 A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance |
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Cocoa
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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 ║ Week 13 ║ Week 14 ║ Week 15 ║ Week 16 ║ Week 17
Week 18 ║ Week 19 ║ Week 20 ║ Week 21 ║ Week 22 ║ Week 23 ║ Week 24 ║ Week 25 ║ Week 26 ║ Week 27
UPDATE
- 1-30-11
Cocoa has really come into her own. We spent the
morning with her today and were reminded of what a happy, funny girl she is.
She loves to play and just adores her people. She's happy to let new
people into her circle of friends and she's doing better at playing with
other dogs, especially if she doesn't have to worry about being on a leash.
Then, she can just relax and have a ball playing with her canine buddies.
Cocoa loves the snow and rides in the car. Tummy rubs are always welcome and her tail never stops wagging!! This girl has been waiting so very long for a home of her own. We all see the jewel that she is and hope that you will too!
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Isis Chi Chi Mack Justin Mason Rufus Shiloh Oliver Molly
UPDATE - 7-18-10
Miss Cocoa attended CPAA's Bad to the Bone Poker Run
sponsored by Appalachian Harley Davidson in Mechanicsburg on Saturday. We
wish her former handlers could have seen her! Cocoa did very well with the
loud motorcycle noises and enjoyed spending some time running around in the
grass with one of our new volunteers. She even posed for a picture with the
winners of the event! Cocoa also attended the Dog Days of Summer Adoptathon
event at Country Comfort Kennels & Pet Day Camp in Shrewsbury on Sunday. She
loved visiting with her old buds from the HOPE program and running around
with the smile that only Cocoa can give you. We really appreciate Pat and
all of the folks at Diamond Dogs Rescue for giving Cocoa a safe place to
stay until she finds her forever home.
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Todd Justin Casey Dutch
UPDATE
Cocoa has come such a long way since she arrived on our doorstep in
December. After such a long stint in the prison, it's time for her to
have a break for awhile so she will be headed to
Diamond Dog
Rescue to enjoy the summer months with them. We truly hop that
she finds her forever home soon. But, if that's not the case, Cocoa
will head back for more training later in the fall. She would thrive
in a home with an active person who isn't away for too long each day.
She would love to have a canine buddy, even though she can be a little
selective about her playmates. Cats are out of the question for her
unless you're referring to lunch and she would do best in a home with no
small animals. A loving family, a yard to play in and lots of love and
TLC are all she needs to get started on the rest of her life. Please
give this girl a second look and a second chance.
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Todd Justin Casey Dutch
Week 26
Cocoa's handlers continued to reinforce her commands this week. She
maintained a stay at one end of the doggie yard while her handlers walked to
the other end of it. Since the yard is half the size of a football field,
that shows you just how accomplished Cocoa is with her "stay" command! Cocoa
continues to love being a member of the pack, and has taken it upon herself
to help Casey come out of his shell. "It's great seeing Cocoa chasing Casey
around, and then Casey chasing Cocoa around!" This smart and loveable pup
continues to wait for her forever family to give her the structure and love
that she so deserves. One of her handlers says that "there's one thing I
don't understand and that's why Cocoa hasn't found a home. She's a very
sweet dog who would be good around kids. She has learned so much here. Cocoa
has really grown on me, and I'll hate to see her go." As Cocoa has proven
while on her outings with her best-bud volunteer, Margie, this pup not only
will love to romp in the park with you, she will also be a great help to you
when you shop at Home Depot! Paws crossed, sweet Cocoa!
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Todd Justin Casey
Week 25
This week, Cocoa's handlers worked on her recalls with the other dogs in the
yard, and "she did very well." They also continued to work on Cocoa's
distance downs and "she has come a long way." If you have been following
Cocoa's progress through the program, you know that she sometimes had
trouble accepting her four-legged block mates into her circle of friends.
Now, Cocoa not only loves being a member of the pack, she took Casey under
her paw this week! "I saw Cocoa going towards Casey and out of nowhere,
Casey started chasing Cocoa around the yard. I had to take a second look to
make sure I really saw him chasing Cocoa. Both of them were having fun and
their tails were going a mile a minute! It was great seeing Casey running,
playing and coming out of his shell." As a result of this new-found
friendship, Cocoa's handler told Casey's main handler that he's welcome to
take Cocoa with him when he takes Casey out into the yard. Cocoa also found
a new "toy" this week. The sun was shining through the window, and made a
reflection on the wall. "It was funny seeing her try to get that reflection
off of the wall!" This little beauty has worked so hard during her time at
the prison, and has made daily improvements under her handlers' loving care.
Now Miss Cocoa needs to to find the loving care of a family she can call her
very own. Paws crossed, sweet Cocoa!
Field Trip Alert (as told by Margie - Cocoa's favorite volunteer - as
you can see from the pictures and videos): On Sat we went back
to the trails at Messiah College - lots of shade. Again I put Cocoa on the
long lead and I'm just so impressed how well she does. I didn't even really
get the chance to play hide n seek with her because she kept looking back
and checking in. So we worked on the "wait" command. Since I had a 20 ft
lead on her, I was able to tell her to "wait" and then just step on the
lead. Then I would start walking toward her, and if she moved, I'd step on
the leash again and tell her to wait. We did this until I got up beside
her, wait a few seconds and then I'd release her with an "OK". It didn't
take her long- she got the idea. Soon I was telling her to wait, without
having to step on the leash. She would wait until I caught up with her and
then I'd praise her and release. We also played another game. We'd be
walking along and I would change direction quickly and tell her - "let's go
this way" or "oops wrong way". She was so responsive - she just turned on a
dime and along she came. If she was busy sniffing something and I told her
to come, she just turned and followed. We passed several people on the
trail. I kept her on the long lead and she very politely walked by everyone
with barely a sniff. On the way back to the car, we walked next to the
railroad tracks. A train came along and we stopped and watched it go by -
very calmly. She was completely unaffected by it. Then it was on to
Bruster's for some refreshments. I got a lemonade and Cocoa opted for a
puppy cup (a small scoop of vanilla with a biscuit on top). Cocoa was so
excited that she started in on it before I had given it to her. However,
she had no problem with me taking it from her until we found a place to sit
down and got settled. Then I held the cup for her while she happily licked
away. After that it was back to the prison. We had a lot of fun.
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Todd Justin Casey
Week 24
Cocoa's handlers worked on her "distant downs" this week. This is a skill
that has been difficult for Cocoa, but she has gone from listening to her
handlers from just a few steps away to listening to them from almost six
feet away! "With some more work, she will be able to do it with no problem."
Cocoa's handlers continue to reinforce her basic commands and she will now
sit and wait in the doorway of their cell even when some of her other
handler buddies are sitting at a table down the block. Good girl, Cocoa! Chi
Chi's handlers helped with Cocoa's training this week. In fact, they "traded
dogs" at times to see how their pups listened to the others' commands. Both
girls got gold stars on their report cards! Cocoa has come such a long way.
Now, she needs to find her way to her forever home. Cocoa's ready. Are you
ready to adopt her? We HOPE so!
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Todd Justin Casey
Week 23
Cocoa still got some specialized training this week, but she continued to
make improvements. She learned that her doggie friends are just that, her
friends. She let strangers at the prison come up to her and rub her head and
tummy. In fact, when new people in her world came up to her, Cocoa's tail
wagged a mile a minute! Cocoa also spent some time at Borders in Camp Hill
on Saturday, and did very well while walking with someone she didn't know.
Good girl, Cocoa! Her handlers have also discovered that this pup likes to
be on the top bunk of her space so that she can look out their window.
"She's a very nosy dog. Overall, Cocoa has come a long way. She is ready to
find the place that she can call her home."
Field Trip Alert - Cocoa and one of the HOPE volunteers,
Margie, hit the trails at Messiah College on Friday. Again Cocoa was on the
long lead which she just seems to love. They practiced recalls and she did
really well. She'd run ahead sniffing, but when Margie called her she was
quick to run back to her. Margie played some hide n seek with her - Cocoa
would run ahead, Margie would hide behind a tree or bush and when Cocoa
would turn to check in and didn't see Margie, she'd come running back as
fast as she could looking for her. Margie praised her and told her what a
good girl she was (she really wasn't very interested in treats). At one
point they walked across a suspension bridge and Cocoa wasn't a bit bothered
by the movement. They also practiced some basic sits and downs while on the
trail. That was kind of hard for Cocoa, but once she figured out that her
reward was being allowed to run and sniff after the release, she was OK with
that. After they stopped and visited with another volunteer and got Cocoa a
rest and some water, they headed off to Home Depot. Again Cocoa performed
like a champ. They walked thru the entire store, met people very politely
(no jumping) and Cocoa seemed completely unaffected by all the clanging,
banging and big noisy carts. Back at the prison, again they were able to
walk back in with fabulous manners! Cocoa seems to love exercise and
activity. We hope that whoever adopts her will provide her with both.
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Todd Lucie Casey
Week 22
Cocoa spent the week going over her commands, and enjoying the beautiful
weather with lots of "run time" in the yard with her pack-mates! Her
handlers report that Cocoa is a very smart pup who needs to be shown love.
Cocoa got a special outing this week to be filmed for a Faulkner Subaru
commercial as a featured dog available for adoption through the Central
Pennsylvania Animal Alliance. We're so proud that she was chosen, and we
thank Faulkner Subaru for giving Cocoa the opportunity to show folks just
what a sweetheart of a pup she is! Cocoa has come so far in the last few
weeks, and we can't wait for her to find the forever home that she so
deserves! "Cocoa is doing well, and is a good girl."
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Todd Lucie Casey
Week 21
Cocoa is ready! She is ready and waiting and hoping for her forever
home. This little girl has come so far since she first arrived and we
know that with continued structure and positive reinforcement, she will be a
family pet who will be cherished and adored for many years to come.
Now, all she needs is the family so she can get started. Cocoa has had
very little interest from potential adopters since she came to the big
house. At first, that was alright because she had so much to learn and
overcome. But, now she is ready. This sweet, energetic, funny
bundle of canine fun is ready and waiting for a place to call home.
She had another great week playing with her canine friends, and working on her recall and leash-walking skills with her human friends. This little girl has shown so much improvement in both areas in the past few weeks! Her handlers continue to work with her on all of her commands to hone her skills for her forever family. "Cocoa is ready to find a good home. There is nothing Cocoa can't overcome with a little help." Her handlers think that she'd be good in a family that includes children. Cocoa has proven at the Meet and Greets that she's attended at Borders in Camp Hill, that she loves the little ones, and they love her! We're proud of you, Cocoa!
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Lucie Casey
Week 20
This sweet girl continued to work on her recalls this week, but with other
dogs in the mix. Her handlers are pleased to report that she did very well!
Cocoa also worked on her basic commands, and charmed her block mates into
giving her some special attention. The best news is that Cocoa is getting
along with all of her pack mates! She has made so much positive progress in
the last few weeks that her handlers say "It's like she's a different dog!"
Her handlers also say that Cocoa "needs a family who will spend time outside
with her. She loves running around and playing." HOPEfully, you'll find your
forever home very soon, Cocoa!
This was evident on Friday when she headed out with one of the HOPE volunteers on a field trip. They went to the park down the road from the jail to practice more recalls. Cocoa was a star! She loved being out on the long-line with her new friend and took every opportunity to sniff and smell all of the new things she was encountering. Despite her excitement over the visit to the park, she was wonderfully attentive. She came every time she was called and even started checking in on her own after a few practice sessions. This little girl is a gem and we're truly starting to see her sparkle!
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Lucie Casey
Week 19
Cocoa has really turned a corner during the last few weeks. Cocoa
concentrated on her recalls this week. When she was in the yard by herself,
she listened to her handlers every time that they called her. When Chi Chi
joined her in the yard, Cocoa preferred playing with her girlfriend, but
realized that her handlers' command to "come" meant just that! Her handlers
say that she's come a long way in the last couple of weeks in their care.
They've been honing in on her "Meet and Greet" skills by having a lot of
different people touch her. Cocoa was at the Meet and Greet at Borders in
Camp Hill on Saturday, and her handlers would have been very proud of her!
Although she's been to Borders before, the HOPE volunteers could see that
Cocoa was more relaxed during her furlough from the prison than she has been
in the past. She loved having her belly rubbed by the customers, receiving
pets from people of all ages and taking a little jog with one of the
volunteers during her potty break. When Cocoa had enough of being in the
limelight, she simply went under the HOPE table for some alone time (and
more pets from a volunteer). "Cocoa is doing very well, and improving every
day." We couldn't agree with your handlers more, little one!
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Pumpkin Lucie Casey
Week 18
Cocoa did very well with her training this week! She learned that turning
around and walking away from her pack mates is much better than barking at
them when she gets upset. Good girl, Cocoa! One pack mate Cocoa absolutely
loves is Chi Chi! The girls "will play for hours in the yard together. When
they take a rest they are still playing. It's funny watching them rolling
around and then running and then just falling down to play a little closer."
Cocoa's handlers are working hard to help her to get adopted. She is a
"great and smart dog. We think with a little more work, she will be ready to
go to [her forever] home." Cocoa needs a family who will continue to work
with her to overcome the fears that she learned early in her life and who
will continue to provide her with the training and structure that she has
learned during her time in the prison. She's a pretty girl who has proven at
the Meet and Greet events she's attended that receiving a little loving
means receiving a lot of loving in return. Here's to finding your forever
home, little girl!
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Pumpkin Lucie
Week 17
Like Pumpkin, Cocoa has a different handler. He decided that going back to
basics would be best for this girl. That's not to say that Cocoa wasn't
already doing well with her training...she just needed a different voice and
technique to guide her through the program. Cocoa is responding well! Her
focus on her handler is improving by leaps and bounds. Cocoa loves her time
in the yard with Chi Chi! They play so well together, that when Cocoa comes
back to her cell after their playtime, all she wants to do is sleep! Cocoa's
handler reports that his pup is getting used to her new routine, and is
"getting better all around."
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Pumpkin Lucie
Week 16
Cocoa not only worked on her known repertoire of commands this week, she
also worked on learning how to "dance" with her handler. Cocoa really took
to her new agility training! She loved hopping over the jumps she was
introduced to and her handler thinks that in time she will really excel in
her agility skills. Cocoa's handler tries to take her for a daily jog around
the yard to burn up some of her pent-up energy. "She does love running!"
Cocoa also loves her quiet time in her cell just cuddling with her favorite
toy and blanket, and licking peanut butter from her large bone. This pup
still has some rough edges, but her handler just loves her and is dedicated
to work with her to smooth her path to her forever home.
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Pumpkin
Week 15
Cocoa had a good week. She's calmer around the other dogs and her attention
span is growing each day. Cocoa has learned that she has to sit and wait
before going in and out of her space, as well as to wait for her meals.
Cocoa's handlers have made her crate a "happy place" and show her that "it's
no big deal" when they go in and out of their cell.
Cocoa loved getting a bath outside this week, and she also loves her spiffy new blue collar! Because Mother Nature was so cooperative over the last few days, Cocoa really had a good time playing in the yard with her new pal Yankee! One of the HOPE volunteers was at the prison to take some new photos of the pups. Cocoa joined one of her handlers for a few laps around the yard before her photo shoot. When it was her time to shine, she just laid on her back with a big grin on her face! Cocoa also loved laying on her back and having her belly rubbed at the St. Pitty's Day event at Borders in Camp Hill on Saturday In fact, she was an attention sponge. All of the people who came up to greet her were rewarded with a kiss and a tip of this sweet girl's head.
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Pumpkin
Week 14
Fourteen weeks and not a single application for our sweet Cocoa. She
has been working so hard on improving her doggie manners, learning her
obedience skills and charming everyone on the block. This week, we saw
a marked improvement in our little girl. She was far more tolerant of
all of the other dogs and even made a new friend in Chi Chi. The girls
met and were instant friends. They ran and ran, stopped to play and
then ran some more. Cocoa loved showing the new kid all of the fun
things to play with in the doggie yard. When she plays fetch with her
handler, she has learned to get the toy, bring it back and then drop it for
him. Then, she sits in front of him and waits for the next launch with
a huge grin on her face. Cocoa couldn't be happier about the warmer,
sunny weather. She has had a ball this week romping around the yard
and soaking up the sunshine.
Cocoa also learned a new game this week...laser tag (or the best version of that game that we can offer her). She and her handler were relaxing in their cell when he noticed Cocoa acting a bit funny. He realized that she was very interested in the light spot that was reflecting from his watch onto the wall. So, he made it move for her and she chased the light all over the cell trying to catch it and eat it! He thinks that she would have a blast with a flashlight or laser pointer game in her new home.
Cocoa is a big ball of energy, but she reminds her handler every so often that she has a soft, sweet, gentleness to her as well when she pops up out of the blue and gives him a big doggie kiss. She has made incredible progress from being the shy, scared unsure dog who walked through our doors three months ago into a well adjusted, sweet, playful pup who is ready to start the next phase of her life. Cocoa is wonderful with people and likes the company of some other dogs. She adores Bronko and Chi Chi and has learned to ignore the pups that aren't so high on her list of friends. She is a terrific dog who will make someone very happy for many years to come.
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Pumpkin
Week 13
This week, Cocoa has been learning to control her energy -- patience equals
rewards! Her handler patiently calms Cocoa when she's in her "energy mode"
with good results. Cocoa got a bath this past week and she handled it
very well. She was especially happy to prowl around the big doggie yard in
the sunny, warm weather. Cocoa and her handler played fetch while doing some
learning exercises as she dried off, and Cocoa rewarded her handler with a
big grin! Although her handler admits that Cocoa still needs to work on her
patience, he is confident that this issue will be solved soon. "Faith,
patience and rewards...that goes for canines and humans as well." Cocoa and
Yankee met each other this week and experienced fifteen minutes or so of
"blissful leash-play. Although their handlers were watchful during the
initial greeting, the pups actually learned to like each other on their own!
Cocoa also loved her time at the Garden Show! She was always at the fence
waiting for the pets that she received and she even explored the stone dog
house that Randy Smith of Smith Landscape Construction, LLC had set up in
the area. She and Bronko enjoyed showing off their play-antics! Sometimes
she was an attention "hog," but those who met her just loved her! "Cocoa has
matured since she first arrived here." One of the other handlers said that
Cocoa's main handler has given her more attention than she's ever enjoyed
before her in her life. He believes that she will be homeward bound very
soon.
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Hercules Bronko Pumpkin
Week 12
Cocoa spent the week focusing on positive interaction between her four- and
two-legged tier mates. She and Herc got to know each other a little better.
At first they weren't too sure about each other, but after some positive
reinforcement from their handlers, they were able to calmly sit next to each
other. Cocoa's handler thinks that after a few days of socialization, she
and Herc will become friends. Cocoa is still waiting to be properly
introduced to Yankee. It takes her a little time to warm up to new friends,
but once she accepts you into her play circle...game on!
As for her two-legged neighbors, Cocoa's handler continues to take her out
on the block during high-level activity periods to politely say hello to
everyone (no jumping on them and sitting and staying when told to do so).
She did really well watching a rousing game of ping pong this week. Cocoa
was intent on watching the ball go back and forth, and although she really
wanted to chase it, she stood by patiently instead. Good girl, Cocoa!
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Radar Hercules Bronko Pumpkin
Weeks 10 & 11
"Tis the season for Cocoa the snow-loving speed-demon to race around in the
snow!" She hops, jumps and flies through the white stuff like it's barely an
obstacle. Cocoa, Marty and Radar ran a big oval around the dog yard, chasing
each other and just having the time of their lives! Her handler used the
opportunity to work on improving Cocoa's recall. He also used snow balls as
an attention exercise. Cocoa dropped what she was doing and waited patiently
for her handler to form the snowy treats for her to catch. She's
mastering her "down" command from a sit or stand position, and is doing
really well with her other basic commands. Cocoa also continues to be a
love-bug. She's not hesitant to greet those around her to give them a hug
and a kiss!
Cocoa also obtained a furlough to attend the Meet & Greet at Borders on
Saturday. It was Cocoa's first outing, and overall she did a good job at
adjusting from life in the prison to a visit to a bookstore! At her age, she
still displays the spirit of a puppy. The HOPE table was set up close to a
display of stuffed bunnies. At first, Cocoa thought that they were all for
her, but she listened extremely well when the volunteers told her "no
bunnies." Cocoa thought that laying on her back and getting her tummy rubbed
was the bees' knees! Everybody commented on what a pretty girl she is, and
she just loved the oohs and aahs (and pets) that she received! Cocoa also
took a long walk with one of the HOPE volunteers, and listened well to the
"with me" command. This pup still has some fears to overcome, but we know
that with more training, socialization and love, she'll be ready for tummy
rubs in her forever home.
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Radar Hercules Bronko
Week 9
Cocoa's handlers report that she showed "superb progress" this past week.
Her pulling while on-leash is improving. When she does so, she looks back at
her handlers as if to ask them "what's the hold-up?" One of her handlers
speed-walks Cocoa in a zig-zag motion through the dayroom to keep her on her
toes and to teach her to stay with him without becoming distracted. Some of
the veteran handlers have been helping Cocoa's newer caregiver with her
training and care. As a result, she is getting more comfortable and
dependable with her "down," "heel," "sit," and "around" commands. Her
handler also learned a technique to curb Cocoa's barking while she's left
alone in their cell. He's happy to report that the new system is working
extremely well! "Go, Cocoa!" Cocoa's handlers report that she's so friendly
that she wants to meet and smell everybody! She and Radar have really become
pals, and love playing in the yard together. They look at each other closely
and sit really still until one of them "jolts." Then let the games begin!
"Cocoa is so fast and has agile, prance-like ways of maneuvering! She is a
cute and loving pup. It was a good week for Cocoa!"
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Denver Marty Bronko
Week 8
Cocoa continued to make improvements this week! She's a "young, rambunctious
girl always wanting to play!" Because of her puppy spirit, her handlers
concentrated on her "no-pulling" command this week. She's getting much more
used to it, and isn't jumping on every person she sees now. Cocoa's recall
is also improving, and she has her "stay" command down pat. Her "around"
command is showing progress, even without a treat. Of course, Cocoa will do
just about anything her handlers ask of her when they offer her a treat
dipped in peanut butter. Yum! Cocoa decided on her own that a good old
fashioned game of hide and seek would be a lot of fun for her and her
handlers. She army-crawled under the bunk beds and hid. When one of her
handlers said "Where's Cocoa?" she crawled out just enough for him to see
her, and then disappeared under the beds again! "She's such a fun and
playful pup!" You're a cutie, Cocoa!
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Denver Marty Bronko
Week 7
Cocoa 's handlers worked on her attention span this week, and she showed
improvement with a lot of her lessons! Cocoa sits and stays well, she's
showing progress on her "around" command and a "by me" will help settle her
tendency to pull while on-leash. "She's doing really well with that!" Cocoa
learned to "drop it" while playing fetch and also worked on her "down"
command from a sitting position. Her handlers say that Cocoa is a bundle of
energy and is often ready to run and have a good time with her pack-mates.
She and Marty, especially, have a great time wrestling and playing
tug-of-war. Keep focused, and keep being the good pup that you are, Cocoa!
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Denver Marty Bronko
Week 6
Cocoa is a pup in every sense of the word. She relishes her
playtime...every last second of it. She pushes boundaries and then
looks at you with those big brown eyes as if to say "Who me?" And,
then there's the snuggles time after a good romp in the yard. She is
finally settling in after the tumultuous months that led to her to the jail.
We feel like we're finally getting to know that fun-loving dogs that was
hidden behind the fear and anxiety of being abandoned. She absolutely
adores her best pal Bronko. Even though he weighs in at about twice
her size, she's definitely the boss when it comes to playtime. But,
she and Bronko wouldn't have it any other way. They get along so well
together and love to have extended playtimes. She is making steady
progress in her obedience classes although she still can get distracted by a
wayward squirrel or bird who happens to land in the training yard. She
has bundles of energy and would be a wonderful fit for an active family who
loves to be outdoors hiking and swimming and being together. Does that
sound like your family?
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Denver Marty Bronko
Week 5
Cocoa's biggest accomplishment this week was how well she did with not
barking when she was left alone! Although she let out a yip every now and
again, her handler was really pleased with her progress. In fact, except for
more work on her stays and recalls, Cocoa is doing very well with her
training. Oh, and there is that tendency to want to play with her buddies
rather than learn her lessons...that will be Cocoa's homework assignment in
the coming weeks. Cocoa, we're so proud of you that you learned that silence
is golden. Keep up the good work little one!
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Denver Marty Bronko
Week 3 & 4
Cocoa would rather run and play than concentrate on her lessons, but her
handler knows that this youngster will continue to succeed in the program.
Cocoa's main issue right now is her barking when crated and left alone in
her cell. Not only has Cocoa received special attention from her handler in
this area, the other handlers have pitched in to help her as well. In fact,
Cocoa got to visit with her buddy Radar for some fun time this week after
her crate lessons. With patient training, Cocoa can now go for longer
periods of time without barking. It's still a work in progress, but Cocoa
has made progress nonetheless!
UPDATE: Cocoa had a special visit from another trainer this week. He was actually there to help Radar, but she decided that if she barked enough, she'd get some special attention too. It worked, although she didn't realize it would result in a training class all her own. She took to the new training like a champ and after just a few minutes work and some training for the handlers, Cocoa now enjoys a restful, quiet nap while she's alone in her cell. We are all so proud of her. Way to go, Cocoa!
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Denver Marty Bronko
Week 2
Cocoa loves to play whether with it's with her doggie friends or her human
friends on the block! She's showing some crate anxiety when left alone, but
we know that once she gets used to her environment, she'll be just fine.
Cocoa is such a sweet girl, and cuddling with her handler is the best in her
opinion. Of course, her handler doesn't mind the cuddles either. Cocoa's
handler says that she's very eager to learn and aims to please those around
her. We know that you'll go far in the program, Cocoa!
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Denver Marty Bronko
Week 1
Cocoa is one of the friendliest dogs we've ever had the pleasure to know.
She loves to give kisses and to be close by her people. She has
developed quite an affinity for television and enjoys a good snuggle while
watching all of her favorite stories. When she's not watching
television, she is thoroughly enjoying her training. Cocoa is eager to
please and loves to learn. She has already mastered her sit, stay and
down commands. Plus, she has learned to shake and loves to show off
this new skill to everyone she meets. She is a ball of energy and
can't get enough playtime. She especially likes to play tug.
Although, she'll forego a good game of tug to spend some time with her new
pals, Marty and Bronko. Cocoa has already wiggled her way into the
hearts of her new inmate friends and is also becoming an adored member of
the pack. Keep an eye on this little girl. She'll be a perfect
match for one lucky person or family!
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Denver Marty Bronko
UPDATE - 12/4/09
Cocoa is headed to the big house tomorrow. She has had a rough start to life, but she isn't willing to let that get
her down. She's a spunky girl who just needs a review of the basics
and then she'll be ready for a home of her own! Cocoa is a one
and a hlaf year old pit bull and is available for
adoption through
Diamond Dog Rescue.
For information on adopting Cocoa, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Denver Marty Bronko
Hounds of Prison Education
A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance