!"
Week 9
Our brown-eyed Brandee is doing great! This week, Brandee's handlers
worked on teaching her tricks like catching treats, allowing treats on her
nose (for a girl who had impulse control issues, what an accomplishment!)
and rolling over! She is a really fast learner so this was great fun for
both her and her handlers. When Brandee is out in the doggie yard, she loves
to run and play. As her handlers have said before, Brandee is much easier to
train after she has had some exercise. Her favorite game is tug-o-war with a
rope toy and that definitely tires her out the quickest!
Brandee obtained a furlough to attend the Bark & Brew event at the Fire
House Restaurant this week! Admittedly, she was a scared pup at first
because of the rush hour traffic noises, but she calmed down and enjoyed
greeting all of the people who were attending the event, as well as the
folks who were just taking a stroll down 2nd Street! A couple was walking
their dog, and Brandee really took a shine to the pup! The two of them
instantly went into "play mode" and had a ball "wrestling" and just enjoying
each other's company. Luckily for Brandee, the couple took the same route
back from their walk so she got to play with her new "friend" twice! She was
adorable, and charmed everyone who met her!
Brandee's handlers say that overall, she is "a really cool pet. She is just
a fun dog." Brandee has endeared herself to the inmates and staff..."we all
love her. She deserves a good home with good people -- have squeaky toys
will travel!"
Week 8
"Brandee is doing great!" She knows all of her basic commands, and so much
more! Brandee is listening to her handlers, and rarely pulls on her leash
unless it's potty time! Brandee's handlers say that she has come a long way
since she came to "puppy prison." Although they will miss her, her handlers
feel that she's ready for her forever family. Brandee "told" her handlers
that her "perfect" home would include:
1. A big yard.
2. A lot of fresh water (our girl gets thirsty after romping around and
playing).
3. A squeaky toy or two!
4. A comforting blanket to curl up and sleep on.
That's not a long list of of "wants" in her handlers' opinions! Brandee also
"told" her handlers that she promises to love you every day no matter what.
So if you are looking for a smart, happy and faithful companion, Brandee
"says," 'I'm the one for you!' If you can give this little diva some
or all of her "wants", and receive her loving gratitude in return, please
call the number listed on her post, or fill in the on-line application.
Thanks from Brandee and her handlers!
Week 7
"It's been another wonderful week with Brandee!" Our little beauty queen is
becoming more attentive and listening to her handlers quite well! Brandee
made huge improvements with her impulse control this week! When she wanted
something, she got excited, but looked to her handlers for her "leave it" or
"okay" command, and then she knew she was good to go! "She is learning
patience." Brandee is a young pup, so for right now, she has to "two modes"
...play and rest!" Even when she's sleeping, Brandee will have her ears
perked up so that she doesn't miss anything in her world!
Brandee's handlers can't say enough about what a great dog she is! "She's
one of the friendliest and prettiest dogs we have had the pleasure to work
with. As much as we would like to keep her around, she is about ready for a
good home with a big yard where she can run and play. She is faithful and
will give [whoever adopts her] lots of love and kisses!"
Week 6
Brandee continues to bring joy to her handlers! She is making daily
improvements with her training, and is making BIG steps with her impulse
control! She loves to get a peek at the birds outside and linger for a
moment to see just what's going on down at the other end of the yard, but
she is learning her "leave it" command and really starting to understand it.
Brandee's leash manners have improved 100% since she started the program and
now she is a model example of how to be absolutely fabulous while
accompanying her handler to the dog yard, the fenced in runs or just a walk
around the tier. Her handlers say that "she is doing a fine job" and
we couldn't agree more.
"Brandee is smart, energetic and just a fun dog to have around." She
is a social butterfly because she interacts with all of the other dogs and
all of the people on the block. She just loves all of the attention
she gets when she's out among her friends practicing her new skills.
She also is a big fan of any and all types of food and, of course, her
squeaky toys! Brandee is an easy dog to love. She's a bundle of
energy and a perfect mach for an active companion.
Week 5
Brandee's handlers say that it's been "another joyous week with Brandee the
wonder dog!" She has adapted well to her life at the prison. She plays well
with all of the other dogs, and is just loved by everyone who lives and
works on the block. Brandee "isn't the least bit shy" and will go to anyone
who calls her name! She loves to play..."she jumps and bows, runs back and
forth for hours until she is so tired she just flops down and naps!"
Brandee's attention span is getting better, but it's still a work in
progress. Like, any youngster, she's a curious soul and the wonders of
rabbits, groundhogs, butterflies and birds never cease to captivate her.
Here handlers are working with her to help her understand that she can still
enjoy the entertaining world around her while following directions at the
same time.
Brandee is incredibly smart and learns new things quickly. Her handlers
report that she's very active, loves people and "is a funny girl." She
would make a great family pet for just about anyone with an active
lifestyle. If you have kids, a big yard and some squeaky toys, this just
might be the girl for you!
Week 4
After one month, Brandee has progressed very well! She still "has her
moments," but she is learning her commands and is improving daily! Brandee's
handlers have been working on her impulse control by making her wait for
everything. There is no pulling to get outside. There is no running to meet
other people or other dogs. There are no "treats for free." Brandee is
"catching on," but she still likes to test her handlers once in awhile.
Brandee's handlers have been putting food around the cell, and placing it on
her paw, and then having her "wait." She does well as long as her handlers
are watching her, but once they take her eyes off of her, "it's gone.
Waiting is hard for her."
Brandee has mastered her "shake" command, and is so proud of herself, that
she wants to do it all of the time! "She is funny!" Overall, Brandee's
handlers say that she is doing well, and may be ready for "parole" pretty
soon! "She is a fun and energetic dog that is playful and friendly to
everyone. She will make a wonderful family pet. We all love her in here!"
Week 3
After three weeks of training, Brandee is finally learning that she doesn't
always get what she wants, and she never gets it when she wants it. "Nothing
In Life is Free," Brandee! Her handlers know that impulse control takes time
and patience. Brandee still has her moments when she will not listen to
commands when she's off-leash. She knows when she has done wrong because she
puts her head down and comes to her handlers slowly when her handlers are
stern with her. Brandee still pulls to get to the other dogs to play, and
forgets her training when she's excited. Again, her handlers have learned
that she listens much better after she is "played out." Brandee is eating
well, and has already learned some "table manners" from her handlers! She
now knows that she doesn't have to "gobble up" her food! Brandee is very
food motivated, and listens well when her handlers offer her a treat.
Brandee can be a "rebel" at times, but her handlers are making progress with
her training! This week's milestone was mastering the steps [for some
cheese]! On a trip to the doggie yard this week, Brandee was very excited,
as usual, and pulled so hard, her handler thought his arm would come out of
its socket! He gave Brandee a gentle tug and redirected her in the yard.
After two or three times of this gentle redirection, Brandee exaggerated her
actions, and jumped a foot off of the ground, making it seem like her
handler was trying to "pull her head off!" "She is such a Drama Queen!. She
even finds a way to turn training into play." Even with Brandee's rebel
streak and theatrics, her handlers think that she's a very pretty dog, is a
joy to train, and they enjoy having her with them.
Week 2
Week two of Brandee's training has been a challenge for her handlers!
Brandee is "very impulsive...she wants to pull to go out and pull to play
with the other dogs." Her handlers have learned that she's much easier to
work with after she calms down from a good romp in the doggie yard! Brandee
is making improvements and is responding to commands about half the time
now. Her handlers say that repetition is the key to training this little
girl! Her "sits", "lie downs" and "stays" are getting better, but Brandee
still has some homework to do in these areas! Brandee has no fear, and she
will wander off if her door is open. She doesn't run away, she just walks
away to explore her world.
Brandee's handlers say that she's a star when it comes to play! "Brandee is
a fun dog and loves rope, any rope!" She is a smart dog and knows when her
handlers are talking to her. At this stage, however, Brandee has a mind of
her own. She will choose to ignore her handlers, and will look away from
them when they call her so she can continue to play. Brandee knows that this
isn't proper behavior, because when her handlers approach her in a calm way,
she puts her head down, as if to say that she knows that she's doing wrong.
Overall, however, "she's a good dog and just needs some work and love." Her
handlers will continue to be patient, and teach our newcomer that life in
the "big house" isn't all play and no work! You're doing great, Brandee!
Week 1
Bugaboo's handlers took one look at this little girl, and decided that her
name should be Brandee! That works for her! Brandee is adjusting to her
name, and is doing just fine! She has a few issues, but nothing that she
can't overcome! Brandee has a lot of energy and lacks impulse control. When
she sees something she wants, Brandee will block out everything else in her
world. Her handlers have found that a couple of gentle tugs on her leash
will help her focus. Brandee listens much better after she is tired out
after some fun and play! Her handlers say that exercise is important when
working with this fur-baby! Brandee is food-motivated! She'll pay attention
to her handlers, or anyone else on the block, if there is a treat to be had!
Brandee isn't shy, she likes to explore, and is an all-around friendly dog.
Also, Brandee "sits and lies down pretty well."
Brandee's handlers say that "she is a very pretty dog and will make a great
pet when [she is] trained. After only one week, we already love her. She's
wonderful."
UPDATE
6/30/09
Bugaboo is a fun loving, one year old All-American pup. That's our
code for we're not quite sure what breed she is. There's definitely
some pit bull in her and maybe some basenji as well. She loves all of
the people in her world and she's hoping to brush on her basic manners and
skill sin the programs o that she can finally have a home of her own.
She just passed her first canine obedience class while she was on the
outside so this should be a breeze for her!
Hounds of Prison Education
A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance