 A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance |
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Hercules
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 ║ Week 28
ADOPTED!!!
Week 22
Herc worked on his homework every afternoon this week. His handler continued
to focus on his watch, sit and walking while on a loose leash, "and he has
done great with all of them!" Herc really enjoys playing in the yard in the
evenings and receiving the pets that he gets from his friends on the block.
We know that you'll get plenty of pets from your new parents, Herc! Enjoy
your new home, sweet boy! We know that they will love you as much as
everyone who has had the pleasure to meet you!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Chi Chi Dutch Cocoa Todd Duke Justin Casey
Week 21
Herc had an extra special week this week. We've known for a long time
that there was a special home that would be just perfect for Hercules and
this week they were lucky to find each other! Hercules will be heading
home very soon!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Chi Chi Dutch Cocoa Todd Duke Justin Casey
Week 20
This week, Herc not only worked on his recalls and basic commands, he
continued to excel with his two new tricks! Herc's "with me" command is
still a work in progress, as is his food guarding issue, but his handler
continues to diligently work with him to succeed. "Herc REALLY likes the
doggie pool! He continues to love "bobbing for treats," and when it's really
hot, he'll roll around in it. Herc has earned himself a new nickname! Some
of our handlers call him Elmer Fudd because he likes sniffing out those
"silly wabbits" in the yard! "Overall, Herc is doing great, and he still
runs up to everyone he sees for a pet." As Margie reported after her field
trip with Herc the other week, "this boy is a gem!"
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Chi Chi Dutch Cocoa Todd Duke Justin Casey
Week 19
Herc is honing his skills not only by continuing to go over the commands
that he's already mastered, but by learning a couple of new tricks this
week. His handler says that this pup is so smart that "he already has them
down." With the hot weather that we've been having, Herc learned a new game
this week. It's called "bobbing for treats." The handlers set up the doggie
pools in the yard, and Herc thinks that burying his cute little muzzle into
the water to retrieve his prize is quite fun! "He loves doing that! Overall,
Herc is doing great." We can only imagine the smile that Herc gave his
handler when he succeeded in retrieving his toy from the pool! Keep up the
good work, sweet boy!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Chi Chi Cocoa Todd Justin Casey
Week 17 & 18
Herc continued to work on his stay, sit, down and recall commands this week,
and he showed his handler just how accomplished he is when going through his
drills! Herc craves attention, and is so friendly that he wants to be loved
by everyone on the block. He still needs some work on leash-pulling, and not
jumping on people when he meets them, so his handler is going to concentrate
on those areas this week. Herc had a great time at Borders in Camp Hill on
Saturday! The more people he met, the more kisses he doled out! Because he's
a pit mix, some people were a bit leery when they first met him. When one of
the HOPE volunteers started saying "be careful," there was a bit of
hesitance in them. When she ended the sentence with "Herc loves to give
kisses," they all said "I love doggie kisses!" and let Herc smooch away!
This sweet boy has made so much progress in the program, and he continues to
endear himself to all who meet him! Herc is a special boy, who is waiting
for someone to accept his sweet "gargoyle" face into their home and to
receive his signature Herc kisses! Could that be you?
Field Trip Alert: Herc and I had a blast on Friday!
He's such a good boy and just loves everyone. He even made leaving the
prison a social event. As we were walking thru the yard, a couple of
non-handler inmates stopped us and asked if they could pet him. Of course
Herc obliged and then a couple of prison staff came by and wanted to know if
this was Hercules and of course the boy just basked in all the attention and
pets. Once we made it out of the prison, we headed over to the trails at
Messiah College. I put Herc on the long lead and after the first 5 minutes
he hardly ever went out to the end - he would take about 10 steps and then
stop and turn just to make sure I was coming. He did this just about the
entire walk and I kept praising him every time he turned to look at me. If
he stopped to sniff something and I called him to come, he was quick to
respond. We practiced the wait command and after a few times of stepping on
the leash, he got the idea and did real well with that command. We also
practiced some stays. This was admittedly hard for him but he did OK and I
know he will get better with practice. At one point we both heard some
rustling in the brush and Herc the hunter went on alert. His ears were
forward, tail was up and he pounced. All 4 legs tucked in, he left the
ground and came down. Whatever it was escaped, but what a funny sight. I
told him he'd have to work on his technique. Herc also discovered the joys
of wading in the creek. After he did it once, he started running down to
the bank's edge and wading in at every opportunity.
After our walk, it was time for refreshment. We headed over to Bruster's.
Everyone there thought he was adorable. For the most part, he met people
very politely - he either sat or laid down. Herc got a doggie cup and we
went over to one of the benches. I put the cup next to me and Herc of course
went right for it. I told him he couldn't have that but instead he could
have the ice cream from a spoon. He was fine with that and so was spoon fed
the entire cup. I don't know if Herc had ever had ice cream before but at
one point when I looked down at him, his ears were relaxed back, his eyes
were nearly shut and he was licking away. I'm pretty sure he thought this
was doggie heaven. After he finished, he hopped up on the bench with me and
we just sat and enjoyed watching the people.
On the way back to the prison, we stopped to see Linda. She invited us in
to meet her office mates - she wanted to show him off. Again he met every
one politely with no jumping. Then it was back to the prison. As we got to
the front door, there was a group of people going in and another coming
out. Hercules again was a hit and made sure everyone got an opportunity to
pet him.
This boy is a gem. Whoever is lucky enough to finally adopt him is going to
have so much fun!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Chi Chi Cocoa Todd Justin Casey
Week 16
Herc has been getting a lot of special attention from one of our handlers.
"He knows all of his commands, and his attitude is really good!" Although
Herc's not jumping up on people as much, that training is still a work in
progress. This handler believes that Herc is ready to be paroled to a family
where he will be the only dog. This sweetheart of a pup always has a smile
for people who give him affection. Is there a family out there who will give
Herc a chance to work with them and dazzle them with his cute smiles? We
HOPE so!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Chi Chi Cocoa Todd Justin Casey
Week 15
Herc continues to make progress each day! His handlers concentrated on his
long recalls this week and "he did an outstanding job!" Herc's leash manners
are still a work in progress, but his handlers will patiently continue to
reinforce the commands until he walks nicely by their side each and every
time they head out onto the block. He also worked on his basic commands,
with and without treats. Herc continues to love the people on the block and
he can't wait to see his friends and get pets from them! "He is very
loveable. He loves to cuddle and always be around someone. He also loves
peanut butter. Herc is going to make someone a great addition to their
family." We couldn't agree with your handlers more, Herc!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Chi Chi Cocoa Todd Justin Casey
Week
14
Hercules had a very good week with his training! He still thinks that the
"down" command means that it's time to play, but his "stays" at long
distances are coming along famously! Herc continues to be a social butterfly
and wants anyone and everyone to pet him. Herc went to the Dogs' Day
in the Park event last Sunday, and had a wonderful time! We're sure that his
handlers were pleased with the reports they got from the HOPE volunteers on
how well he behaved. Admittedly, Herc had moments of pause with some of the
bigger dogs that he encountered, but he thought that sharing his water dish
with a couple of little Shelties was a-okay! He was such a good boy that he
was rewarded with a special hot dog treat! Herc loved showing off his
agility training at the course that was set up at the event. He also loved
showing off his "army crawl" skills, and cuddling up to the HOPE volunteers
on the blankets they laid out behind the HOPE table...so many smiles, so
many kisses, so much love to give (especially when he got his belly rubbed)!
Herc will need a dog-savvy family to continue to help him through his fears,
and give him "a lot of attention." But, as Herc showed us at Dogs' Day in
the Park, and his handlers through his training, he's a keeper! Paws crossed
that you soon find your forever family to give you all the kisses and belly
rubs you deserve, little boy!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Chi Chi Cocoa Todd Justin Casey
Week 13
Herc's handlers kept his training low-key because of his stitches. They
worked mainly on Herc's recalls and basic commands. He continues to shine
with his "sit," "down," and "stay" commands, and comes to his handlers when
they call to him. This pup also showed some improvement with his
leash-pulling and jumping up on people this week! Herc loves to get
attention, and feels that he has to greet and get pets from everyone he
sees. His handlers are working with him to meet new people, but on
their terms. Herc also loves playing with Chi Chi and Cocoa, and is starting
to accept Todd into his circle of friends. Keep up the good work,
little boy. Herc is going to the Dog's Day in the Park event on Sunday
and we can't wait to see how he does! Come back next week for the update.
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Chi Chi Cocoa Todd Lucie Casey
Week 12
Herc had a fun week last week, but the some doggie yard roughhousing sent
him to the vet late in the week. He's recovering nicely and will get
his stitches out next week. Beyond that, Herc has been practicing all
of his skills, making new friends on the cell block and getting to know
Todd. Herc is actually a little bit afraid of his new,little
tier-mate, but he's definitely warming up.
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Chi Chi Cocoa Todd Lucie Casey
Week 11
Herc's handlers spent the week reinforcing his known commands and teaching
him some new skills. Herc is doing great with his "sit," "stay," "down," and
"come" commands and he has now added "touch" into his routine! Last week,
Herc knew the latter as "here," but after learning some new techniques
during their agility training, his handlers decided to use the "touch"
command instead. Herc responded well to it..."rather quickly at that!" Herc
loves his agility training! Keep up the good work, Herc.
Field Trip Alert...Herc headed out for a field trip on Friday and had a ball. He went to the park and discovered how much fun a walk on a long line can be. He sniffed and snorted to his heart's content. He even greeted a few doggies that came his way and was a perfect gentleman with all of them. When he would get out almost to the end of the long line, he would turn back check for his friend, give her that giant Hercules smile and then head off to find a new scent to explore. After the park, he and his HOPE friend were off to Petsmart. He charmed all of the staff and sniffed every toy and treat that his nose could reach. Then, it was on to Home Depot to practice with some strange noises and strange movements. His first triumph was facing down the automatic doors, but that only took a second and then he was back to his happy self again. He loved meeting lots of new people and gave out plenty of kisses after showing off that fabulous grin of his. He was a star!!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Chi Chi Cocoa Lucie Casey
Week 10
His handlers report that "much progress was made with Herc this week!" He
responded well to the "here" and "lay down" commands with the hand signals
that one of our trainers suggested to them. Herc does better on his "lay
down" command when his handlers are more at his level, but he's getting it!
Herc's handlers were also very happy to see how he welcomed Casey into his
world! "They got along great!" Herc knows all of his basic commands, and
although sometimes he'd like to focus on other things while going through
his drills, his handlers think that he's ready to be paroled to his forever
home. Paws crossed, Herc!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Chi Chi Cocoa Lucie Casey
Week 9
Herc seemed less distracted during his training this week. His
handlers worked extensively on his "sit," "stay" and "come" commands, and
Herc was a star student! Now Herc is concentrating on his "roll over" skills
with positive results! Herc was particularly curious about Lucie when she
first entered the program. His handlers think that Herc may have picked up
on her fear when she came to the prison. The good news is, Herc is now
responding well when his handlers tell him to "leave it," and is getting
used to having Lucie in his world. Herc really misses Pumpkin now that she's
gone to her forever home. "So who knows? Maybe he and Lucie will become fast
friends!" Keep up the good work, cute boy!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Chi Chi Cocoa Pumpkin Lucie Casey
Week 8
Herc had another great week at the jail. He was head over heels for
his best pal, Pumpkin. The two of them spent hours during the nice,
sunny weather playing, romping, wrestling and generally having a blast!
Herc's training is coming along. He is working very hard on his
homework which included keeping all four paws on the ground when greeting
friends and strangers and following directions even when there are lots of
distractions around. This sweet boy is winning the hearts of everyone
at the jail with his giant head and sweet personality. Does he sound
like the right fit for you?
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Chi Chi Cocoa Pumpkin Lucie
Week 7
Herc continued to work to focus on his handlers this week and we're proud of
him! Sometimes he still became distracted while going through his commands,
but this sweet boy showed his handlers that he's an avid student! Herc
especially liked honing his agility skills. He's showed great
improvement...especially with his jumps! Herc is curious about all of the
new smells that he encounters in the yard. Herc's motto is "have nose, will
travel"...or sniff, as the case may be! Herc also had a great time playing
in the yard this week with his new-found friend, Cocoa! Keep being your
sweet self, little one!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Bronko Chi Chi Cocoa Pumpkin Lucie
Week 6
Herc got a new "cellie" this week. His two handlers worked together to make
sure that Herc has consistency in his training and this pup responded very
well to his new friend! Herc worked on his "sit," "stay," and "come"
commands first while on-leash and then at distances. Herc especially likes
training and playing with his fellow canines in the doggie yard. Chi Chi,
Pumpkin and Bronko are his favorite buddies. His new handler has off
work next week, so he plans to spend a lot of time working with Herc
outdoors. "He is a very sweet dog, loves attention and to be close to you."
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Week 5
Herc is progressing with his studies, but he's still a pup at heart.
Although he'd rather play and run, Herc has been
working hard on his leash
walking and his wait command...and he's showing improvement in both areas!
This pup is very smart, and he also showed a sly side to his personality
this week. One day while he was enjoying some outside time, Herc honed in on
his handler's treat jar. His handler wouldn't let him have it, of course, so
Herc used a diversion tactic. He knocked over his water bowl, and when his
handler and another handler went to get it, Herc grabbed the treat jar and
took off across the yard! His handler was able to retrieve the treats before
Herc had his fill of the tasty morsels. Herc's handler says that it's fun to
watch him play. "He is so fun to be around." Herc proved his handler right
at the St. Pitty's Day event at Borders in Camp Hill on Saturday. He was a
very good boy and liked standing by the door to see who he could charm next
to pet that giant, adorable head of his! Very few people could resist his
golden eyes and sweet disposition!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Week 4
Hercules is constantly in a state of joy with all of the affection,
attention and lovin' he receives from all of his new friends at the jail.
He has made several doggie friends and loves to play with them every day.
He is working hard on his obedience skills, but sometimes he just gets
overwhelmed by the other things on his radar...like the potential for
petting and snuggles. But, his handlers are working with him to
increase his attention span and hone his ability to focus. Once he
gets that under his belt, there will be no stopping this boy. Hercules
is just as sweet as they come and loves to have his belly rubbed for as long
as anyone is willing to stay.
This week, he is working on continuing to build trust with regard to his food and mastering the basic list of commands...with and without distractions. Hercules has such a good heart and you can see all over his face that he wants to please and get it right. He tries so hard and you just can't help but adore him for that. When he looks at you with those big, golden eyes and tips his giant head to the side, he is simply irresistible. It makes him a joy to train!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Week 3
"If cuteness somehow increased
the rate of adoption, Hercules would be gone, gone, gone. His crooked ear
tip does elicit all sorts of sappy emotions, and his gold-flecked eyes and
impish grin do command a hypnotic effect on the heart." Herc's trainers
continued to patiently help him this week to learn that he can trust the
hands who feed him. "He is becoming quite comfortable with enjoying cordial
meals."
Herc also got an afternoon pass to go to the Garden Expo at the Farm Show. He really enjoyed Randy Smith's space courtesy of Smith Landscape Construction, LLC! His handlers sent a list of instructions to the HOPE volunteers. Not only did it show us how much his handlers care about Herc, it helped the volunteers to monitor his behavior in a new environment After just two weeks in the program, he did really well! Herc loved the attention he got from the public at large...kisses, kisses, kisses...but he especially loved the attention he got from Randy's Smith's son, Trevor! They played fetch, and spent some quiet time on top of the stone doghouse in the exhibit. Herc didn't want to go into the doghouse, he opted to be King of the Hill (or the doghouse as the case may be) by sitting on top of the space and just taking in what he was seeing. Yes, Herc still needs some fine-tuning, but we know that in time, his gold-flecked eyes will be looking at the members of his new family.
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Week 2
"Hercules never fails to evoke a response from passersby. Although the
responses range from gargoyle to fawn, to gremlin to fox, the common
denominator is his cuteness." His handlers agree that their pup "is a cutey!"
Herc is making progress in socializing with the other dogs in the program.
They're learning to train on the block side-by-side without incident. Often
times Herc ignores his puppy compadres, but we're sure that with time he'll
enjoy being part of his pack. Although Herc is willing to share his toys and
bones, he's still not confident enough that there will always be enough food
for him so he isn't 100% ready to share his food bowl. . In an effort to
help Herc learn that he will never be hungry again and that there's no need
to protect his food, his handlers have implemented "happy hands training"
that pinpoints the problem behavior and Herc "responded wonderfully!" He now
waits patiently for his cue to eat his kibble rather than diving into his
bowl head first! Next week, Herc will be introduced to "many new hands"
during this feeding exercise to widen his circle of trust. Herc's handlers
are so pleased with his progress so far and are confident that this will
soon be a non-issue. Keep up the good work, Hercules!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Bronko Radar Cocoa Pumpkin
Week 1
Hercules' handlers report that the honeymoon period is going great and that
once again, they were instantly smitten by one of the HOPE dogs! "This is
one sweet pup." Herc, as we like to call him, is starting his training from
"ground zero." His handlers worked on building trust by reinforcing that
good things come from human hands. Herc is hand-fed his kibble while
enjoying light strokes on his face. He licks peanut butter from a bone while
his handlers hold it. Herc's handlers also hold his treats so that he must
lick and burrow his fuzzy muzzle deep into their hands. His handlers are
very pleased with his responses! "Also, out of the 150 or so folks he has
met, everyone has enjoyed his affection." After two days of week one, Herc's
handlers have noticed that he has the potential to be a chewer and a "mouther."
They'll monitor his behavior and adjust their training techniques
accordingly. Herc's handlers can't fail to mention his hypnotic, aesthetic
presence. "The warm earth tones and golden eyes are enough to melt away the
earthly woes of anyone. What's really unique, is that at three years old,
Herc has, and will forever retain the cute and cuddly appearance of a puppy:
big head, big feet, tiny body, and, we swear, the cuddliest muzzle this side
of the San Andreas fault." As a side note, Herc is already potty trained!
Relax and enjoy your new adventure, Herc!
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
UPDATE - 2/16/10
Hercules headed to the big house today to start his training. Hercules
is a sweet boy who had a very rough start. He enjoys the company of
most other dogs, but absolutely adores his people. Our best guess is that
Hercules is about three years old and is Pit Bull mix.
He is available for
adoption through
The
Dog's Den.
For information on adopting Hercules, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Hounds of Prison Education
A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance