 A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance
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Oliver
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
For Oliver's last journal entry, we thought there were no better words than
those of his handlers:
"This week, Oliver spent more time in the snow. He just loves running, playing and eating the snow. He is leaving on Friday and we're really going to miss him from the minute he leaves. I feel he came a long way and wish we had more time with him. But, we know it's his time to have his own family and be loved. We learned a lot from Oliver and know he learned from us. We're gonna miss him..."
"I just wanted to say that Oliver was my first dog and I couldn't have asked for a better dog. I learned a lot from him that will help me when the next one comes. I just wanted to say thank you for giving me this chance and know that he will be very good."
Thanks to everyone who pitched in to give Oliver another chance. If ever there was a dog who was deserving of a cheering section and a team of supporters, it's Oliver. He has been through so much and still has such a sweetness and innocence about him. Be good, Oliver!
For information on adopting Oliver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Mack Justin Mason Rufus Isis Shiloh Molly Grant Tucker
Weeks 8 & 9
Oliver continued to work on his sit, stay, down, paw and focus techniques
this week. He did very well in last week's class showing our professional
trainer just how far he's come since being back at the big house! His
handlers take Oliver out to play in the snow, and "that's something he
enjoys doing a lot!" This pup's new Dad works at the prison, and Oliver gets
to visit him in his office and also play outside with him! His handlers
report that "we think he's ready for his new home, and will do very good
there." As the saying goes, Oliver, three times is the charm!
For information on adopting Oliver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Mack Justin Mason Rufus Isis Shiloh Molly
Weeks 6 & 7
"Oliver is doing very well." He's been working on his "attention" and "watch
me" exercises, and he has really caught onto the training! "We want to have
his attention skills strong, because Oliver will do anything if his
attention is on us." This pup thinks that Mack is a great companion in the
dog yard. Although he can get a little rambunctious, the two of them have a
lot of fun together! He's also learning that Molly and Shiloh will be his
friends! Oliver is never short of human friends on the block! "He always
gets visitors throughout the day. That is great for him, and we don't mind.
This dog is a big teddy bear and always comes up to lay in the bed. I think
that he copies me, because when in my bunk, he puts his head next to mine on
my pillow. When he's in his crate, he rolls his blanket in a ball, shoves it
into the corner, and then lays down on it like it's a pillow. He has been
learning more every day, and is doing very good." Way to go, Oliver!
For information on adopting Oliver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Mack Justin Shelby Rufus Isis Shiloh Molly
Week 5
Oliver's handlers say that he's doing well with his commands. He still needs
some work in some areas, but he's coming along just fine! He sometimes wants
treats to nudge him along the path, but his handlers are working to wean him
off of them during his training sessions. This pup loves his outdoor time to
run, play fetch and to burn off his energy! Oliver obtained a furlough to
attend the Meet and Greet and Borders in Camp Hill last weekend. It's been
almost two years since his last visit there, and he was a champ! He loved
meeting everyone who came through the door, and they loved him! "Oliver is a
really friendly dog, and he needs a good home. If you want a dog to keep you
company, he is your dog. Oliver is so laid back. He'll lay on your lap and
watch TV with you." Yes, he's a big boy, but that only means that Oliver has
more room in his heart to give you his love! We HOPE you find your FOREVER
home soon, sweet pup!
For information on adopting Oliver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Mack Justin Shelby Falkor Tia Isis Shiloh Molly
Week
4
Oliver's handlers report that they worked on his listening skills this week,
and that he's "coming around faster and faster" each day. His touch it, and
"out of sight" commands still need some work, but they know that he'll learn
them in no time! Oliver also has no trouble listening to the other handlers
in the program! When they're done with their "important work" (training)
Oliver's main handlers both have a lot of fun with him in the yard. "He
loves to run around and play a lot. When he comes back into our cell, he
lays right down in his crate and sleeps. Overall, things are going good. We
both love Oliver a lot."
For information on adopting Oliver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Mack Justin Shelby Falkor Tia Isis Shiloh
Week 3
Oliver's handlers worked on his homework assignments this week and were very
pleased with his progress! His downs went from "very good to great!" His
sit/stays at 5 feet were easy for him! Oliver's down/stays were so good at 5
feet, that his handlers say that "he's ready for more!" Even his leave its
went from "he needs work" to "he's doing great!" Oliver's walking on loose
leash still needs some work when he's distracted, but "he's doing great most
of the time!" Walking on heel is his handlers' goal, so that's what they
will be concentrating on next week. Everyone at the prison continues to be
enamored with Oliver. He has such a sweet smile and happy disposition! Keep
up the good work, you loveable lug!
For information on adopting Oliver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Mack Justin Shelby Falkor Tia Isis Shiloh
Week 2
Oliver's handlers worked on his basic commands this week. He's doing great,
but he still has a little way to go. His handlers have found that Oliver can
be a little stubborn, but he's starting to understand that he can't act like
he doesn't hear them! One thing that Oliver is definitely grasping is that
he has to sit before his handlers put on his leash. If he doesn't sit for
them, he doesn't get to go out. "Oliver is starting to sit faster every
time!" This pup loves playing fetch and running around in the yard! His
handlers have been mixing play time with their training sessions, which
makes it fun for both them and Oliver! "He's such a happy dog. He loves his
crate, he loves his toys and likes to climb up on our beds to lay down with
us. In the mornings, he's happy to see us get up, because he knows it's time
to go outside. When he sees one of us putting on our shoes, he's right there
waiting. He is really friendly with everyone on the block, and loves to be
petted. He is well-liked by a lot of people here!" Way to go, Oliver!
For information on adopting Oliver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Mack Justin Shelby Falkor Tia Isis Shiloh
Week 1
Although we are saddened that circumstances brought Oliver back to the
program, we are heartened by his handlers' first report about their new pup.
"This week, we got Oliver and he's wonderful! Both of us can't wait to go
outside to train and play with him. He bonded to us so quickly, it feels
like we've known him forever!" Although Oliver's handlers didn't want to
push him right away with his homework assignments, they report that they
couldn't help but want to work with him. "His training is going very well.
The first day, I noticed he pulled a little but he caught on that he gets
nowhere if he pulls. His commands were bad at first, but he's sitting, doing
his downs and staying already...plus, we did a couple 'rolls' with him, and
he will give us his paw." What a star! Oliver loves to sleep on one of his
handler's beds and hang out with his cellies. "Also, he loves his crate. He
goes in it and rolls around, playing with his toy. I don't know why he goes
in there because his crate is always open when we're in the cell. I guess
it's his spot." Since this pup has already been around the block twice in
his life, his socialization skills are "going great. Everyone loves him! We
have him in the dayroom at night with everyone out walking around, letting
him learn how to deal with different situations. He just follows us around,
getting lots of praise from us for being so good. He is very calm around
everyone and doesn't get nervous." Oliver did get a little protective of his
cell one day...nothing major...he just wanted people to know that it was his
space. Since Oliver likes to have people take hold of his leash, his
handlers are having some of the other handlers come to their door, take his
leash, and walk him out onto the tier. They think this will help Oliver
realize that people coming to his cell is a good thing. This pup is also
receiving "highly-valued treats" from inmates not in the program to help
with his socialization. After just a few days being in his presence, his
handlers say that "Oliver is great!"
For information on adopting Oliver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Ginger Georgie Justin Shelby Falkor Tia Isis Shiloh
UPDATE 11-22-10
Oliver has had quite a hard knock life. When he first came to us over
two years ago, he was terribly malnourished, had a collar embedded in his
neck and had suffered years of abuse at the hands of his former owner.
After a little more than two months in the program, he was adopted only to
be returned less than a week later when the couple decided that they could
no longer commit to having a dog. Another five weeks in the program
and Oliver met another couple. This adoption would last just over a
year and a half before coming to an abrupt end when they made the choice to
return him rather than work with him. Even Oliver's rescue has turned
away from him rather than stand with him through this latest disappointment.
Through it all, Oliver has somehow managed to maintain a wonderfully happy disposition. Returning to the prison was a little like a homecoming for him. Everyone was happy to see him from the officers at the gate to the captain on rounds to the staff and inmates on the cell block. He took to his two new handlers right away and was more than happy to be lounging on their bed within an hour of his arrival. People are always a little taken aback by the shear size of Olive, but are almost always won over by his sweet and friendly personality. We have no doubt that Oliver's perfect match is out there somewhere. Someone who will commit to him for the rest of his life so that he never again has to wonder why his safety net is being ripped from under him. Someone who will love him and train him in equal measure so that he can be the dog we all know he can be. We believe in Oliver and his capacity for good. We're saddened by those who have cast him aside, but know there is something better for him just around the bend. We behind you all the way, Oliver!
For information on adopting Oliver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Cocoa Chi Chi Ginger Georgie Justin Shelby Falkor Tia Isis Shiloh
Week 18
After the longest prison stay in HOPE Program history, Oliver
was paroled again on Sunday! We HOPE that he enjoys a lot of "lap time" with
his new family! This loveable lug will bring love and joy to those who love
him back! Enjoy your new home, Oliver! We'll miss you!
Week 17
It's just a waiting game now for Oliver. He continues
to work on his skills every week, he thoroughly enjoys his playtime with his
doggie pals and just adores his handler. He's the most popular boy on
the cell block because he's so incredibly friendly! Everyone just
loves this boy. He had an opportunity to meet some very special people
this week so we have all of our fingers, toes and paws crossed that this
will be the home he has been waiting for.
Week 16
Oliver continues to show everyone just how fabulous a 90
pounds, big lug of a dog can be. He is so pleasant to be around and
everyone who meets him can't get over his incredibly sweet disposition.
Despite his size, he s thoroughly convinced that he is a lap dog. When
it's TV time in the evening, he snuggles right up to his handler and settles
in for the newest episodes of his favorite shows. During the day, he
is all about playtime with his doggie friends. He and Razor and Cosmo
could play and tug and wrestle for hours! He looks out for Lily too
and is helping her to come out of her shell and discover the wonderful
surprises that are usually just out of sight in human pockets...bologna,
cheese, biscuits!! We've received a lot of phone calls and emails
about Oliver over the last couple of weeks, but just haven't found the
perfect match yet. If he looks like the boy for you, please be in
touch so you can meet this special boy!
Week 15
Oliver's handler says that everything is status quo. Oliver
loves playing with his new pack! His jumping on people is still improving!
This week he and Cosmo had a ball in the doggie yard! He and Cosmo love to
play tug, wrestle and just chase each other. They'll play for as long as
their handlers will allow them to do so! Oliver just stands and watches as
Cosmo tries to pull him on the rope [Cosmo is about 1/2 Oliver's size].
Oliver looks at Cosmo as if to say "is this all you can do?" Then he and
Cosmo have the times of their lives seeing who is better at tug-the-rope!
Both Oliver's and Cosmo's handlers really enjoy watching them romp and play
with each other!
Keep playing nice and working on your skills, Oliver!
Week 14
Oliver's handler is working on him with just getting back to
basics. Oliver is doing much better with walking on-leash than he ever did!
His handler is working on his recall, because that is what he feels Oliver
needs to focus on most right now. Oliver has settled in with the new
pack! He plays with and likes them all...although Razor is his new best
buddy this week! Oliver has also been very good about showing no resource
guarding with his toys!
One of the other handlers noted about Oliver that "as one hundred pound,
exuberant dogs go, Oliver is a good one---truly a tenderhearted fellow
beneath the fur and sinew." Paws crossed that someone truly sees your
potential, Oliver!
UPDATE 2-5-09
Oliver just finished up his first week back at the big house. Sadly
for him, his forever home turned out to have a terribly different idea of
the definition of "forever" than we do. After just a few days, they
decided that they were no longer ready to make good on the lifetime
commitment that they promised to Oliver. In less than a week, Oliver
returned to his handler at the prison. He was welcomed back with lots
of ear scratches, tummy rubs and a few special treats from the mess hall.
It's very troubling for all of us when this happens. Despite our best screening efforts, people still manage to manipulate their way into getting what they want with little regard for the living creature who will suffer from their lack of commitment. People say that they're "just animals." But they're not "just animals." They're wonderful creatures that we're lucky enough to share our days with. Loving, trusting dogs who can't help but think the best of the people we entrust them to. Gentle souls who aren't capable of the sort of deception and self-centered motives to which humans are so often susceptible. Despite the disruption of Oliver's short-lived adoption, he has settled back into life at the jail with ease. He adores his new best friend, Cosmo, and is thoroughly enjoying the company of his handler once again. Please...if you are considering adopting one of our dear, canine friends, make sure that it is with the rest of their life in mind. It is so unfair to rip them from their current environments only to disrupt their lives again when convenience overtakes compassion. Oliver deserves the love of people who will keep him safe and truly make him a part of the family If that sounds like you, we encourage you to watch his progress over the next few weeks and submit an application.
Week 13
Oliver had a very big week! First the Meet and Greet at Borders last
Saturday, and then to his new home on Friday! His handlers continued to work
on his leash training and no-jumping this week. Oliver was much, much better
at no-jumping (as seen at Borders), and he came a long way with his walking!
Sometimes he pulled a bit, but sometimes he didn't pull at all...another big
accomplishment for Oliver! His recall still needs some improvement. Oliver
knows his name, but if he's busy doing something (like playing), he won't
listen when you call him.
We're sure that your new parents will give you a lot of love and attention
in your forever home, Oliver! Be well, you loveable lug!
Week 12
Oliver’s handlers have been working on his jumping this week with the other
handlers, and Oliver’s doing better! He’s getting along fine with almost all
of the other dogs. Oliver had a big day on Saturday at the Meet and Greet at
Borders in Camp Hill! He decided his role was to be the official greeter
when the customers came in, and he did a great job...AND he was very good at
no-jumping! He loved all of the attention and pets that he got! He was very
gentle with everyone...including one very small person (Oliver was bigger
than he was)! When the boy’s mother stood him up in front of Oliver, he went
up, gave the little one a sniff and a big smooch! We discovered that Oliver
also is quite the lady’s man! He gravitated toward the women-folk and really
put on the charm! He was rewarded with a lot of oohs, aahs, and more pets!
Toward the end of the Meet and Greet, one of the charmed women-folk was
standing and offering Oliver a treat. He actually got up on the chair at our
table, and sat nice for her to get his reward! It really was something to
see! We hope that this loveable boy finds his forever home soon! Paws
crossed, Oliver!
Week 11
Oliver is still pulling a little while walking on-leash, but he is getting
much better! He also is getting much, much better around the other dogs! He
still has some things to improve on, but Oliver has really come a long way
since he first entered the program!
Oliver loves attention! He will get up on the bed and curl up with his
handlers every chance that he gets! He also loves to go out and play ball!
He waits until his handlers are ready to grab the ball, and then off he
goes! He doesn’t want to chase the ball, he wants his handlers to chase him!
What a silly boy! Is there someone out there willing to give Oliver
lots of hugs, and play fetch “his way”? Paws crossed, Oliver!
Week 10
Oliver is doing A LOT better at not pulling on-leash this week, and is
learning to understand how to act around Ozzy! Oliver is on medication for
his fur, and his coat is improving as a result!
Oliver and Mitzie had a ball this week! At first, he would chase her around,
and then she was "back at you", Oliver! The handlers loved watching little
Mitzie chase this loveable lug around the yard! Oliver can still get a
little rambunctious during playtime, but his handlers are working with him
so that he can learn to play nicely with the small and large dogs alike!
You go, Oliver! We're rooting for you!
Week
9
Oliver has come a long way since he first arrived. He has learned his
size, which is probably the most important thing, and he's learned
boundaries for what's acceptable to both people and dogs. He is
extremely well behaved in the house. He's been housetrained since
nearly day one, loves to spend quiet time in his crate and get enough
snuggle time in the evening watching television with his handlers.
This is one area in which he completely forgets his size and considers
himself to be a lap dog. Oliver is one of the sweetest, good natured
dogs we've ever come to know in this program. He loves to be petted
and will go t the ends of the earth to do whatever he thinks it is you want
him to do. He is a loyal and loving friend and anyone would be lucky
to call him a part of their family!
Week 8
Oliver’s no-pulling on leash is coming along great! Although he is improving
with his “stay” commands at a short distance, he still has some trouble from
bigger distances. His handlers are working to improve that as well! He is
also learning that it’s not always play time! When it IS play time,
Oliver does very well with the smaller dogs! He and Sadie had a ball playing
in the doggie yard the other day, before Sadie left the "big house" for her
forever home!
You're doing a great job with your skills, Oliver!
Week 7
Oliver is doing better not pulling while walking on-leash, although he still
tends to do that when he first goes out to the doggie yard. He has learned
to play very nicely with all of the little dogs! Ozzy is back in the
program, and the two of them get a “little nuts” when they see each other.
Oliver’s handlers realize that he is more the cause of the “nuttiness”, and
they are working hard to work to fix the problem so that he and Ozzy can
learn to co-exist more peacefully in their environment. Overall,
Oliver is making progress! You keep up the good work, big boy!
Week 6
Oliver
misses his friend, Tina, but he’s learning to play with the other dogs.
Because of his size, it might take a little while for them to truly be a
pack, but his handlers are working to make it happen! He’s doing much
better with his leash manners! Although he still pulls, he has made great
strides since entering the program! Oliver also still gets very excited when
he sees one of his human playmates. He thinks that it’s playtime and tends
to jump up on them. His handlers are working to curb his enthusiasm in that
department and teach him to keep all four paws on the ground when saying
hello! You’re learning, Oliver. We’re rooting for you!
Oliver also
went on a very special field trip this week. Oliver headed out for a
visit with some wonderful kids so we could see how he handled himself around
the younger variety of humans. He was an A+ student and did an
incredible job with Morgan and Jake. They each walked him on the
leash, took toys from his mouth, gave him treats, ran him through his
commands and played with him. He was so gentle and careful and was
every bit the wonderful boy we knew he was! He was also an excellent
passenger in the car...once the trainer got out! He really wanted to
ride in the passenger seat and once he got there, he was just as well
behaved as anyone could hope for. This gentle giant deserves a
wonderful home where he can show off all of his newly learned skills!
Week 5
Oliver and Tina had a ball this week. The two of them can play
together for hours on end and never tire of each other's company.
Oliver is also beginning to master the art of playing with small dogs.
He and Sadie had some wonderful off-leash play sessions together.
Oliver is such a sweet boy. He is just a lovable puppy in a giant
body. This week he was practicing his "wait" command. He was
getting really good at it by the end of the week so his handlers decided to
up the ante. Each day when they went to play together in the big yard,
Oliver's assignment was to sit and wait nicely for his favorite soccer ball.
He did extremely well and had so much fun when he was given his reward.
He would run around the yard playing with the soccer ball as if it was the
best toy he'd ever received. He's an adorable boy who has been through
so much. We're really hoping to help him find a home for the holidays
where he can start fresh and have the life he's always deserved.
Week 4
Oliver got to play with a new friend this week - Sadie!! Oliver has
been practicing his self control over the last few weeks and learning to
behave appropriately around other dogs. Due to his painful past, he
had trouble at the beginning believing that the pack was full of friends not
foes. That's is often a side effect from a life on a chain. But,
Oliver is coming along nicely and learning to play safely with his new
doggie friends. He already plays very nicely with Tina, but they're
roughly the same size. He has had to learn a new way of playing with
the smaller kids and he shined this week while playing with Sadie. He
loves to play when he's outside and has become quite a snuggle-bug when he's
inside. He loves to curl up on the bed and watch television with his
handlers. This week, his homework will be leash manners. Good
luck, Oliver. You're doing great!!
Week 3
To look at Oliver, you might think he's be a rambunctious, tough cookie and
you wouldn't be more wrong! Oliver is an old soul and it's been
absolutely wonderful getting to know him. He is a quiet boy who loves
his crate and his "house." He likes to run and has just discovered toy
balls this week and LOVES them! Because of his terrible past, he's
still learning that safety and kindness are now everyday things that he can
always rely on. When he received his first toys, he wanted to keep
them all to himself for fear that if he gave them up he'd never get them
back. Thanks to the patience and consistent training of his handlers,
he is now learning that giving up a toy always results in getting a nice
treat - AND - he always gets the toy back, too!! This type of positive
training is essential for a dog like Oliver who needs to be built up again
after being completely broke down by his former owners. He really
enjoys spending time with people and everyone comments on what a gentle
giant he is. He gets along with all of his handlers, both regular and
new. His trust level builds with ach passing day which makes it a joy
to work with him and help him learn. He's also taking a daily
supplement for his coat which has done wonders for him!! He's shiny
and soft and wonderful to hug and snuggle. We are all smitten with
this sweet boy and just know that you will be too!
Week 2
Oliver had a wonderful week. This boy is definitely one to watch.
e has such a gentle demeanor and a genuine love for people. Despite
his very difficult past, he doesn't hold a grudge and is still willing to
see the best in people and offer the benefit of the doubt. He gave
agility a try this week and had a pretty good time doing it. He
especially liked walking over the hurdles. He'll move on to jumping
later, but he was an absolute star at the walking part! What a doll!!
Week 1
After just a few days, Oliver settled right into the routine at the prison.
He is already housebroken and is calm and settled in his crate. He's
already beginning to learn some of the basics of his obedience training and
we have high hopes for this boy. He's not a huge fan of the other dogs
so far, but his handlers are doing a lot of practice with him so that he can
learn to enjoy being part of the pack - or at least ignore them!
UPDATE
- 10/22/08
Oliver headed to the big house today. He's a
sweet boy who had a terrible start to life. He came to us as a stray,
but judging from the condition that he was in, his life had not been easy.
But, everything gets better from here. His foster mom says he is just
a dear soul and she's excited for him to get a fresh start in the HOPE
Program. Stay tuned for his progress!
Hounds of Prison Education
A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance