 A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance |
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Champ
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Week 1 ║ Week 2 ║ Week 3 ║ Week 4 ║ Week 5 ║ Week 6 ║ Week 7
Week 8 ║ Week 9 ║ Week 10 ║ Week 11 ║ Week 12
ADOPTED!!!
Weeks 10 & 11
Champ continues to come out of his shell more and more around strangers.
Mind you, it's on his own terms, but he's making improvements. After
strangers have looked at him for awhile and then look away, he'll bravely go
up to them, sniff their feet and legs, then back off. After he does this a
few times and feels comfortable, he'll accept the strangers leaning down and
giving him a good scratch behind the ears or a pat on the head.
As soon as Champ saw his new pack-mates Marty and Bronko, he couldn't wait
to meet them. "They were like playmates from the very first second they
met!" When the new kids correct Champ during play, he just runs away and
then comes back for some more fun! He also loves Penney. He wants to go over
to her and play with her all of the time. For now, Penney's and Champ's
handlers aren't allowing them to do so because of the difference in their
sizes. Miss Penney also will let Champ know that she doesn't want to play by
barking at him, which sometimes makes him want to play with her all the
more!
Champ's "leave its," "waits," "stays" and "with me" commands are "coming
along really nicely." When he is out playing in the yard with the other
dogs, he'll come over to his handler every few minutes "just to check in."
When his handler calls to him when Champ would rather continue playing, a
clap of his hands will bring the pup running. Champ's handler thinks that
once he bonds to his new family members, they will be able to take him for
hikes in the woods with no fear of him chasing anything. Champ looks to his
people for guidance when he is experiencing new things. "He is a really good
friend and a sweet gentle soul." Here's to hikes in the woods in your near
future, Champ!
For information on adopting Champ, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can also complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Tess Penney Marty Cocoa Radar
Week 9
Champ overcame a lot of his issues with being around strangers this week! He
is now playing with new people and some of the officer. Champ has found a
new love of playing chase and Cosmo's favorite game "catch me if you can"
with them. When Champ has had enough of playing, he'll go back to his cell
for a drink of water or for some "alone" time. His handlers are really proud
of his improvements in feeling comfortable with new people.
Champ is really enamored with Tess! They love to romp in the yard, and play
tug with a rope. While on the block, Champ will go from his cell to Tess'
and sniff the bottom of the door, as if asking permission for her to come
out to play. Champ's handlers are "extremely happy that he has a friend he
likes so much!" They think that his new-found friendship with Tess has
helped Champ to overcome his fear of strangers and the sounds that he still
encounters each day.
For anyone thinking of adopting Champ, you should know that he's not real
keen on baths [he tries to get out of the tub every chance that he gets at
first], but he loves having his teeth brushed [although he thinks the
toothbrush is a toy]. Champ also loves fruit! The meat of red apples and
ripe pears (no rinds) are the best in Champ's opinion! Overall, Champ's
handlers are very happy with his progress, and feel that any family willing
to adopt him will be happy with the strides that he's made in the program as
well! You go, Champ!
For information on adopting Champ, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can also complete an application online by clicking here.
Harley Tess Tyler Jonas Brandee
Week 8
Champ continues to move forward in his training at a good pace. He
found an instant best friend this week in the new kid, Tess. Champ
took one look at her and new she was his kind of pup. When they were
playing out in the dog yard together, Champ gained visible confidence just
by being around her. He's always been afraid to greet strangers at the
fence, but not that day. He followed Tess just about everywhere and
did just about everything she did...including walking right up to the fence
to say hello to some strange, new friends. It is so sweet to watch
Champ as he continues to get more comfortable in his own skin and branch out
into new and exciting territory. He is still such a youngster and
everything is still very new to him, but he gets braver with each passing
day and we just know that he will blossom in a home of his very own.
For information on adopting Champ, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can also complete an application online by clicking here.
Harley Tess Tyler Jonas Brandee
Week 7
Champ made some big improvements this week! He is starting to approach
strangers at the fence around the doggie yard, and he’s showing more
confidence while walking through crowds...as long as he’s on the move while
doing so! When his handlers ask him to stop in crowds, Champ still shows
some fear, but he’s doing much better! Champ’s recall is also really
improving! If he’s hesitant about coming to them, all his handlers have to
do is pretend they want to run with him, and Champ is ready for the race! He
even does this while he’s in “play-mode” with his pack-mates!
Champ’s handlers are very happy with how his physical appearance has changed
in just a few short weeks! They have cut down his food because Champ is at a
good weight and he has added muscle tone as result of his training and
exercise. The BEST news is that Champ’s troublesome weaknesses in his back
legs and hips that resulted from his early life in a cage are no longer
giving him problems! He can run, jump and play to his heart’s content
without any of the residual soreness or limping that he experienced
early-on! Champ also loves to jump in his handlers’ laps when given the
go-ahead to do so!
Champ still doesn’t like the sound of the officers’ jingling keys. His
handlers treat him and give him praise to distract him from the noise. Also,
Champ is not a cold weather kind of pup...he tends to want to come in and
warm up after he’s done “his duty” outside. Champ, your handlers only wish
for you is the warmth you'll receive in a loving family!
For information on adopting Champ, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can also complete an application online by clicking here.
Harley Mandi Tyler Jonas Brandee
Week 6
Champ is learning to approach strangers at the fence of the dog yard with
confidence now. As long as they're willing to wait for him to come
over, they're rewarded with lots of Champ's puppy love!
His handlers have been working extra hard on reinforcing Champ's obedience skills both near and at a distance. When he's close by he does a great job and the distance commands are coming along day by day. They can even call him off from playtime with good success. He lets them know that he's prefer to play, but like a small child he makes his way over to his handlers and follows directions. He's very much like a little kids most of the time and will even sulk a bit when he wants something he can't have. He also give infinite amounts of puppy kisses and will do anything to make you happy!
Champ got a Halloween teddy bear and hasn't put it down since he first laid eyes on it. He has played with it so much that his handlers had to sneak it away for a little while to stitch it back up. It's the first toy that Champ has ever torn! He is really coming along and making great progress. He's a sweet boy with a lot of potential!
For information on adopting Champ, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can also complete an application online by clicking here.
Harley Mandi Tyler Jonas Brandee
Week 5
Champ is big lug with a heart of gold. His rough and tumble play style
covers up some of the insecurities that his handlers have begun to discover.
Champ gets frightened of strange noises and the prison is full of those.
So, instead of worrying too much about it, his handlers have begun to help
him learn to cope with things that seem a little scary at first. It's
amazing what a little cheese and lunchmeat can accomplish with a sweet dog
like Champ.
He's also learning to follow instructions and be more comfortable with the rest of the team of handlers. They've been taking turns taking Champ out to the dog yard, out for potty breaks and doing training sessions. Champ is taking it all in stride and trying his best to do what's asked of him. Way to go, Champ!!
For information on adopting Champ, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can also complete an application online by clicking here.
Harley Mandi Tyler Jonas Brandee
Week 4
Champ started to work on his “stay” command this week! This puppy’s
attention span is still limited, so his handlers are training within his
comfort level. Champ’s recall is “coming along nicely,” and he’s learning to
“play nice” with all of his pack-mates. Champ reached a super milestone this
week. He has taken an interest in chewing his rawhide bones and toys
rather than on his handlers' shower shoes, sneakers and extension cords!
Champ is very strong-willed, and it is taking his handlers some time to “get
around this with him.” With his handlers’ patient guidance, however, every
day becomes a little easier for this youngster!
For information on adopting Champ, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can also complete an application online by clicking here.
Kizzie Harley Mandi Tyler Jonas Brandee
Week 3
Champ continues to make strides forward in his training! Sometimes it's a
slow start, but Champ is willing to try and learn, no matter how long it
takes. For example, Champ learned "shake" this week. It took about 45
minutes with one of his handlers sitting eye-to-eye with him, and some tasty
treats, but he got it! His handler says that "in the end it was all worth
it." Champ continues to show the "puppy side" of his personality.
"Sometimes he can be a handful when he gets real excited." But Champ also
shows a more mature side of himself when he's in the doggie yard. He loves
to play and romp with his pack-mates, but he's been able to learn each of
the dog's personalities. He can go from "energetic dog" when playing with
Brandee to "a low level dog" when playing with Tyler. Although Champ
is still learning and is still just a puppy, "he's a great dog and is moving
along in the program nicely!"
For information on adopting Champ, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can also complete an application online by clicking here.
Kizzie Harley Mandi Tyler Jonas Brandee
Week 2
Champ's "puppy side" really showed this week! He feels that he has to be a
part of everything around him. After only ten days, Champ not only mastered
the commands he learned last week, he will now "wait" (most times), his
"off-leash with-me's" are great, his "recalls" are coming along nicely, and
his "go to bed" and "crate" commands are improving! Champ has learned a lot
in his short time at the prison, yet his handlers say that he's much like a
little child. He can be stubborn, but he likes to make everything a game,
which has helped his handlers teach him most of what he now knows. Champ
really likes being out in the doggie yard with his canine and human friends!
He runs hard in the yard, and the handlers in the program are letting their
dogs "correct" Champ when he gets a little boisterous with his play!
Like Cragger, Champ's handlers have learned that "he snores like a drunken
sailor." If he's sleeping with one of them, he'll try to take over the
entire bed! Champ is very strong. With his weight and back legs improving,
he is getting to be nothing but muscle, much to his handlers' delight! Champ
loves to cuddle, and will give his handlers a hug. "Champ is a great
friend!! He has only been with us ten days, and so far each day he comes out
of his shell a little more. We know when we coax him all the way out, he
will be a lively youngster. We cannot wait!"
For information on adopting Champ, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can also complete an application online by clicking here.
Kizzie Ozzy Harley Abbey Mandi Tyler Jonas Brandee
Week
1
Champ has proven that his name is perfect for him, because he's a Champ! He
entered the program on Monday, the 21st, and as far as his handlers could
tell, he had no training. Because this little fur-baby spent half of his
existence in a crate, his back legs and hips are a bit weak for now, but
exercise will help this cutie-pie overcome his weaknesses. Champ loves his
pack-mates, especially Brandee and Harley! They bring out the puppy in him
as he runs and romps with them! Although Tyler nicely "corrected" Champ for
his enthusiasm a couple of times, he took the correction very well and the
two of them have learned how to chase and play with each other. Champ
has also been getting a lot of attention from the staff members at the
prison. They all say how cute he is. Plus his underbite just adds to
his adorable appearance."
After just a short time, Champ has learned his "sit," "lay down" and "roll
over" commands! He is very eager to please and picks up on things very fast.
Not only has Champ learned the commands that his handlers planned for him,
he decided to show them his agility skills! On his own, he figured out how
to go from his "bottom bunk" handler's bed, to the top of his crate, to his
"upper bunk" handler for some love and attention. When Champ did this, his
"upper bunk" handler was so surprised that he almost fell out of bed!
Champ's "bottom bunk" handler thought "it was quite funny!"
Champ's handlers say that he is "a very sweet, gentle, loving dog." They are
looking forward to the opportunity to work with him until he finds the
"lucky family" to call him their very own.
For information on adopting Champ, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can also complete an application online by clicking here.
Kizzie Ozzy Harley Abbey Mandi Tyler Jonas Brandee
UPDATE - 9/19/09
Champ is just tons of fun. He's a one year old American Bulldog and
Boxer mix. He's full of spunk and always ready for playtime.
He's headed to the big house on Monday to start his training and we just
know that he's going to be the hit of the cell block! Champ is available for
adoption through
American
Bulldog Rescue.
Hounds of Prison Education
A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance