 A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance |
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Casey
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
ADOPTED!!!
Week 14 & 15
Casey spent his last few days in the big house going over his favorite
commands, as well as learning a new one ("down"). This pup wasn't too keen
on doing a "down," but with yummy treats, and a lot of "Good down! Good
boy!" praise from his handler, Casey felt more comfortable with his new
task. Casey has become such a playful pup, that he actually had to learn the
"off" command! He'd put both paws on his handler's lap when he wasn't paying
him his full attention. He understands "off" very well because "Casey is a
quick learner." As you know, Casey is adopted. "I'm so happy. I didn't think
that he would be here for too long." His handler would like his new family
to know that "you never have to worry about him getting aggressive with
other dogs or people. He may take a little bit to gain trust in your home,
but patience pays off, he's such a great, funny and playful dog. He's very
polite -- he never steals food or becomes annoying. I like Casey very much.
He loves his ears rubbed and belly rubbed when he's lying on his side. Casey
takes treats now from strangers, but I noticed that sunglasses make him
nervous. That was even true with one of his other handler pals. Casey's
favorite play time is during the evening or during the night. It's been a
great week for Casey!" Indeed it has been because Casey is now living in his
forever home, and of course, his handler gave him a bath for his adoption!
He's still getting used to his new surroundings, as well as all of the cats
in his life, but Casey continues to thrive! Casey's mom and all of us in the
HOPE program would like to thank all of our handlers (a special thanks to
his main caregiver) for teaching Casey that life is not about cowering by a
fence. Life is about being loved and enjoying being a dog.
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cody Cocoa Duke Chi Chi Todd Justin Dutch
Week 13
Casey continued to work on his homework this week. He did very well with
meeting new people on a one-on-one basis, which is a big accomplishment for
this pup! His handler puts Casey in a "sit and stay" position and the folks
will approach him slowly, crouch down to his level and give him a pet. It
took a little while, but Casey was even able to muster up enough confidence
to give up his paw for a treat from someone he didn't know in a low
distraction area. We're proud of you, little boy! Casey got a bath this week
and he didn't mind it at all. In fact, his tail was "out" the whole time as
it was when he was being brushed. One of our new handlers took Casey out
into the yard during the evenings and he did very well with him. Casey loves
being out in the yard with his best pal Dutch and he also enjoys a good romp
with Justin. He not only loves playing with Dutch, he has taken a shine to
one of his handlers! Casey is always trying to get him to play with him.
"Casey is very fast when he chases his friends, and shows no aggression
towards any of the two- and four-legged friends he has made at the prison.
He loves to snuggle anytime of the day, as long as he's in his comfort
zone." The best news is that Casey has found his forever home and will be
joining his feline siblings in just a couple of weeks. You go, little boy!
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Hercules Cocoa Duke Chi Chi Todd Justin Dutch
Week 12
Sweet Casey continued to make progress this week. His handler has been
giving Casey "woo-hoo, good boy!" praise since Casey isn't a treats kind of
pup. Casey mustered up enough confidence to have someone other than his
handler get him out of his crate this week. Yes, it took about 10 minutes to
coax him out, but Casey's handler feels it's a positive step in his
training. Casey also learned that putting his paw in his handler's palm when
he gives him the "shake" command is okay! When in the mood, Casey loves
cheese, so his handler used that as a tool for him to learn how to "watch."
Casey got not only a "good boy" from his handler when he successfully did
the command, he also got his cheese! This pup loves to go out in the morning
by the dog runs. In fact, "he goes into relaxed mode, wagging his tail and
wanting to play, which a great sign to me." This is the first week that
Casey felt completely relaxed in his cell. "He was actually pawing at me to
pay attention to him. He went into a play bow and barked one loud "wooooof!"
I praise him constantly whenever he is wagging his tail" You're doing great,
little boy!
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Duke Chi Chi Todd Justin Dutch
Week 11
Casey worked on his shake command this week, but more importantly, he worked
on his shyness of meeting strangers. We have a new handler who has
been taking Casey out in the evenings to help this pooch "come out of his
shy shell. Each day Casey seems more comfortable with me. I've been taking
Casey for walks in the dog yard and working on his commands." Although his
main handler is still working within Casey's comfort zone, he's making
improvements! Casey still freezes and looks frightened at times when
strangers approach him, but when they come up to him slowly, pet him and
walk away, Casey is okay! "Letting one person approach Casey while out on
the block (the place where he is most scared) and having Casey sit and stay
when that person comes up to him and praising him is good for him."
Remember the shy little guy who used to go to the far end of the yard to get
his "alone time?" Now Casey loves to run, romp and wrestle with his new best
pack mates Dutch and Justin! Casey's playful behavior has extended itself
into playing with his handler in their cell. He loves to wag his tail while
his handler is writing a letter! Casey has been giving his belly up for some
play, which his handler feels is a good sign that he's becoming a more
relaxed pup who is finding some well deserved comfort in his life. Casey
learned something new with the "touch it" game that his handler taught him
this week. He'll have a treat in one hand and then show Casey both hands.
Since Casey can sometimes be treat-motivated, this pup has to bump the hand
that holds the treat in order to get it. While this happens mostly in the
yard or after lights-out, Casey is also sometimes accepting treats from the
other handlers." We're so proud of your progress, Casey, and we can't wait
to hear about your adventures with your new pal Margie! Keep facing your
fears, little boy, and you'll find you're forever home!
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Duke Chi Chi Todd Justin Dutch
Week 10
Casey's handler is so proud of the progress he made this week...step by
step, inch by inch, which is okay, considering the dog he was just a couple
of months ago. Casey actually got excited to get out of his crate one day,
and played and pounced around with the newcomer Dutch this week! Previously
during scheduled potty breaks, Casey would do his business and would want to
head back into the block. Now, "he'll wag his tail and sometimes he's so
excited he'll spin it in a windmill motion...it's so funny to see!" Casey
has been coming up closer to a group of people in the dog yard. When people
try to approach him, he'll either stay to be petted or he'll run. Casey
still isn't sure about humans looking him in the eye, but he does like to
tease them into chasing him. The only time that Casey's handler hears him
bark is when he's engaging the other dogs in play. He lets out a deep "rawwfff"
to show his friends that it's time to romp and to have fun! Casey is also
playing with his toys a lot more both in the yard and in his cell (although
the latter is after lights-out). This little boy continued to work on his
skills this week. He's still mastering his "sit" command, but he's learning
it, and his handler will keep working on it. "I'm noticing subtle
improvements with Casey. He will play with the other handlers in the yard. I
decided that one or two people "hanging" with Casey would be good for him
and he is beginning to show calmer signs when he is around them. Generally,
a good week for Casey!" Casey has come such a long way in the time
he's been in our program. Keep up the good work!
Field Trip Alert: Casey and I got to know each other a
little bit on Saturday. It was really hard for him leaving the prison - he
clearly didn't want to go with me and I was concerned about pushing him too
hard. I almost turned around and went back. But then I just kept my hands
locked at my waist holding the leash and kept walking. At the car I had to
lift him up and put him in the back and he immediately went to a corner and
laid down. We drove over to Messiah - I thought it would be pretty quiet
over there. We found a shady spot and put a blanket down. I sat down on
the blanket, but Casey did not. He just kept going out to the end of the
lead. Then he started backing up just a little bit and he would sit. Every
time he sat, I told him he was a good boy (treats were out of the
question). After a while he started sitting closer to me and soon he was
allowing me to massage his back and his chest and the back of his ears. He
really seemed to enjoy that and started to relax. At one point I changed
position to get more comfortable and discovered that Casey likes to lean.
He was leaning against my leg, sinking lower and lower - I had my arm around
him and continued to massage his chest and praise him. Finally I moved my
leg and Casey actually went down, completely relaxed. We stayed like that
for quite a while. He seemed to enjoy listening to all the sounds and
picking up all the smells.
Walking back to the car, he was pretty nervous and again I had to just keep
my hands set at my waist. Again I had to lift him into the car. We drove
over to Lower Allen Park. There were too many people there for him - my
mistake - and he got very nervous, so I took him over to a shady spot away
from everyone and sat in the grass. I waited until he settled and was
sitting by me and allowing me to pet him again with long, slow strokes.
Then we headed back to the car. This time when I opened the back door, he
jumped right in! I guess he decided the car is a good place. Back at the
prison, he was happy to see his handler, but he continued to let me be
next to him and pet him. I really wasn't sure what to expect with Casey,
but I felt like the two of us did pretty well together. He's really so
sweet.
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Justin Dutch
Week 9
Casey is improving so much in the dog yard, he actually didn't go to the
fence the whole time he was there one day. What a big accomplishment for
this shy little guy! In fact, one of the staff members who sees Casey on a
daily basis when he pushes a cart outside of the yard commented to his
handler that it was the first time that Casey didn't head to his "safety
zone" when he went by. Casey will really miss Cocoa. The two of them had
such a good time together, but we know that since Casey now feels
comfortable with some of the other members of his pack, he'll find a new
best bud to show off his fast running skills! Casey is also interacting
positively with the other handlers. He'll wait until they get close to him,
and then will "bolt and run a circle around them playfully." His handler
imagines that Casey is thinking "Ha, ha, catch me!" Casey worked on his
"come" command while in his cell this week. He's most comfortable doing this
at night, but his handler reports that Casey's doing very well with
expanding his comfort zone! At first he'd only peek his head out of his
crate when given the command, but now he will approach his handler slowly
when he's at the other end of their cell for a treat. Casey also worked on
his "sit" command this week. "He'll be in front of his crate after being
lured out with a treat. I'll give him the 'sit' command and he'll go back in
his crate and sit. It's a start, though." Casey's handler loves to watch him
play! "Most of it is in the yard, but lately, he has been happy to see some
of the other trainers and will wag his tail and get close to them. It's good
to see Casey playing with the other handlers too. It was generally a great
week for Casey!"
Another one of our handlers who works with Casey says that "You might say
finding some joy in prison is a hard thing to find. Well, I found mine in
Casey. As he comes out of his shell more and more, which includes playing
with a couple of the other dogs, running full speed ahead, jumping, rolling,
going for water, even eating treats...all are huge steps for the shy dog we
met a few weeks ago. Casey was brought to us for a reason. Although he isn't
near his full potential, he has made so many achievements. It's a great joy
to see him wagging his tail, and I know that when the time is right, he will
make a great companion in his forever family. Go, Casey!"
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Justin Dutch
Week 8
Casey had a wonderful time in the dog yard this week. He loves to run, chase
and play with Cocoa, Justin and Chi Chi. "Casey is surprisingly fast and he
can keep up in the races! He runs very uniquely and will 'play bow'
frequently. He is so funny to watch." Casey will approach his handler (and
the other trainers) when his back is turned. He'll come to him smiling and
wagging his tail. When his handler turns around, Casey darts away to about a
ten foot distance. Some of the trainers sat on the cement slab in the yard
and ignored Casey. He walked around the slab, which meant he had to get
within five feet of his human friends. "The more you don't look at him, the
closer he'll get." Casey is learning that he can trust his handler, and even
engages him in a good game of chase! This pup is also taking treats in the
yard. One day, Justin and Casey were playing, and Casey's handler had a
treat in each of his hands. Both pooches took their treats at the same time.
His handler worked on his "no-pull" leash walking this week, and his pup is
doing well with the command! Our little Casey is slowly realizing that
humans are okay. "His comfort zone is increasing which is his main progress
this week." One place that Casey definitely knows he is safe is on his
handler's bed. "Casey is so cute. I woke up to him sleeping by my head with
his chin resting on my shoulder. He will be a loving dog to his forever
family. He definitely loves hanging out and snuggling up to me. Overall, a
good week for Casey!"
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Justin
Week 7
Our shy Casey continued to make strides this week. Although he's still
hasn't mustered up enough bravery to look people in the eye when walking
through the block, he's significantly less frightened. He is slowly gaining
some confidence. Casey's confidence in the pens behind the block is
also expanding. "He can watch a multitude of people in the adjoining yard
with a sense of security. He walks freely around the pen, which is a far cry
from where he was a couple of weeks ago." Now that he's learning that people
are safe, we'll have to work on birds. Casey was quite frightened this
week when a bird entered his exercise pen to snatch up a treat that his
handler had laid out for him. Casey found it to be quite rude, but his
handler explained that these things happen and is teaching Casey to roll
with it. Casey is getting much better at working on-leash and enjoys
playing with his pack-mates in the yard! He also continues to "bop" one of
his handler's legs when he wants attention.
Casey learned how much fun a frisbee can be while he was out playing with Justin. When Justin was tuckered out from all of the running and catching, Casey ventured away from the fence, inspected the frisbee and then picked it up and ran around with it for a few minutes. If Casey can pick up a toy and run with it, anything is possible. Casey also thinks that Cocoa and Chi Chi are pretty neat gals as well! "The other presence of the other dogs helps him move around more. He will come out of his place at the far end of the yard and play for a few minutes. He'll return to his safe spot, then will join the fun again!" Casey's handler knows that he will need a special family, but "once he gets to know a person, it seems trust is slowly gained."
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Justin
Week 6
Last week, one of Casey's handlers said that this pup is making "little
improvements rather than one or two breakthroughs." Well, Casey had a
breakthrough this week, much to the delight of his handler (and all of the
other handlers in the program)! Last Sunday, Casey was enjoying some outside
time in the yard. "First, he sprinted towards me with his mouth open, tongue
flying and tail fully wagging. Once Chi Chi and Cocoa saw this, they ran at
him and Casey was running and playing with them for awhile. It was great to
see the true Casey!" Another one of his handlers had Casey out in the yard
one day and sat on the ground in a shady spot. After awhile, "Casey
sauntered up and sat about an arm's length away from me for a pet. I gave
him lots of attention, but very little eye contact." Later, this handler
moved his position in the yard. Casey followed him with his tail wagging and
sat near him, but not next to him. Day by day, they ran around the yard.
Casey is so eager to run with him that he started to "bop" his handler's leg
with his nose as if to tell him that it was time to get going! "Of great
delight was watching Casey unexpectedly chase after Chi Chi and engage her
in play with his tail wagging. He's faster than you think, and he corners
like an Italian sports car!" Of note, Casey stopped in his tracks when a lot
of people walked by him, and stood behind his handler for protection. When
it was time to go back to the block, Casey met his handler half-way across
the yard, which was another first for him. With all of the progress he has
made, Casey still likes his alone time. One of his handlers calls Casey's
going to his favorite spot far out in the yard his "sentry position." Casey
will socialize in his own way, but will go back to his "space." It's as if
he wants to reflect on his new life with the people who love him and the
dogs that are now his friends. Everyone in the program is cheering for this
shy, sweet pup. His main handler says that "I am grateful I got Casey, both
for him and me."
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Justin
Week
5
Casey had another positive week. He's showing more doggie personality and
less fear. "It's more a series of little improvements rather than one or two
breakthroughs," but we're so proud of our handlers for those series of
little improvements! Casey still doesn't like loud noises or to be in the
company of large groups of people, but he's responding very well to his
cellie and the other two handlers who are helping this shymeister realize
that people are okay. Casey is not as hesitant to come out of his crate to
explore and he now runs out of it when he knows it's time to go outside. He
practiced his "abouts," "sits," "stays," and "halts" this week, and also
practiced his "paw" command. Sometimes Casey needs a "warming-up period"
before he performs these skills, but his handlers know that this pup needs
patience and they are willing to give him all the time he needs to succeed
in the program. "Casey loves running. Half of the time, he'll be running and
wagging his tail while looking back at me. The other half he just kind of
trots. This is the first time I saw him fully wag his tail!" There is a
rabbit trail behind the block, and Casey has taken an interest in it. "It's
fun to see him get excited." One day, his main handler had Casey out in the
yard and just let him do his own thing for awhile. He felt a little nudge on
his leg, and it was Casey looking up at him and wagging his tail! "Casey was
quick to run away again, but he's slowly gaining confidence." Another
handler reports that, to his complete surprise, Casey jumped on his leg
indicating that he wanted to play. He says, "I think I was as shocked as he
was!" His main handler reports "much improvement this week." We couldn't
agree more. We're rooting for you, little Casey!
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Justin
Week 4
Casey got some special attention this week, not only from his main handler,
but from a couple of our other handlers as well! His main handler reports
that "this is great for Casey!" "Noticeable improvements include Casey's
ability to walk on a leash, confidence to remain still as [one of the
handlers] approach him to put him on-leash, and his willingness to venture
about half-way out into the yard" when no one else is around. When other
people and dogs enter the yard, he still wants to go to the furthest wall of
the space, but he's showing new confidence! Casey has made his "best
progress" in the dog runs behind the block. At first he wasn't sure of the
new space (especially when the inmates from the neighboring block were
outside for some R&R). But, Casey's buddy assured him that he was safe, and
when he wasn't distracted, and after some time, Casey not only walked nicely
with him, but found the courage to walk with him without a leash! Remember
that his handler said that his tail is coming out from his legs bit by bit?
Well, now when he walks, it's an upward "J"! Good boy, Casey! If that isn't
enough, this pup will walk out of his crate on his own, and is now accepting
treats from his handler more and more frequently! Casey still won't accept
treats as a reward during training, but when he's in his comfort zone, he
finds that treats dipped in peanut butter and bacon treats are yummy! Casey
became so comfortable with one of his new friends, that when he gave him
attention, Casey stretched his head up to him as if to say "scratch behind
my ears, please!" His main handler can't wait for him to come completely out
of his shell, but he knows with love and patience, it will happen. Patience
is a virtue. In the meantime, Casey loves snuggling up close to his handler
at night and knowing that he's safe with him. Casey is a "cute, loving pup
for sure!" Casey still has mountains to climb before he's ready for parole,
but he has climbed a couple of hills in the past month, and we're very proud
of him and his handlers!
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Lucie
Week 3
Casey continues to adapt to his life at the prison. He's still getting used
to all of the people and loud noises he encounters, but he's making progress
day by day! Casey is eating twice a day now, instead of just after
lights-out. That, plus the fact that his tail is up more often than between
his legs, shows his handler that Casey is becoming more confident. Casey
still has his moments of pause when large or tall people come around him,
but his handler is working with this shy pup to reassure him that no harm
will come to him. Casey still prefers to keep to himself in the yard, but is
bravely roaming around it a little more than he did last week. He will
accept his pack-mates sniffs. It's as if he's come to realize that someday
he can accept them as his friends. Like the humans in his life, Casey still
has to realize that he's safe around his canine friends. His handler gave
him a bath this week, and he didn't seem to mind it at all! Casey will come
to his handler on his own at night to lay down next to him. "He loves to
snuggle and rest his head on my shoulder. Casey is such a cute dog. He is
improving in small steps, but it's a big difference compared to his first
week here." We're proud of you, sweet Casey!
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Todd Lucie
Week 2
Casey spent the week continuing to become familiar with life in the big
house. Loud noises and lots of people are still very scary for this pup, but
"he isn't as stiff as a board 100% of the time like he was when he first got
here." Casey is getting much better walking on a leash. He still has his
moments when there are a lot of people around him, but his handlers continue
to have him interact with his block-mates. As a result, Casey is showing
some improvement! "His tail is still low, but the end curls up now, and
isn't always between his legs." Casey is also getting to know his place in
the doggie-yard! He really likes walking the outer perimeter of the fence.
"His nose is constantly on the ground sniffing away." Casey broadened his
horizons this week by cutting across the yard...what a brave boy! This pup
still isn't treat-motivated...even when his handlers offer him yummy liver
snacks. So, they put their heads together, and decided that perhaps
Casey might like a taste of roast beef. "It worked! His nose twitched left
and right and he went for it!" Casey also learned the joy of eating peanut
butter off of a rawhide bone this week. His handlers are putting
Casey's food bowl close to their bunks so he has to come out of his comfort
zone to be near them when he eats. Casey is still more comfortable chowing
down after dark, but he's getting more used to his feeding routine every
day. When he's full, Casey will jump up on the bottom bunk with his handler
for a good cuddle. His handler makes sure that Casey is in the middle of the
bed, and not hiding in fear at the corner of it. "This is good. Casey is
showing courage and trust." Keep coming out of your shell, little one!
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Lucie
Week 1
Casey was so scared when he first got to the prison that he had to be
carried into his cell. He ran right into his crate and shook in the corner.
Casey has had little interaction with people in his short life. This pup
isn't sold on the idea of treats yet, but his handlers have their block
mates approach Casey and walk by him slowly and offer him treats to show him
that no one will hurt him in his new environment. Casey's is already getting
the hang of leash-walking despite his fears! He stays close to his handlers
when doing so, but baby steps are huge steps for this pup. Although he's
still learning to be comfortable around humans, Casey's getting along with
all of the other dogs in the program! Sometimes, he likes to stay at the
outer perimeters of the yard, but he accepts his pack-mates' "welcome to the
program" sniffs! "More and more each day he seems to be getting more calm
about things, but he has a long way to go." His handlers are giving him the
affection that he's lacked in his life. As a result, Casey has learned that
cuddling up in bed after lights-out and accepting treats are good things!
"We feel this is a beginning. Casey is a cute and loving dog. He will be a
great companion once he conquers his fears." You're off to a great start,
Casey!
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Lucie
UPDATE - 4/16/10
Casey headed to the big house today to get started on his training.
Casey is a scared little boy who needs to relearn how to trust, feel safe
and relax with his pack. He
lots of potential and we can't wait to see him start to overcome his fears
and begin to enjoy life again. Casey is a one year old
beagle mix and is available for
adoption through
Furry Friends
Network.
For information on adopting Casey, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Hercules Cocoa Chi Chi Pumpkin Lucie
Hounds of Prison Education
A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance