A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance
	Georgie   ADOPTED!!! 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   See videos of Georgie here!! UPDATE Just when we thought Georgie would be heading back to his foster home to wait for a home of his own, good fortune came his way.  Georgie will be heading home this weekend, but not to wait in a foster home.  Georgie is heading to his very own home with lots of room to run and lots of doggie friends to play with.  We are so thrilled for this sweet boy and so grateful that his perfect match came along just at the right moment!  Good luck, Georgie.     Week 21 Georgie enjoyed his last week at the prison romping in the doggie yard with his handlers and interacting with his canine friends in his cell. Anyone who is interested in adopting this shy boy should know that once he gets to know you, he'll be your forever friend! He loves people he knows and trusts. It may take a little while for him to warm up to strangers, but once he knows their scent, and knows that he's safe with them, he will lavish the same attention on them that he does his friends. Georgie, we'll miss you in the program, but we know that your foster mom will take very good care of you until you find your forever place in this world! Hugs and kisses from all of us in the HOPE program!     Week 20 Georgie has done a great job in his training at the prison.  But, we all feel that he has come about as far as he can go within the walls of the big house and it's time to continue his training on the outside in a foster home.  Georgie will be heading home at the end of the week and will keep working on all of his skills under the watchful eye of his foster mom.  Georgie is still 100% ready for adoption and we hope that his stay in his foster home will be fun, but short.  He truly deserves a home of his own.      Week 19 "Georgie is coming along very well." Although he is still shy in groups of people, Georgie is getting increasingly comfortable in one-on-one situations. As a matter of fact, when two of the HOPE volunteers went to pick up Georgie for an outing, he came right up to one of them for a good pet on the head!  Way to go, Georgie! His handlers are working with him every day, allowing him to see large line movements without having him be too close to his tier-mates. With time, perhaps Georgie will realize that the more people he meets, the more pets he will get! If you've been following Georgie's posts, you know that he also isn't fond of loud noises. We had quite a few thunder storms this week, and Georgie got through it pretty well.  Every time it would thunder, Georgie's handlers would make light of it and say, "Georgie, what's that noise?  The Angels must be bowling up in Heaven." Although Georgie wasn't completely convinced about the whole bowling idea, their teasing tone of voice helped him weather the storm! Georgie is starting to play with the other dogs in his pack! He gets along with all of them, but he really has taken a shine to Brandee! Georgie's handlers say that it's fun to watch the two of them romp around the yard! Do we have another HOPE dog "romance" developing? Time will tell.  Georgie also enjoys playing with people.  Georgie is definitely the strong, silent type, but he's lots of fun to be with and we're really enjoying seeing his progress.     Week 18 Georgie’s handlers continue to work on his patience exercises before going into or coming out of the block. Georgie used to always want to rush into his cell for fear that he would have to encounter his worst fear...strangers!  But, with some time, structure and lots of practice, Georgie is learning that his friends will always keep him safe and that there's lots of fun stuff to see and do when you hang out on the tier for a little bit before heading into the"house."  They've also been having him sit at a distance when all of his tier-mates are in the living area to get him used to unexpected noises and new people. Georgie is making slow, but very steady progress in this area and we are so proud f him for continuing to face his fears with such grace and dignity.   Georgie is hound through and through and as you might expect, his nose always knows.  His handlers have discovered that he will recognize the scents of his friends before anything else.  And, once he smells a friend, the tail starts wagging and playtime begins.  We promise that if you let Georgie develop a nose for you, you'll have a friend for life!     Week 17 Georgie’s new handlers have been working with him on his commands, and especially his recalls. It's the one and only command that he still struggles with a bit.  On the other hand, there's a long list of skills for which he gets regular gold stars including, “sit,” “stay,” “come,” “bow,” “give either paw,” “crawl,” “beg” and “go down.” Georgie is food motivated and his handlers are using that to help increase his focus and attention span.  He used to get a treat for every skill he performed.  Now, he has to do two, maybe three, even four before the reward appears and he is truly rising to the challenge. Georgie is learning to listen more when he’s around other people, despite his worries. He gets along well with all of the other handlers and there is no fear when he’s around any of them so now it's on to expanding his circle of safety by including new strangers and unexpected noises every day.  It's easy for the handlers to find different ways of making new noises so they've begun practicing that skill regularly to increase Georgie's comfort level in strange situations.   With Georgie, it's all about building his confidence.  With each passing week, he gets braver and more sure of himself.  It will be a long process for him, but most certainly one that a loving family will enjoy taking with him.  The results will be a grounded and secure pup who knows that he can always trust his family to keep him safe.  Does this sound like a journey you might be willing to take with our sweet Georgie?     Week 16 Georgie also has new handlers. Georgie had a tendency to bark when his former handlers went to work [no fault given to them], but he hasn't made a peep since moving into his new space. One of his new handlers says that some credit him for this, but since he hasn't been to work since Georgie joined them, time will tell. If all goes well, "Georgie shouldn't bark because he'll be getting out on a regular routine and will have plenty of time to play." One of the HOPE volunteers took Georgie to a dog park. He did very well, except for his "pulling" while on-leash. Georgie's handlers are "on the same page" with this issue, as well as his overall training. Georgie has been responding well to their guidance! Georgie's new handlers are tag-teaming with his training. When one is at work, the other handler is working with him to reinforce their path to get Georgie ready for his forever home! They have curbed his enthusiasm to lunge when he's going somewhere by getting him to "wait" whether going outside or inside. "Georgie is very smart and he's also bull-headed. He's learning that he's got to do things [his handlers'] way whether or not he likes it. " That having been said, "Georgie is a very, very good dog." His handlers have him around all of the other dogs in the program, and are hoping that he shows improvement each week that he is with them. His handlers are also introducing Georgie to a lot of people at once, and having people come up to give him treats, and then just walking away from him. It's working! "So far, so good!!!" Georgie's new handlers would have been proud to see him at the CPAA "Yappy Hour" event on Tuesday! Although he showed favoritism to the HOPE volunteers, he "rose and shined" at all of the new people and the other dogs! Georgie, keep listening to your handlers, and we're sure that someone will fall in love with your "hound dog" eyes!     Week 15 Georgie continued to work on his commands this week, and did well with them! He also got to go to the Super Saturday event at South Middleton Park on Saturday. What a difference a week makes! He didn't hide under the table, like he did at Borders last week! And, although he was still shy, Georgie calmly allowed those who wanted to pet him do so! He also had a special treat (other than part of the hot dog that one of the HOPE volunteers bought for the pups). There is a creek that runs next to the Park. Georgie got to romp in the water for a bit, and absolutely loved it! You can see Georgie coming out of his shell little by little every time he goes to one of these events. He's making great progress, and we're very proud of him!       Week 14 Georgie's handlers say that things are pretty much status quo with his training. He still follows his commands, and is playing with a couple of his doggie-friends in the yard! He's still shy of most of the people on the block, but trusts and likes those who are familiar to him. Georgie got a day-pass to go the Meet and Greet at the Border's in Camp Hill on Saturday. Although he was most comfortable under the table, once he got over his fears, he would approach people on his own terms, and enjoyed receiving some pets from adults and children alike! We don't know what happened in Georgie's past to make him so fearful of new things, but we do know that he's going to love a family of his own! Yes, Georgie is shy, but he'll shine with some attention, love, and knowing that he's in his forever home.   Week 13 Georgie is continuing to improve and learn! He gets along well with the other dogs and handlers! Georgie is still shy around people he doesn't know, but he has made progress in facing his fear of strangers! Overall, Georgie has come along by "leaps and bounds" with his handlers' guidance and love. Georgie's handlers believe that he will continue to do so as they continue to work with him. Georgie is a "great dog that will make a good pet for someone...wherever he goes his owner will be very happy with him."     Week 12 Georgie's main handler had a big surprise when he returned to the block from work on Wednesday! One of our new handlers took Georgie under his wing and taught him some new tricks! It all started when Georgie showed signs of having to relieve himself. The new handler on the block was able to take Georgie outside to do his duty. Since it was a nice day, he decided to go through some of Georgie's basic commands with him and then realized that Georgie didn't know how to "roll over" or "bow." Georgie didn't "get it" at first, and the handler, admittedly, realized that perhaps his methods weren't working. One of our more experienced handlers showed him the ropes, and with patience, Georgie learned that "rolling over" and "bowing" can be great fun! Bowing came easier to him, but Georgie learned both commands in one day! His main handler was excited about Georgie's progress! The new handler's advice? "Keep working with him '300 times 30 different places'." The new handler says that Georgie is still shy, but is coming around slowly but surely. "Georgie is smart and a quick learner. As soon as he overcomes his fear Georgie will make a great pet. He is like the [Cowardly] Lion looking for his courage. Soon enough, he will find it."   Week 11 Georgie is really coming around! He still is a little scared on the block, but his walking is "coming along." He still pulls a little, but is doing much better than before! His recalls are also "coming along as well." The biggest thing about Georgie this week is that he's been wanting to play "a lot!" He has really blossomed when he's around the other dogs in the yard! He runs with them, and shows no signs of being shy or scared at all! "He does a million times better when he's outside!" Georgie did really well during his venture to "Barks for Bruster's" last weekend...so many new people, so many new smells! Shy Georgie was understandably "overwhelmed" at first, but one the HOPE volunteers quickly took him under her wing. After a very short while, Georgie was calmer, and knew that he was safe in his new environment. Admittedly, Georgie occasionally went under the HOPE table to get some "alone time," but if you've been reading Georgie's journals, you know that he can be an "alone time" kind of pup! That having been said, Georgie would stick his nose out from under the table to look out into his world, and would venture out for some loving pets and treats! The folks at Bruster's provided "doggie sundaes" for each of the pups (vanilla ice cream with a dog treat)! Georgie loved the ice cream, but he shared his biscuit with Rocco. Georgie's handlers should be proud of how adorable and well-behaved he was. Keep coming around, Georgie!   Week 10 Georgie's handlers report that he is getting much better with his "stay" command, and is getting "a little better" with his recall! Other than that, his handlers are continuing to hone his skills. Georgie is still a bit scared of new things, but he did venture out on the block on his own one day! Normally, Georgie likes to bee-line right to his space, but on that particular day, he sniffed his surroundings a bit before "running for his cell!" Georgie also is going to the CPAA event in Carlisle, so Georgie fans, come back next week to read how Georgie does on his first outing as a HOPE ambassador!   Week 9 Georgie continues to make a lot of progress in every way! He has added ""shake" to his list of commands that he has mastered, and he is doing well, with his "recall!" Georgie is still a little shy when he is around a lot of people, but once he gets to know them, "he is fine." Georgie's handlers think that he is "more than ready for a home," and will excel in his training if someone is willing to take the time to show him love and to spend some time with him. Georgie is a "very smart dog," and his handlers know whoever adopts him will be very pleased with him! He is a great pooch and his handlers feel it a privilege to live and work with him every day! Georgie's handlers know that "where ever Georgie goes, he will do fine and will make someone very happy!"   Week 8 Georgie still doesn't like having a lot of people around him on the block, but he's "far better lately!" Georgie now actually is doing a "sit/stay" at his door before running into his space! He's also doing really well now with this "sit," "down," and "stay" commands! This shy pup has learned to play with toys on his own in the doggie yard! Up until this time, Georgie would only run after a toy if the other dogs would do so! Georgie doesn't play with a toy on his own all of the time, but the fact that he's gathering up his courage to do so is really a big step for this pup! Georgie's handlers say that "he's coming around slowly" and is "really coming out of his shell!"     Week 6 & 7 Georgie has come a long way in the past few weeks! Although he's still a bit shy, his personality has really started to blossom! Georgie now knows his "sit," "shake" and "stay" commands, and his recalls are improving as well! His handlers are now working on his "down stay." Georgie "will accomplish any task that is put in front of him. He has started to come around more every week and [his handlers] think he will continue to do so until he reaches his full potential!" Georgie has been doing a lot better in the doggie yard! He really enjoys being around the other dogs and seems to be more comfortable around them! Georgie still shows some fear around a lot of people, but he's learning to meet those fears! His handlers also learned that he can run really fast! Georgie got away from them one time, but he quickly came back on his own when given the proper command! His handlers know that Georgie will be a great pet in a loving home with people who are willing and able to spend time with him. Georgie is not aggressive, which makes his handlers think that he would be fine in a home with kids. His handlers say that Georgie needs a lot of love and he needs to know that he is welcomed in his environment. Once he knows that, "he will be fine." Georgie still has a couple of hurdles to overcome, but "whoever gets Georgie will be very happy with him." Paws crossed that you find a loving home soon, Georgie!   Week 5 Georgie is still shy, but at least he's not hiding when the cell door opens! He gets excited because he knows it's time to go outside! Georgie is very good with the other dogs! As soon as he sees Cragger, his tail "starts goin'!" Although he loves being in the doggie yard, Georgie's handlers think that being in a pack is still new to him. He plays with his four-legged buddies for a bit, and then finds a spot for some alone time. Once he's had his rest, Georgie is ready for some more play time! Georgie is learning that getting a good pet can be a good thing! He doesn't shy away from his handlers now when they try to pet him! In fact, Georgie has started giving his handlers nose nudges on their hands for some gentle affection!  As if that wasn't enough of a milestone, Georgie is also starting to visit willingly with people who aren't so familiar to him.  He comes trotting over with his tail up and his body relaxed to give newcomers a quick sniff and a nudge before heading off on his way again.  Keep coming out of your shell, Georgie!   Week 4 Georgie is coming around slowly but surely! He's still scared, but not as scared as when he arrived at the prison just a little over a month ago! He is getting pretty good with his "sit" and "stay"commands, but his handlers say that his recalls and "down" commands still need a lot of work! Georgie is starting to play more and nicer with the other dogs! He loves his block-mates Bianca and Cragger, and can't wait to get out in the doggie yard for some good exercise and play-time with them! You'll be fine, little one!     Weeks 2 & 3 Georgie is coming along! He's starting to approach some people who come up to give him a pet! At first, he would try to hide when his cell door opened, but now, he jumps up and is ready to hit the doggie yard! Georgie has made fast friends with Cragger! As soon as he sees him, his tail starts wagging, and they'll run up and down the yard together! Georgie is still working to learn his commands. He's starting to get the "hang of things," however! He still has a way to go, but he's making some progress! Georgie wouldn't eat when he first came to the prison, but now that he's getting comfortable with his surroundings, he's doing MUCH better in the eating department!  Enjoy your friends, little one!   Week 1 When Georgie first came to the prison, he was afraid of everything! In just a week, Georgie is already coming out of his shell! He's still leery of strangers, but Georgie is willing to go up to people for a sniff and a pet or two! He's doing really well with his handlers! At first, Georgie tried to hide when he went out to the yard, but now he'll run around, and he played a little with Lily and Cosmo! He has also started going up to the fence when folks drop by to see him! Georgie doesn't know any commands at this point, but he's doing pretty well with walking with his handlers. Georgie's handlers just wanted to get to know him this week and help him feel comfortable around them. Now that Georgie is not so scared and is starting to open up, his handlers are going to get busy with teaching him his commands!  You're going to be okay, Georgie!     UPDATE 3/31/09 Georgie is a sweet, very shy English Coonhound.  The world is a very scary place for him right now, but we're hoping that he'll gain confidence through his interaction with the other dogs in the program and find his way.  He is wonderful with other dogs, but very fearful of humans.  With a little patience, love, structure and lots and lots of cheese, we think he'll blossom in no time!
	Hounds of Prison Education A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance