A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance
	Cragger McGreggor   See more videos of Cragger here!! 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!!! Week 10 Cragger went to his forever home this weekend! We'll miss this sweet boy who has shared his loving eyes, sweet disposition, snores, bubbles in the pool, and friendship to his pack- and block-mates these past few weeks. He will always be in our hearts, and we know that he'll thrive with his new family! That's what the HOPE Program is all about. Our handlers love their dogs. They teach them, nurture them, and feel very proud when someone accepts their dog into their home and into their hearts. Enjoy your new family, Cragger!   Week 9 Cragger once again was a very well-behaved boy this week! He is now ready to pass the Canine Good Citizenship test! He will do everything that is expected of him, plus so much more! Bianca was chewing on Cragger's ears one day, and he corrected her to let her know she was biting too hard. That is the first time Cragger has corrected another dog. Bianca took it really well, and just stopped biting on her "boyfriend's" ears! Cragger got a bath this week, and he kept getting out of the pool for a good shake! All his handlers had to do was tell Cragger to get back in the water. Although Cragger wasn't too keen on the idea, he returned to the pool every time he was told to do so! Cragger's handlers watched him closely this week with the weather we experienced! Our little bundle of energy got some "shade" time after romping around the yard so that he could get some well-needed rest in the heat and humidity! Cragger is going to his forever home next weekend! We look forward to his handlers' tales of Cragger's last ventures at the prison!   Week 8 Cragger is such a great friend and is widening his circle of family members at the prison! The handlers love him! The staff love him! The other guys on the block love him! Wow, what a superstar! Some of Cragger's block neighbors are leery of dogs, but they are willing to approach Cragger to give him a pet or a scratch behind the ear! Cragger's handlers think that he senses their unease. He just looks up at them with his big friendly eyes, takes a treat softly from them, and accepts their pets. Cragger's handlers say that they can see the guys' nervousness go away in just a few seconds! A couple of them are even playing "tug" with Cragger when they have the time to do so! Cragger has never been disobedient during his time in the program. Yes, there have been times when he and his handlers have trouble understanding each other, but they work through it! Cragger picks up on what his handlers want, and he is also able to convey to his handlers what he wants them to know. His handlers say that once he gets to know and trust someone, Cragger will do anything they ask without questioning their choice. He will look to them for guidance when he is unsure about doing something for the first time. He really depends on his people for support, and gives them his undivided attention, love and understanding. Admittedly, his handlers spoil him "some," but it is not a hard thing to do! Cragger listens to everyone who gives him commands with some hand signals. He will play fetch with a frisbee for hours ("trust me"), and has learned that a frisbee is much more fun to play with when it's not all chewed up! After Cragger has had his play, he will find somewhere to cool off, then he's ready for some more fun! Case in point! Cragger, Georgie, Bianca and Cooper were out in the yard on a particularly muggy day this week. The doggie pools were turned over because of all of the rain, but one of them had some water on top of it. Cragger decided that he was hot, and just climbed in the middle of it, laid down, looked at his handler and started drinking the water! Needless to say, everyone who saw his antics burst out into laughter! Cragger had an expression on his face, like, "yeah! This all belongs to me!" Once he was cooled off, he ran some more with his doggie friends, then it was back to the "pool!" Cragger's handlers have learned how to get him to stop snoring! When they rub the white strip on his chest, he will roll over onto his back in his sleep so they get all of the spots he likes scratched best! That may not stop the snoring at first, but lightly rubbing the large pad on either of his back paws (just at the top where it touches the smaller ones) gets Cragger into kicking like he's dreaming. He will then roll over and stop snoring! Of course, Cragger's handlers say that although it's funny to watch him, they have to be careful or they may "end up with a paw in [their] gut!" Cragger also got a day-pass for the Dogs' Day in the Park event last weekend! He not only was a great ambassador to the HOPE Program, but was also a great ambassador to his breed! He had a kiss for anyone who was willing to accept one from him (there wasn't anyone who didn't welcome one), and was just a joy the whole day! A tip to anyone thinking of adopting this little one! He turns up his nose at vegan hot dogs (much to Rocco's delight)! Cragger is ready to go to a forever home. He is an "awesome" dog and is "adored by everyone who meets him." His handlers think that he has done as much, if not more, for the folks on the block than they could ever help him! Everyone has found it a true pleasure to come to know this gentle soul! He has a way of bringing smiles and laughter to all who meet him. His handlers say that "the truth of the matter is, we are being selfish. He will be missed by everyone here...dogs and people alike. His absence will be felt for a long time." Week 7 Cragger continues to impress his handlers and those who take the time to hang out with him! Cragger has all but mastered the art of "rolling over" on command! He also is very good about sharing his favorite red KONG ball. Cragger really loves it and will spend hours running around with it when he's outside! That having been said, Cragger will allow the other dogs to come up to him and take it out of his mouth...without so much as a growl or a bark! Cragger will just stand and watch the other dogs playing with the ball. He doesn't try to take it from his doggie friends when the toy is in their mouths or between their paws. Cragger just waits for his turn! As soon as the ball hits the ground, though, "he is on it!" What a good boy! Cragger shared some one-on-one time with Abbey this week to help her with her socialization. When Abbey got a little too feisty for Cragger's liking, he just ran away from her. Cragger does his best to avoid conflict with the other dogs. Cragger's handlers say that people are impressed with just how calm and relaxed he is. "He just acts like he doesn't want any problems with anyone or any other dog." Cragger's handlers think that he is ready for a family of his own. They HOPE that Cragger finds a home soon! This little fur-baby has really found a place in his handlers' hearts. "Saying goodbye is always tough for us, yet this guy is going to make it really hard. He is such a good friend and a true joy to be around." Week 6 Cragger continues to be a "really well-behaved soul!" He is getting better with his "roll-overs" and his "shake" commands! Cragger also is becoming quite the celebrity at the prison! Some of the staff members have been making it a point to come visit him in the block or out in the doggie yard! Of course, Cragger charms everyone that he meets! There was a tour that went through the prison last week, and the folks requested to meet and greet Cragger. His handler says that he was quite the "little ham!!" He walked up to each person to get his head scratched and get all of the attention he possibly could. "He had everyone smiling and bending down to talk to him. They all said just how sweet and well-behaved he is!" When Cragger is really tired, but knows that his cell door is opening soon, he will do his best to stay sitting up so he won't miss going outside! "His eyes start to close and his head drops down and he catches himself. It reminds [his handler] of when a child is allowed to stay up past their bed time and they fight as hard as they can to stay awake. It is really cute to see." Cragger had a new experience this past week, which reinforces his handler's belief that he doesn't have any aggressive tendencies "in his entire body." There is an area of tall grass next to a building in the doggie yard. Cragger normally likes to eat some of the grass. One day, he walked over to the grass, gave a sniff, stepped back, tilted his head, then sniffed the grass once again. His handler walked over to see what had Cragger's attention. It was a baby rabbit! When Cragger's handler moved the grass, the bunny calmly walked away! Cragger just watched it leave, then once again smelled the grass where the little cottontail had been! Overall, Cragger's handlers "had another fun-filled week" with him! Cragger continues to impress his handlers with his eagerness to learn and his wanting to please them. He is gentle with everyone he meets, and the other dogs in his pack!  We hope that your "well-behaved soul" finds a loving home soon, Cragger! Week 5 Cragger continues to do great with his training sessions! Cragger has begun to roll over for his handlers and shake hands with them! Cragger's handlers continue to re-enforce the commands that Cragger has already learned or knew when he came into the program. Cragger has a cute look that he gives to his handlers when he wants something or when he thinks he's done something wrong. "The look just melts your heart and soul. It is such an innocent, pure look that just makes you smile and want to hug him no matter what he has done." When Cragger hears something that catches his attention, "his ears will perk up and his head tilts" from one side to the other. His handlers know that Cragger's intelligent because he quickly learns about new things in his world! Cragger's ears also really perk up when he hears some of the staff coming to work, because he knows that he'll get treats and a lot of attention! When Cragger hears their voices, he puts his nose up and sniffs the air! His handlers say that "it's really cool to see him act like this because it shows that he recognizes different people's voices even from a distance." Is there anyone up for a game of fetch? Cragger will play fetch for hours with his new favorite red KONG ball! Sometimes Bianca will take it from him so Cragger will chase her. Cragger, being the gentleman that he is, won't take it from Bianca when she drops the ball! When he has had his play, Cragger will find some shade and lay down. In the meantime, Cragger and Bianca bring a lot of enjoyment to their handlers while they watch the two of them romp around the yard with the red KONG ball! Some newspaper reporters came to the prison this week to write about the program. Of course, "camera hog" Cragger wanted to be in every shot, but he did well when his handlers told him that he had to share the limelight with his doggie companions! Cragger's handlers know that whoever adopts him "will be getting a great friend and new family member. He loves to just lay around when he is inside, and when he is outside he will run and play with them for hours."  Here's to finding your family and playmates, Cragger! Week 4 Again, the weather has been an issue for all of the handlers this week. Cragger's handlers focused on Cragger's self-control and calming him after some play time this week. His handlers say that there honestly wasn't much they had to do to get Cragger to calm down after play time. Cragger's happy just to lay next to his handlers, watch come TV, get some belly rubs and play with his little white lamb plush toy! Cragger's handlers know that the lamb is one of his favorites, because he didn't rip it up in a matter seconds! Cragger has learned that if he doesn't destroy his toys, he can keep them and play with them to his heart's content! His handlers say, however, that Cragger has not chewed on anything other than what his handlers have allowed him to chew! Cragger decided on his own that since he couldn't go out in the doggie yard this week, he'd spend some time in his crate chewing on some of his rawhide bones. He came out to his handlers when he wanted some attention, or just to hang out with them and to see what was going on in his world. Even though he's used to having some play time in the yard, Cragger adjusted to having to be indoors, and continued to listen to his handlers' commands! There are two things about Cragger that his handlers learned about him this week: 1. He's a "huge bed hog, and he snores like a person! I mean WOW!!!". Cragger likes to lay his head next to his handler's head on the pillow and hunker down with him under the covers. If his handler moves, and takes some of Cragger's pillow or blanket from him, Cragger will wake his handler up to let him know it's time for him to give Cragger back his share! Cragger won't take "no" for an answer unless his handler tells him to go crate himself! Cragger got a little pushy once with this issue, but now he's fine when corrected and his handler wants to get some sleep! 2. He's a camera hog! One of the HOPE volunteers had the good fortune of being able to take a camera into the prison to get some pictures of our pups for the web site! Cragger wanted to be in every shot, but overall, he did really well when the photographer turned her attention to one of the other dogs! When people see his new photo, his handlers know that they'll see just what a great friend he can be in their family!  You're doing great, Cragger...just work on those bed manners! Week 3 Cragger continues to be an excellent student! After only two weeks in the program, and he has already learned his "wait," "stay," and "out" commands! His self-control is also "really great!" Cragger's handlers say that the folks at his rescue did a wonderful job with him prior to his coming into the program because he already knows his "sit" and "lay" commands, and his recalls are "out of this world!" Cragger has learned to find a nice, cool place to lay after playing with this doggie companions in the yard. He and Rocco have been playing a lot this past week. Rocco will bark to try to get Cragger's attention. After he does, it's off to the races for the two of them! Cragger loves his play-buddies Bianca and Georgie! They so enjoy each other's company, and will play for as long as their handlers will allow them to do so! Cragger continues to act as Bianca's and Georgie's "big brother" by helping them to build their confidence. He still shows them that a romp around the yard is good, and that meeting people at the fence and interacting with all of the handlers in the yard is great fun and not scary at all! Cragger's handlers are very proud of him for helping Bianca and Georgie through their shyness and fears! Cragger's handlers say that he is very good about taking correction from the other dogs because he understands their "language." Cragger gives off calming signs when he knows that another dog is nervous or uncomfortable. He is quick to give his back to them as well as lay on his back to give them access to his belly. He is really also quick to give them a play bow and chase. He is extremely friendly to the other dogs. Cragger learned the joys of getting into a doggie pool during the "dog days of spring" this week! At first, his handlers had to pick him up and put him into the pool for him to understand what it was and how much fun he could have in it! Now, whenever Cragger gets a little too hot, he runs straight for the pool, jumps right in, and lays down! He is even putting his face in the water and blowing bubbles! He learned this all by himself! Cragger dropped a toy in the pool, and realized he was on his own to retrieve it! His handlers say he is really cute when he does this, and it's so funny to watch him and see how much he enjoys himself! One of Cragger's handlers told a HOPE volunteer that seeing him "blow bubbles" for the first time "was a Kodak moment!" Cragger's handlers know that once people see and meet him that he will find a good home! He is such a "wonderful, gentle soul." They know that whoever adopts him will be getting a "wonderful friend and new family member."   Weeks 1 & 2 Cragger and his handlers spent this week getting to know one another and working on some commands. Cragger has already learned "wait," "stay," and "out," in addition to the "sit," "lay down" and "no pull" walking that he already knew when he arrived at his new home! Also, his recalls "are awesome!" Cragger's handlers were dismayed when they heard his story...abandoned in a park two years ago on Christmas Eve with nowhere to go. Two years in a rescue is a long time. The good news is that Cragger's humble beginnings haven't kept this pooch's spirits down! Everyone loves him! He's a true joy with the staff, other inmates and the other members of his pack! Cragger is a gentle soul. He loves to sit next to his handlers for some pets and loving! If they let him, he'll "shower them with kisses and attention!" He is so eager to please, and he picks up on things so quickly. He can be bullheaded at times, but not in a forceful way. Cragger has already shown Bianca and Georgie (our shyer new members in the program) that having a doggie friend is really fun! The three of them have become fast friends! They run and play in the yard with their tails up and wagging! Cragger is also helping Bianca and Georgie build their confidence. When people come over to the fence to say "hello," the shy-mysters will follow Cragger's lead and give their visitors a sniff! Cragger also gets along well with Rocco. Rocco will bark at him, and then it's time to play! Rocco misses his friend Cosmo, so Rocco's handler and Cosmo's former handlers are happy to see that he and Cragger have become buddies! Cragger is also is warming up to Cooper, and Cragger's handlers think that within a week, the two of them will be playing together as well! Cragger takes doggie corrections really well, and also responds well to doggie language!  You're fitting into your new pack, Cragger! Enjoy! UPDATE - 4/18/09 Cragger headed to the big house this week and is already making friends all over.  He has made good friends already of Bianca and Georgie and he's bound to win over the rest of the back very soon.  Cragger is a three year old Pit Bull who was abandoned in a state park two years ago on Christmas Eve.    Thankfully, he was found by park rangers and taken into rescue rather quickly.  But he's been there for the last two years!!  Cragger just needs a crash course in some basic manners, a review of his obedience skills and he'll be ready to go.  This boy has waited o long and still has such a great spirit.  We hope this is just what he needs to find a home of his own.
	Hounds of Prison Education A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance