A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance
	Phoenix (formerly Bubba)   I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you about myself.  My name is Phoenix.  I'm 3 years old and I've come a long way from my birth place of Mississippi. When I was rescued by Above & Beyond English Setter Rescue, it was something that was going to change me for the rest of my life.  I'm a purebred English Setter and I'm white with brown markings.  My handler tells me that I'm his pretty boy, but I'd rather be called handsome.  Before the HOPE Program, I really didn't know what life was all about.  My life consisted of being tied out without very much interaction.  After a long trip with several stops, I finally got to my final destination...the Camp Hill Prison in Camp Hill, PA.  I couldn't figure out what I had done wrong to deserve this.  All I knew was that I was scared, more scared than I had ever been before and I knew I didn't want to be here. What I didn't know was that prison is supposed to be a bad place.  A place where the people are mean and certainly not a place where a dog should be.  But guess what, for the first time I experienced what it was like to be loved.  My handler made the change and showed me what it was like to be a wholesome, complete dog.  I had figured that being a dog was just that, being a dog.  I didn't know how to sit, lay or any of that stuff.  My handler said that these are commands, but I still call them stuff.  I didn't know that people could be so much fun to be with.  I really didn't trust them that much before I came here.  Oh yeah, my handler said it isn't important, but I figure I better tell you anyways...I'm deaf.  I'm not sure what that means, but I know it doesn't make any difference to my handler or any of the other people that I have met in here. As far as other animals are concerned, I really didn't like the other dogs when I first met them.  My handler kept coaching me, he never forced me.  He just kind of asked me to try.  I didn't know that being with other dogs could be so much fun!  Now I guess I'm one of the pack.  There's Diesel, he's the big one.  He's white with a brown face and brown tail.  Then there's Reggie, a little mutt, kind of two-toned brown.  He's a little pushy but nice and he was also the first friend I made here.  Then there's Adena.  She's a beautiful springer spaniel.  This is now my dog pack and according to my handler I fit right in.  We all go out in the big yard and have fun chasing each other and playing.  I didn't know what playing was but I'm glad I know now because it's a lot of fun. As far as sitting and that other stuff I was telling you about, well, I can do that now.  I sit, lay, give either paw and come back when asked.  I'm still not great on a leash yet, but my handler told me not to worry about it.  He said I'm doing fine and it won't be long before I'm completely leash trained...whatever that means. Guess what else I've learned!  For the first time, the very first time, I have finally come to know and love people.  I had no idea they could be so nice and so kind.  My handler assures me that from here on out it's going to like that.  He also said that whoever gets me is receiving a very precious gift.  I don't know about all that, but I do know that I would love to find a home.  Hot a house, a HOME where someone will treat me like I'm now being treated.  In return, I promise to love and obey them.  I now have the confidence that I lacked because I now have the knowledge that I never had before.  If you're interested in adopting me, I'd be so pleased to meet you and show you just how nice I am.  Thank you for listening and I'd like to thank the nice people at A & B, HOPE and the DOC for giving me this second chance at a  new life. Sincerely, Phoenix
	Hounds of Prison Education A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance