A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance
	Rocco   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   Week 22 After a very, very, very long wait, Rocco is finally heading off to a home of his own this week.  We've loved every minute that Rocco has spent with us in the program but we couldn't be happier to see him move on and start anew with his own family.  Good luck, Rocco!   Week  21 Rocco's handler says that he's doing great.  Since Rocco has overcome all of the issues that sent him to the big house in the first place, they simply spend time review and improving his newfound skills each day so that as soon as a family comes along for him, he'll be all set and ready to go.  Mind you, Rocco has been a star student for weeks now! He's also been a wonderful ambassador to our program from nearly day one.  We know Rocco's special home is out there.  Perhaps this is just one more training exercise for all of us...patience.   Week 20 Rocco continues to be the good, loveable boy that he is! Rocco learned this week that when it's time to eat, he must sit and wait until his handler fills his bowl. After his handler tells him "okay," Rocco gets his fill of his yummy diet food! His handler says that he continues to do well with his food regimen! Rocco is very smart and picks up on new commands easily! He loves attention and has become a well-loved member of the cell block.  He's worked very hard and done his part, now it's just a matter of finding the right home.  Is it you?   Week 19 "Rocco is doing great this week!" His handler took Rocco outside in the mornings for his excercise regimen because it was so hot in the afternoons. Rocco tends to mind the heat, so some fun in the yard when it's a bit cooler is just his cup of tea! He's also continuing to work on all of his commands. Rocco attended CPAA's "Yappy Hour" event at Doc Holliday's on Tuesday! Sometimes Rocco took the name of the event to heart, and let out a few "yaps!" This mainly happened when the other dogs attending the event started to bark. It was like Rocco thought he should join the "choir!" All things considered, he did really well with keeping his "yaps" in check! He also LOVED showing off his high-fives [with both paws]! What a cutie! This little boy is still waiting for someone to realize just what a peach he is. His handler says that someone is "missing out on a great dog."   Week 18 Rocco's handler not only continues to be his handler when it comes to his commands [Rocco's "waits and "stays" are getting a lot better], he also continues to be Rocco's personal weight trainer! When this little boy first came into the program, he was so chubby, he couldn't run! Rocco's handler still has him on a diet, and continues to exercise him. Our little boy continues to "tone up" as a result! Sometimes, Rocco still gets "real excited," and when he does so, his handler puts him "in check." Overall though, Rocco is "doing great." Rocco also was at the Super Saturday event, and although he let out a few of his signature "woofs," he once again did so well in a new environment. His handler says that "he's a great dog who deserves a good home." Oh, we hope you find your good home soon, Rocco! Week 17 We wish that Rocco's handler could have seen him at the Meet and Greet at Borders! Rocco, again, was a great ambassador to the program, and was a special little boy! Not only was he the "official" greeter as the customers came into the store, he only let out a few "woofs," and listened to the HOPE volunteers when they told him "no bark!" Yeah! Rocco also did very well with not pulling on-leash! Hats off to Rocco's handler! Rocco loved showing off his "High-5" to his fans, and absolutely LOVED all of the pets and attention that he got from those who came up to the HOPE table! Rocco is such a love-bug, and we HOPE that he finds his forever home soon! Paws crossed, Rocco!     Week 16 Rocco continues to thrive! He still gets excited when he sees the HOPE volunteers, but once he meets them, he calms down. Those of you who have been following Rocco's journey know that he was overweight when he entered the program. After shedding over ten pounds and getting some much-needed exercise, Rocco has "100 times more energy and he feels better!" Rocco loves to eat, so his handler stresses that he should stay on his diet, because he will over-eat, if allowed. Rocco knows all of his commands, but will still hesitate at times to do them without treats. Ever mindful of Rocco's past weight problem, his handler now only gives him treats after two or three commands, instead of every time he performs one of them. "At this stage, Rocco is more than ready for a home! Rocco loves people. I see no problems with kids or anyone. He's very friendly and craves attention. Not once did I have any issues with him resource guarding of food or toys...Rocco will make a great family pet."       Week 15 Rocco is still doing "good!" His handler reinforced his commands this week, and Rocco enjoyed showing his block- mates his "sit," "down," "leave it," "wait," and "stay" abilities! Rocco's handler says that this little one has a lot of energy for his age! When Rocco gets "too excited," his handler will use firm commands to "keep him in check." Rocco plays well with his new doggie friend, Jonas, but he really LOVES people! He will go up to anyone who shows him attention! Rocco's handler says that he's ready for adoption, and he HOPES that someone will open their home to him soon! "He is a very loveable dog, he's very good inside, and he listens well. Someone is missing out on a great companion."     Week 14 Rocco continues to progress in his studies! His handler worked on his commands this week, and reinforced his new "no wild play" and having other people "pet and talk to him calmly" exercises. Rocco responded well! Rocco is starting to play fetch! He will get his toy and bring it back to his handler! His handler tries to keep Rocco busy because he thinks this pooch sometimes gets bored. Of course Rocco is never bored when he sees his lady-friends from the HOPE program! Rocco was front and center of attention at the Meet and Greet at Border's last Saturday! One little boy really took to him, and laid his little head on Rocco's soft fur. Rocco's handler says "He is doing great."   Week 13 Rocco had a wonderful outing at "Barks for Brusters" in Carlisle. The HOPE trainer was at the event! She put Rocco on a short leash to control his pulling and also worked with him to stifle his barking! After awhile, one of the HOPE volunteers took over Rocco's leash, and our little ambassador did very well with her! He didn't pull, and barely made a peep! Rocco's handler has implemented two exercises into Rocco's training regimen to reinforce Rocco's positive behavior with his issues. "Interaction with Rocco will be calm." "Rocco will be dealt with in a firm and consistent manner." His handler has cut him back on human interaction, and has asked his block-mates not to get Rocco "so amped up." Rocco's handler is hoping that this positive reinforcement will help Rocco learn that pulling and barking are things in his past and not in his future. Since Rocco was a good little boy at Bruster's, he was treated to a delicious dish of vanilla ice cream, topped off by a doggie treat! Rocco couldn't get enough of it! At one point, he had the dish tipped over on the ground with his nose buried in it! What a cutie! Of course, Rocco wasn't disappointed at all when Georgie decided he didn't want to eat his biscuit, since Rocco got an extra treat as a result! WHTM covered the event, and Rocco was quite the little charmer for the camera! He had a smile on his face, and he wagged his tail to beat the band! Yes, Rocco still pulls and barks at times, but these aren't issues that can't be controlled. Rocco deserves a forever family who will work with him, care for him and love him as much as we know he will love them. We HOPE that someone will see Rocco for the special pup that he is, and put in an application soon!   Week 12 Rocco and his handler kept working on his commands this week, and Rocco did well with them! He continues to love to see his HOPE buddies, but his tendency to bark is improving! Rocco's handler says that he's ready for his forever home when someone is willing to open theirs up to him! Tune in next week for the report on Rocco's trip to "Barks for Brusters" in Carlisle!   Week 11 Rocco continued to do well this week! His handler reinforced his commands, and Rocco did great with them! He also learned the meaning of "go potty" this week! Although Rocco has been house-trained since he's been in the program, he now knows the actual words! Rocco hasn't been running around or playing as much since his best bud, Cosmo, left the prison. He has started to play "tug the rope" a little with Cragger, but it's just not the same for Rocco as when he could play "tug" with Cosmo. He still shows his enthusiasm when two of the HOPE volunteers arrive at the prison! Rocco's handler thinks that he loves it when they take him places. Rocco got a day-pass to attend the Dogs' Day in the Park event in York last weekend! He was quite the little charmer with those big brown eyes of his! Rocco did really well with all of the dogs at the park (and there were a LOT of them), and he enjoyed the special treat that he got from one of the HOPE volunteers! Rocco's favorite part of the day, of course, was getting to ride in the car with one of his HOPE buddies! Our biggest wish for you, Rocco, is that one of our volunteers can give you a car ride to your forever home very soon!   Week 10 Rocco continues to do well with his commands and all of the tricks that he's been learning during his time with his handler! Rocco is doing better with his barking and stopping to do so when his handler give him the "stop" command. Again, the only time Rocco gets really excited is when one of the HOPE volunteers comes into the block. Rocco is getting better after he meets and greets them, however! Rocco is ready for a home of his own. He knows all of his commands, he plays well with most of his pack-mates, and he's very good with his crate manners! Rocco's handler says that he "just loves people...loves meeting new people...someone is missing out on a great dog with a lot of love."     Week 9 This week, Rocco's handler has been working on his commands. If you've been reading Rocco's updates, you know he sometimes tends to be vocal! Rocco's handler worked with him to understand that barking isn't always a good thing. A firm "stop" will quiet this boy down! Rocco is doing great with his "stays!" His repertoir of other tricks is a sight to be seen! Does anyone want to see Rocco's "down and sit," "down from a stand," "shake left paw," "shake right paw," "High-5," and "sit and leave it?" If so, please put in an application for this bundle of joy!     Week 8 Rocco's handler has been working with him on his barking to "get his way." He has also been working with Rocco's recalls and his tendency to chase trucks! When Rocco is in the doggie yard, his handler keeps a leash on him. Rocco's handler will put him in a "stay" and will tell him to "leave it" as the trucks go by. If Rocco still goes after the trucks, his handler will take the leash, and put Rocco back into a "stay" position. Rocco's handler thinks that he is "starting to get it!" Our little "Ambassador" gets so excited when two of the HOPE volunteers come into the block because he thinks 'oh, boy, it's time to meet new people...can my tail wag any harder?" Of course, that's not always the case, much to Rocco's dismay. His handler is delaying Rocco's contact with the volunteers to teach him that their presence doesn't always mean that he's going "on the outside" to meet his adoring public! We're hoping you find a family to give you all the car rides you deserve, little one!   Week 7 Rocco's handler says that he's still doing good, although there's not much new to report because of the weather this week. Rocco's handler has been using a leader to help Rocco's pulling on-leash tendencies, and the pup seems to be responding well to it! Rocco is also mastering going up and down stairs! Rocco's handler says that overall, he's a great dog! He loves everyone that he knows, but also loves to meet new people (as seen during his recent "HOPE Ambassador" duties!) He's also doing well with mastering his commands! Keep up the good work, Rocco! We know there's a forever home out there for you somewhere!   Week 6 Rocco continues to do great! He and his new friend, Cragger, started playing in the yard this week! That's the first time Rocco has played in the yard since his best buddy, Cosmo, went to his forever home. Rocco's handler knows that he misses his old pal, and is happy to see that he has bonded to one of his new four-legged neighbors! Rocco has been working on his "wait" command with success, and his recalls are good unless he sees a truck go by him! He LOVES to chase trucks unless he's on-leash! Rocco obtained a furlough to go to the Perry County Victim/Witness Program Annual Street Fair this past weekend! When Rocco took his first pass around the area, he immediately honed in on a fire hydrant for a good pee! The HOPE volunteer who was with him just had to laugh...what it is about dogs and fire hydrants? Once again, he was a wonderful ambassador for the HOPE Program! He charmed all of the folks who came by the HOPE table! Although he drooled a couple of times, he did VERY well with not "stealing" the folks' hot dogs and sausage sandwiches! He was a very good traveler in the car, and enjoyed hunkering down on one of the HOPE volunteer's lap for a snooze on his return trip to the prison! What a big day for this little pup! Rocco is in great shape and has a lot more energy! His handler thinks he's at a good weight now! Rocco can keep up with the other dogs as they're running around fast in the doggie yard! His handler thinks that he seems pretty happy! Of course, Rocco would be happiest if he could find a home to call his very own. Is there anyone out there willing to give this little guy his wish? We HOPE so!     Weeks 4 & 5 Rocco's handler reports that he is a great dog with not a lot of issues! He's great with people and LOVES attention! He's great with both his tier-mates and the other dogs! He has SO much more energy now that he's taken off some weight and has gotten some exercise in the yard! His handler says that he's a different dog than when he came into the program, and that he seems a lot happier now! Rocco also knows his "sit", "shake" and "sit pretty" commands! Rocco is great indoors! He doesn't "get into anything" and loves to lay next to his handler for some tummy rubs! Rocco has been the "ambassador" for the HOPE program the last couple of weeks! He was quite the little gentleman at his Meet and Greet at Borders in Camp Hill recently! His handler reported early-on that Rocco "loves the ladies," and boy, did he have him pegged as a Romeo! Rocco just loved all of the attention that he got from the females, but he ALSO did VERY well with all of the pets that he got from the children and men who gave him a "how-do-you do." Rocco would look at the door waiting with anticipation to see which customer he could charm next to give him some attention! There were very few people who could resist Rocco's adoring brown eyes and cute head-tilts! Rocco's handler wrote a diary about his time with his pup so far, and the people who read it were not only interested in Rocco's progress, but were touched by his handler's words. Rocco laid down for a "dog nap" a couple of times, but after a few minutes of rest, he'd realized that there were more people to greet and pets to be had! Although he's an adult dog, Rocco still has plenty of spunk! This past weekend, he was the official greeter at CPAA's "Fashion for Compassion" event! Boy did he love seeing all of the LADIES coming through the door! Rocco's handler says that this pup is ready to start a new life with a new family. When he does find his forever home, Rocco will be missed on the block by the staff and inmates alike.  You're a charmer, Rocco!     Week 3 Rocco did well this week! He is still working to regain his boyish figure, but he's in better shape now and has more energy than he did when he entered the program! He loves attention, and wants to visit with everyone on the block! He's a real "people dog!" Rocco also is doing well with not barking when his handler leaves their space. When Rocco's inside, he just likes to relax. He's not much on playing indoors. When he's outside, however, Rocco loves running around the yard and playing with Cosmo! He will also play tug a little with his handler. Rocco has been boning up on his recalls this week. He's still in the learning curve, but Rocco is doing "pretty good" with his recall lessons! You're doing great, Rocco!     Week 2 Rocco is still adjusting, but for the most part, he's doing just fine! His handler says that Rocco is a great dog, and he loves all of the attention that he's getting in his new environment! Rocco especially loves the ladies! He, like the other dogs, looks forward to the HOPE Prison Coordinator's visits! As soon as Rocco hears her voice, he perks up! Rocco also likes the attention he receives from one of the female Block Sergeants! Rocco had a little snit after his handler broke playtime away from the female Sergeant to go back to his cell. His handler made Rocco sit by the door to unleash him and then gave him the "in" command. As soon as his leash was off, Rocco bee-lined to the front door, and when his handler tried to get him, Rocco barked at him. His handler will work with the HOPE trainer to find a way to teach Rocco that he cannot get his own way by barking! Okay, Rocco barks a little. Other than that, he's doing great! He's well-behaved while in his space, and he's doing really well with not jumping on his handler's bed! When his handler says "no bed," Rocco sometimes gives his handler a look, but then he goes into his crate or lays on his rug and goes to sleep! Rocco's handler has been feeding him some weight-management food, and it seems to be working! Rocco has lost a little weight and is now starting to run more with the other dogs!  Keep adjusting, little one!     Week 1 Rocco is adjusting to the program very fast, and is finding his place in his new doggie pack! He spent his first day getting comfortable with the other dogs, and although he had a couple of problems finding his niche, there weren't any major problems. He loves to play fetch, and he's become friends with Lily and Cosmo! Rocco entered the program already knowing his crate command, and staying "a little." Rocco's handler is working with him on not pulling while on-leash. He's gives Rocco light leash "pops" followed by the "with me" command, and Rocco is responding well! Rocco is also doing better at not barking when his handler leaves their space! Rocco, you're a perfect example that you can teach a 9-years young dog new tricks!     UPDATE - 3/18/09 After a very long wait, Rocco is finally getting started in the HOPE Program this weekend.  We hope that this program is just what he needs to find someone special with whom to spend the rest of his life.  Rocco is a cocker spaniel/basset hound mix who is nine years young.  He is available for adoption through Cocker Spaniel Adoption Center.
	Hounds of Prison Education A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance