 A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance |
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Elroy
Week 1 ║ Week 2 ║ Week 3 ║ Week 4 ║ Week 5 ║ Week 6 ║ Week 7
Week 8 ║ Week 9 ║ Week 10 ║ Week 11 ║ Week 12
WAITING AGAIN...
Back in Training - Week 13
Congratulations to Elroy!! He was patient for what must have seemed
like an eternity for him, but he has finally found a home of his own.
Elroy "paroled" on Friday and is enjoying life with his new family. He
will hold a very, very special place in our hearts for years to come.
He brought so much laughter and silliness to the people involved with the
HOPE Program and we are all so pleased that he has found such a fantastic
home where he'll be loved and appreciated for the rest of his days!
Back in Training - Week 12
Elroy met the vacuum cleaner this week and it scared the living daylights
out of him! His handlers saw it as a training opportunity, but Elroy
was not in agreement. His only goal was to get as far away from the
monster machine as possible!! Vacuum cleaners aside, Elroy deserves
the "most improved" award for the last few months. He was in pretty
rough shape when he arrived back at the prison three months ago. Since
then, he has impressed everyone by being eager to learn, willing to trust
again and receptive to changes in his basic behavior. Because of that,
he is now a strong, confident, well-adjusted pup who is 100% ready to get
started with the rest of his life. He's heading out at the end of the
week to meet what just might be his new family. We all have our
fingers and paws crossed that this will be just what he needs for a long,
happy life!
Back in Training - Week 11
Well, this was not the week for Elroy to go home. He's still waiting.
Fortunately for him, he loves being at the prison. He loves his
handlers and since he has been elevated to near rock star status he gets a
few special privileges. For example, every morning, it is now
Elroy's job to head out and greet the incoming staff who are getting ready
to start their day. This is a great opportunity for Elroy to practice
his manners and he takes that very seriously. He keeps all four paws
on the ground and only offers kisses (or mopping, as we like to call it) to
those who ask. He's become quite an ambassador for the program and
people look forward to seeing him each day. But, prison is not home
and Elroy is truly ready to begin a new life in a home of his own.
It's amazing to us that with all of Elroy's wonderful qualities, he still
waits. Maybe it's the big, square head. Maybe it's the stocky
body. Maybe it's the "pit mix" label. Or maybe, he's just
waiting for you. Maybe he's one of those dogs that everyone thinks
will get adopted by someone else. Maybe you're the perfect match for
Elroy!!
Back in Training - Week 10
Elroy had another stellar week. He is sooooo ready to head home.
He has mastered his obedience skills and has learned to tolerate dogs in
space whether he enjoys their company or not. His manners have earned
gold stars and the praise of inmates and staff alike over the past few
weeks. He has learned so much and blossomed in his second time around
with us. We truly hope that he'll find his special place in the world
soon and that he'll not be needing us again. Fingers crossed...
Back in Training - Week 9
Elroy is keeping all four paws crossed this week in the hopes that a new
home is just around the corner for him. We've all decided that a
doggie pool will just absolutely have to accompany him into his new home.
It's been awhile since we've seen a dog enjoy the pool as much as Elroy
does. He absolutely loves it! The pool has fish painted on the
bottom of it and Elroy would spend all day long trying to catch those fish
if you let him. He's just hilarious to watch and it's great to see
something so simple make him so happy!! When the pool water gets
dumped out...it's mud bath time! That's right. He likes the mud
every bit as much as the pool and will roll around in it to his heart's
content...no so much to the heart's content of his handlers, but they see
the humor in it. Elroy is such a sweet kid and has made great progress
in his second trip to the prison. He deserves a home that will
continue to encourage him, structure his time and keep expectations high.
He will thrive in an environment like that and we can't wait for him to find
it!
Back in Training - Week 8
This was the turning point week for Elroy. Something shifted and he
started to powerhouse through the remainder of his behavior issues. He
played well with Bella and Steven and has learned to completely ignore the
other dogs. Elroy will most likely always have a level of fear and
stress with other dominant dogs, but by teaching him that he will be safe
even if he ignores the other dog we're setting up to be successful in his
new home and the community. It's not important for him to get along
with every dog he meets, just to be appropriate in his behavior and
responsive to his people. He's been working with a third handler this
week in addition to his two regular handlers. The great news is that
all of the training he has already received transferred to the new handler
like he's been working with him for years. This is a great sign that
he's ready to move on to a home of his own. He has all the skills he
needs. Now, he just needs the love, warmth and safety of a family to
make his life complete!
Back in Training - Week 7
Elroy had a very funny week. His handlers decided to give him his
regular bath outdoors since the weather was so nice. Elroy had other
plans! He was more than happy to take part in the bath, but as his
handlers turned away to get fresh water, Elroy decided it would be so much
fun to dive into the mud puddle that he'd been eyeing up all morning.
So, off he went and before they knew what happened, Elroy was on his back
rolling back and forth in a puddle of mud having the time of his life!
Needless to say, he needed another bath after that. Perhaps it was an
attempt to have an entire day of spa activities. Or...maybe it
was just Elroy being the lovable goofball that he is.
Back in Training - Week 6
Elroy had his first tough week since he's been back in the program. He
forgot his manners with the other dogs in the program for a few days, but
with patience, some extra structure and some specialized training exercise
he's back on the right track now. His handlers keep a watchful eye on
him to make sure he doesn't push the boundaries of what is and isn't
allowed. So far, he's been wonderfully responsive. Elroy truly
wants to please and although his youth causes him to forget the rules from
time to time, his terrific personality always wins the day. Keep at
it, Elroy!
Back in Training - Week 5
Despite the rainy weather that kept all of the pups indoors last week, Elroy
handled the change in plans pretty easily. He enjoyed all of the
indoor games that his handlers came up with. He almost forgot that
those games help with his training and focus. Elroy is incredibly
friendly to all of the people he meets and the staff adores him. He's
working really hard on keeping all paws on the ground when greeting his many
friends, but it's coming. He gets so excited that his whole body
wiggles like crazy when he wants to come over and say hello. But, like
good handlers, they make him wait until he settles before approaching and it
really seems to do the trick. Elroy is still particular about his dog
friends, but once you're his friend you're a friend for life!
Back in Training - Week 4
Who doesn't love this boy! Elroy is making friends all over. In
the evenings he goes from cell to cell with his handlers to check in with
all of his friends. Elroy has even won over some of the men who are
afraid of dogs! He loves being part of the pack again and he and
Hanson play for hours. He lovers Cole and Bella and it's so nice to
see him able to play with other furry friends again. His manners
improve with each daya nd he really has a great understanding of his
boundaries. He continues to test them from time to time as any pup
does, but he is always eager to please which makes him a joy to work with.
Way to go, Elroy!!
Back in Training - Week 3
Elroy had a stellar week! First and foremost...he has kicked his ankle
nipping habit. He did this a lot when he first arrived back at the
prison in a bid for attention, but his handlers would have none of it.
So, they start to redirect him to appropriate things and after a few weeks
of retraining...SUCCESS!! Elroy got a new toy this week. It's a
bright red toy made of recycled fire hoses and he loves it! His
handlers are using it to try to teach him the game of fetch.
It's a slow go though. Elroy prefers to have it thrown, chase it, grab
it...and then take a little snooze with it in the shade. Another big
milestone for Elroy was joining the pack...off leash. Elroy has made
friends with Hanson and Bella and is starting to play with Cole, as well.
He has made great strides in the short time he has been back at the prison
and he's becoming a staff favorite!
Back in Training - Week 2
Elroy has been hitting the books really hard this week. His handlers
have learned that Elroy responds really well to soft voices during training.
He's starting to show signs of being interested in playing with the other
dogs and that makes everyone happy. He received a brand new harness
this week to help with his leash training. It has sea turtles on it
and he thinks he looks absolutely smashing in it which makes him want to
practice even more! Elroy also had a bath this week and his handlers
said that he was an angel in the tub. He stood nicely for all of the
scrubbing and rinsing and was more than happy to take in all of the
compliments from the folks nearby about how handsome he looked afterward.
Elroy has made huge strides in just two weeks. He's well on his way!!
Back in Training -
Week 1
Elroy returned this week, but we were pleased to see that with just a few
reminders and a little patience that he remembered a good deal of his
initial training. His first week back was filled with a lot of
exercise paired with calming techniques to bring him back to a good starting
point. He'll be working hard on improving his leash manners and
re-learning to tolerate the other dogs in the pack. We have high hopes
for this boy and are positive that a little time, structure and compassion
are all he'll need. Stay tuned...
UPDATE - April 2008
It has been a sad time for Elroy. After working so hard in the HOPE
Program and finding what he thought was the perfect home, his new mom
decided that she just didn't like him enough. So sad for such a
lovable, wonderful dog. Elroy truly deserves a home where someone will
adore him for the goofy, playful boy that he is. He gets along with
most mild-mannered dogs, but still has issues with dogs who are dominant in
nature. He thoroughly enjoyed the company of Izzie, Molly and Luke
while he was at the prison. If you think you might like a new friend
who loves to go for walks, play tug and snuggle in front of the tv at
night...then Elroy just might be the boy for you!!
Week 9
Elroy has been practicing extra hard this week in preparation for
his big Meet & Greet next weekend! He's been reviewing all of his
commands and tricks and also making room for some play time with his good
friends Luke, Molly and Izzie. His biggest challenge is keeping all
four paws on the ground when friends come to greet him. He gets so
excited that all can think about is giving kisses. What a sweet boy.
Imagine if that was your biggest flaw!!
Week 8
Thanks to so many wonderful people who contacted us this week, it
looks as though Elroy will need a Meet & Greet at his rescue headquarters
just so he can meet all of the people who think he's as fabulous as we do.
Stay tuned for a date for his special day...
Week 7
Well, we have a mystery... Elroy is one of the sweetest dogs we've had
the pleasure to know. He is smart, well-behaved, loves people, is
gentle with children and is as loving as they come. But, here's the
mystery...Elroy hasn't had a single application placed on him since he
started the HOPE Program. We can't seem to figure it out. He is
such a sweetheart and deserves a great home where people will love him for
the goofy soul that he is. Does he sound like a good fit for you?
If so, please get in touch. He's been waiting so patiently and he has
all of his paws crossed that his new family will find him soon.
Week 6
Elroy spent an afternoon at Borders this weekend and charmed everyone he
met! He showed off all of his tricks, played some tug-o-war with his
favorite rope, flopped down on his back for some belly rubs and gave kisses
to anyone would accept them. He was terrific with the children who
came to pet him and quite a prince with the ladies who stopped to visit!
He was an absolute joy and we are all so proud of him for coming so far with
his training. Elroy is a fabulous dog and anyone would be lucky to
call him part of their family. Do you have room in your home and heart
for this goofy pup?
Week 5
Elroy and Priscilla discovered a shared love of "tug" this week. They
play for almost an hour at a time. Back and forth and back and forth
until they're completely tuckered out! Then, regardless of who won,
Priscilla takes the toy and runs back to her cell. What a sport!
Elroy has come along so nicely since starting the program. We're just
certain there is a home waiting especially for him. Elroy will be out
to meet his public on Saturday, November 3rd at Borders Books and Music in
Camp Hill. Come out and say hello!
Week 4
Elroy is learning more and more each week about how to be a gentleman!
This week he learned how to shake paws. It only took him a day and a
half to learn his new trick and now he just loves to show off! He also
learned the command for "jump" and learned how to roll over. My
goodness, he is a smart boy! And adorable...have we mentioned how
handsome this boy is? He has such a sweet face and a personality to
match!
Week 3
Elroy is a nosey little pup! His handlers are working extra hard on
teaching him to stay...especially when there are fun distractions like
butterflies, people walking by, birds flying and anything else that happens
to catch his eye. Last week, his handlers learned about canine massage
and gave it a try on Elroy. Boy, did he love it!! They said he
stayed right with them and enjoyed all of the attention being lavished on
him.
Week 2
Elroy started the agility course today and is learning all sorts of things.
Because of the focus needed for agility, Elroy's "stays" and "recalls" are
getting stronger and more reliable every day! He loves cheese and will
do absolutely anything to win a piece from your pocket. He is learning
his leash manners and as a result is getting to go for some lovely walks
around the outside perimeter of the dog yard. Sometimes, Priscilla
tags along too and the two of them have a nice stroll together.
Week 1
Elroy enjoyed his first week at school. He was a little lonesome at
first, but quickly discovered the joys of being doted on by two handlers who
think you're the greatest thing since sliced bread! Elroy spent a lot
of time this week playing and getting comfortable with his new surroundings.
He made a new friend in Fields and the two of the have been goofing around
together and having a ball!
UPDATE
Elroy will be making his way to the big house in just a few weeks. He is
a lovable terrier mix who is available for adoption through
Francisvale Home
for Smaller Animals. Stay tuned
for next his updates.
Hounds of Prison Education
A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance