Week 15
Ginger headed home to her new family this weekend. But, not before a few
more spotlight moments at the jail. In an effort to get her as ready
as possible for the transition into her new home, her handlers made sure
that her training sessions all took place with handlers other than
themselves. She did beautifully and impressed just about every inmate
on the cell block. Good luck in your new home Ginger. You will
be missed!!
For information on adopting Ginger, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 14
"It has been another successful week of training with Ginger." She continued
to do "so well" with all of her basic skills, continued to wait with
anticipation to hear the "okay" command from one of her handlers while in a
down/stay and learned to "stand" from a laying position! She also got her
teeth brushed. "She is beginning to let us do this without trying to squirm
away! She knows we're just trying to help her." This pup not only worked on
her training and grooming regimes, she also worked on building a healthy
relationship with Falkor! "Ginger and Falkor do well together. She is
extremely fast, and simply outruns Falkor when he begins to annoy her. They
chase each other playfully and prance around." One day this week, Ginger
"chased her tail, looking like the Tazmanian Devil." This pup also loves to
play with her beloved volleyball and play tug-of-war with her handlers.
"Ginger has a lot of fun, and plays safely. I can tell that she misses her
swimming pool, but it's too cold now." Ginger was very cuddly with one of
her handlers this week. "She always tries to squeeze in on my bed, and keep
guard, keeping an eye on the cell door. She's a great watch dog as well!"
Like Georgie, Ginger has been having what her handlers call a "running
dream. It actually looks like she is running around and playing with another
dog and barking while she sleeps. Every time I think I've seen every side of
Ginger, she shows new personality and continues to entertain us."
For information on adopting Ginger, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 13
"This week, the playful Ginger learned and had fun. We focused on her not
jumping up on people and her sitting politely while others walked by her.
Her tail was wagging fast, waiting for the 'ok' command to approach the
person or for the person to approach her and pet her. She is showing
constant improvement with all of her training." Ginger's sit/stay and
down/stay commands are also getting very reliable. "At long distances, and
with us being out of sight and with distractions around, she'll be waiting
with anticipation until I give her the 'ok" command. She comes bolting
towards me as fast as she can, then sits down in front of me." Alas, Ginger
didn't get any swimming time in her beloved dog pool this week. "By the look
on her face when she saw the empty pool, I could tell that she wasn't happy
about it." But, all is not gloom and doom for Ginger, because she found that
a half-filled volleyball was quite fun! "She will lay over on her back,
using her front paws to hold the volleyball to play with it. After chasing
it, she does her own little funny trot while shaking the ball side to side.
It's so funny!" For all of her enthusiasm about her new toy, Ginger is very
good at giving it up to her handlers when they tell her to "drop it."
Ginger's attitude towards new dogs in the program also has shown a
"tremendous change. It is clear to her that not all dogs want to play right
away and she's now respecting their space. Ginger gets along best with
Falkor." This pooch misses her handlers when they are at work or at meals.
When she's alone for awhile, they treat her with some play time and a bone
filled with peanut butter or one of her chew toys. Ginger just loves the
treat and the attention! When it's time for lights out, Ginger cuddles up to
her handlers and smiles at them, and gives them a little yip, as if saying
"thanks, guys!"
For information on adopting Ginger, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 12
Both of Ginger's handlers report that she had another good week! They were a
little stricter with her training, and they can already see improvement.
Stricter doesn' t mean that there's no fun in Ginger's life, because her
handlers are incorporating games such as monkey-in-the-middle and tag into
their training program. They will work with her one-on-one, and then work
together with her keeping her focus on one of them to improve her attention
span. "Ginger did exceptionally well! She now ignores the other trainer
completely unless given the release command of 'ok'." This pup had a really
good time practicing her "with me" command this week. "I dropped the leash,
and at a fast walk or jog, ran in different directions and quickly turned.
She had fun trying to keep up with me as close as possible, while during
every sharp turn, I would say 'with me' and she went even faster. She was
very good at this." Last week, Ginger's handlers said that they took a
personal challenge of running a mile a day. One of them reports that "I
think she is having an easier time doing all of the running than I am." Her
handlers also can't say enough about her progress with her stay and leave it
commands this week! As those of you who have been following Ginger's
progress know, she loves her doggie pool. Since we had nice weather this
week, Ginger got her wish of a nice and cooling swim! "I took her off of her
leash and she saw that the pool was filled up for her. I could see the
excitement in her eyes before she sprinted towards the pool. She executed a
perfect 'Ginger belly flop' and then laid in the pool for awhile. It was
definitely another fun-filled week with Ginger!" Here's to belly flops in a
pool you can call your very own, Ginger!
For information on adopting Ginger, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 11
Ginger's handlers have nothing but good things to say about her progress
this week. Even though the weather didn't always cooperate for their outdoor
training, Ginger took having to train indoors like a champ! "We did hiding
treats in various spots to see if she could find them. With her incredible
nose, she found them every time! We also hid a treat under one of three cups
and mixed them up...again, she was right onto them! There's no hiding a
tasty treat from this girl!" Ginger worked on her rolling over technique
this week. She now does it "quickly and with precision!" Ginger also worked
on her socialization with the new dogs who came into the program. She has
taken a liking to Falkor, but she still isn't too sure about the other
females in the program. Her handlers say, though, that "she is very capable
of integrating and getting along with other dogs." Ginger loves being
greeted by all of the inmates and staff that she meets everyday. "Every
interaction has been positive. She sits politely, walks close for pets, and
gives kisses with her tail wagging incredibly fast." Ginger's handlers have
taken a personal challenge of running a mile a day in the dog yard. Of
course, their pup takes part in their exercise regime. "She does a few laps
with us, but will soon stop to greet others at the fence, especially if
there is a lady there." Her handlers watch her every move while running, and
since she's such a loyal pup, they reward her with a game of
monkey-in-the-middle with one of Ginger's favorite red balls. "As we play
catch with her ball, she runs back and forth between us to give each of us a
playful growl. She loves chasing it, and often kicks it around like a soccer
ball with her front paws at high-pouncing speeds. She returns it by dropping
it at our feet and waits for us to hurl the ball again!" Alas, the weather
hasn't been too kind on Ginger's love to romp in her doggie pool. "It was
empty, and she would look into to it and walk into it, looking at us with a
look that says 'please fill this up!' She is so cute and has very convincing
eyes." Her other handler also said that she had a look of concern about the
chilly weather, and the fact that her pool was empty. "She makes sure to let
us know that she wouldn't mind taking a dip in the pool, even if it's not
swimming weather. So, the next warm day, we will be sure to let her have
what could be her last chance for a refreshing dip in her beloved swimming
pool." We wish that Ginger's handlers could have seen her at Borders in Camp
Hill last Saturday. They would have been very proud of her! She didn't bark
once, and she kept her four paws on the floor the whole time she was there!
Ginger showed off her obedience skills, but would also lay down for a rest
every now and again. Ginger loved all of the attention that she got, but she
particularly liked all of the children that she met. In fact, when the doors
opened, her ears would perk up and she had a look on her face that read, "is
there a little person going to come in and give me a kiss and a pet?" Ginger
is a sweetheart of a pup, and our fingers and paws are crossed that she
finds her forever family very soon!
For information on adopting Ginger, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Weeks
9 & 10
Ginger’s last couple of weeks have been both fun and educational for her!
Her handlers still take her through all of the basic commands to increase
her reliability and duration. They also worked on Ginger’s retrieving balls
and toys. “We launch her little red ball across the yard and she will chase
and return it. She’s gotten good at this and is very fast.” Ginger also
learned the “touch” command. “She will “bop” her nose against our hands. We
are still in the training phase for this, using a treat in the fingers. She
is a very quick learner, though, and an obedient listener.” Ginger is doing
“superb” with not pulling on the leash. If she starts to pull, a quick leash
correction and a “with me” command solves the problem. “A little reminder
goes a long way.” Ginger loves meeting new people, but she especially likes
females. Her handlers opine that this is likely due to the fact that she’s
in a mostly-male environment. Ginger continues to be herself – playing in
the water, sprinting around and just kicking back. “She’s such a friendly
and smart dog, we’re surprised that she’s still here.” Come back next week
to read about Ginger’s first outing as a HOPE Ambassador at Borders in Camp
Hill!
For information on adopting Ginger, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Weeks 7 & 8
Ginger has had a great couple of weeks! Margie, one of the HOPE volunteers,
took her out for a "social event" in a park. Although her handlers couldn't
be there to see Ginger in action, they loved hearing Margie's report that
"she listened to her well and played in a creek. She loves water so much!
Ginger approached and interacted with children in a safe and happy manner.
She met other female dogs and also interacted very well with them." Needless
to say, Ginger's handlers are very happy that she had such a wonderful
outing! Of course, it's not all play in the HOPE program, so Ginger also had
to work on her training exercises. Ginger worked on all of her basic
commands and has the “over” roll-over command down much better. She also
worked on her “come” command. She knew it before, but she is now able to do
it at greater distances. Like Dutch, Ginger tends to jump up on people when
greeting them, so “four paws on the floor” is a continuing homework
assignment. Her handlers say that Ginger is a very playful pup and she loves
when she’s treated to a rawhide toy. “She tosses it around and plays with
it, and chews on it in a meditative state. She is fun and loving and has a
calm demeanor. Ginger had a fantastic week and gained more friends!” Good
girl, little one!
For information on adopting Ginger, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week
6
Ginger continues to blossom! Her handlers still worked on her basic commands
this week, but added "roll over" into her homework assignments. They know
that she will grasp the concept soon, because "she is a quick learner." Our
handlers are responsible for not only training the dogs, but also for
keeping up with their standard grooming (baths and clean teeth). Miss Ginger
"hated having her teeth brushed at first. She still resists, but it is
getting easier. Hopefully with positive reinforcement, she will not mind it
soon!" Since we had such beautiful weather this week, "Ginger was herself.
She splashed in the pool, chased her favorite ball around the yard, and
played with the other dogs with supervision. Ginger is very people friendly,
loving and playful." One of her handlers says that "she also loves snuggling
against me at night. This was a great week for Ginger and she is progressing
well!"
For information on adopting Ginger, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week
5
Miss Ginger had another good week! Not only did she go over her basic
commands, she learned a couple of new things! She will sit, stay and
stay/down from a distance for about ten seconds. Ginger also practiced her
"come" command with distractions. "She did pretty well with this, but she
needs some more work on her attention span." Ginger began learning her
"back" command. She will back up a few feet and then sit down. "It's very
useful when she gets in the way of the gate, and she's learning this
quickly." Ginger does well walking on her leash without pulling most of the
time. When she does start pulling, a minor leash correction and a "with me"
or "heel" command brings her back to her handlers' sides. This pup also
knows that she must sit and wait before going through doorways or going in
and out of her cell. Ginger continues to work on being a polite lady while
playing with her pack mates. Sometimes, she will still play a little rough
with some of the dogs, but she listens when her handlers correct her. Ginger
is interacting very well with the humans in her world. "She'll go down the
line of inmates waiting to go to activities and will let them pet her. She
gives kisses, shakes "paw", and sits by them, all without jumping on them.
She is a very good dog with people." Ginger is an Esther Williams in the
making, because she LOVES swimming and playing in the water. Her handlers
filled up one of the doggie pools in the yard one day. "Ginger ran
full-speed and literally dove into the pool and made a huge splash! She did
donuts and chased her tail in the pool, splashing everywhere. She also likes
playing with tennis or soccer balls in the water." Her handlers say that
"Ginger is a very mellow, loving and caring dog. She loves to cuddle, and
have her neck scratched and her back petted. She also loves her bouncing
rubber toys and her rawhide." Miss Ginger has really come a long way in the
program in just a few weeks. We couldn't be more proud of her and her
handlers!
For information on adopting Ginger, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 4
Ginger comes out of her shell a little more each week and this week was no
exception. With each passing day, she gains more confidence and begins
to trust her friends a bit more. Ginger has made friends with all of
the other dogs in the program and thoroughly enjoyed her "off leash" class
this week. She did beautifully with all of the different handlers and
was the class superstar this week. She is becoming more social and
less distracted. Her handlers have made incredible progress with her
and it shows in the happy dog that is emerging!
For information on adopting Ginger, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 3
In the last week, Ginger has made many small improvements! The biggest
improvement was that she was off-leash and played nicely with Cody in the
yard. Although this cutie sometimes still gets distracted at times, Ginger
is doing much better with her on-leash walking. She is also doing well with
her basic commands, such as her sit/stay (she can hold a stay for about
15-20 seconds until given the "okay" command...not bad for a girl who is so
new to the program)! Next week, Ginger will be introduced to the fine art of
"rolling over" and will continue to work on focusing on her handlers. They
have been walking her through the block when there are a lot of people
present, and Ginger doesn't seem bothered by it at all! As a result, Ginger
has many new friends at the prison, and she loves the attention that she
receives! Good girl, sweet Ginger!
For information on adopting Ginger, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 2
Ginger's handlers say that "so far, so good. Ginger is a pleasure to work
with. She is very well behaved in our cell and seems to enjoy keeping us
company." They are working on her basic commands frequently and "she
responds very well." Her sit, stay, shake and lay commands came very easily
to her, so now Ginger is working on her "call backs" and "stay" from a short
distance. Her handlers worked with her basic commands and pulling in the dog
runs when a few other dogs were in the next run. "She did well with
occasional distractions. It was not difficult to get her attention back to
us." Ginger is still pulling on her leash most of the time, but when she's
alone with her handlers, she does much better. "It seems she is becoming
comfortable and realizes when we are going to the yard. That excitement
leads to strong pulling, so this is something we will have to work on next
week." Ginger shares all of her things nicely. "She has even given up
a bone with some peanut butter on it and sat patiently until one of her
handlers returned the bone to her." Of course, she was rewarded for her good
behavior! She is also gentle when given treats and is hand-fed her kibbles.
Ginger is learning to become a member of her pack. Her handlers report that
she did great when she and Duke received treats at the same time. "Ginger is
definitely showing improvement and we think that she will continue to do
so."
For information on adopting Ginger, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 1
Ginger's handlers report that after one day, she was excited, but anxious to
start her new journey into the program! They started off by giving her a
bath (which she didn't mind at all), and then they introduced her to the
common areas at the prison. Understandably, Ginger is still getting used to
her new surroundings, but she's coming along quite nicely! She's learning
that her crate is a "nice space", and she already knows her "sit pretty"
command without distractions from the other folks on the block. Although
Ginger has warmed up to her handlers, she's still not too sure about
becoming part of her pack just yet. That's okay, Ginger, it's your first
week! This pup can be particular about who is around her food, but her
handlers are working on that issue as well. Ginger has shown her playful
self by romping in the doggie yard and having a grand time with the toys
that her handlers have given her. "We are looking forward to helping Ginger
in every way we can! So far, she's a wonderful dog!"
For information on adopting Ginger, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
UPDATE - 8/10/10
Ginger is getting ready to head to the big house today. She will
be coming in for a refresher course on the basics and a confidence boost.
She is a sweetheart of a dog and we can't wait to work with her. Ginger
is a four year old Lab/Shiba Inu mix and is available for
adoption through Animal Rescue Inc.
For information on adopting Ginger, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.