Week 11
Sky’s handler knows that he’s going to be leaving him next week for his new
family. He’ll continue with his training, but “I would like to spend the
last week to enjoy him as much as possible.” Sky and his handler formed a
particular bond because of this pup’s disabilities. We’re very proud of his
handler for guiding Sky from being a dog who guarded everything with his
limited sight to a happy, tail-wagging dog. At Meet and Greet events, people
often mention to the HOPE volunteers that it must be hard for the handlers
when their dog leaves them. We know that Sky’s handler will feel the effects
of his adoption, but he also knows that there will be another dog who will
need his help. Love and determination brings forever homes. Sky, we’re so
proud of you! Thanks for being such a cute little ambassador to the program!
We’ll miss you, sweet boy!
For information on adopting Sky, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 10
His handler reports that “Sky remains to be a pleasure to work with as he is
an attentive student. Sometimes he can actually be a touch overzealous. At
moments, he jumps and bounds around, bringing him into the requested
position. To me, this is an indication of how much he enjoys interaction
with his human, regardless of what that interaction may be. Sky will never
be anything less than a pure joy to be with.” This sweet boy has found his
forever home, and will be going to live with his new family soon! Until
then, he will continue his training, and bringing pure joy to his handler.
We’re so happy for you, little boy!
For information on adopting Sky, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 9
“Sky is wonderful with formal training and human interaction. He responds
well, and is eager to please.” His handler concentrated on Sky’s playing
with the other dogs this week. Although he gets along with his pack mates,
sometimes this pup seems “not confident and unsure during play sessions. He
jumps right in with all four paws, but is often skittish.” Sky is never
aggressive towards his playmates, but he is still learning their playful
behavior. “He enjoys the romps, but doesn’t always know how to react.
Basically, he is learning to play (with other dogs) from scratch.”
Sky also attended the Adoption Day hosted by the Tractor Supply Co. in
Carlisle on Saturday. Once again, he was a great little ambassador to the
program! He thought that waiting for his next pet from the customers was
very much fun! He also loved playing tug with a pull toy and sounding
“ferocious.” Sky didn’t fool anyone with that growl…they knew that he’s just
a love bug! Although you’ve endeared yourself so much to your handler that
he wishes that he could keep you as his own, he knows in his heart that you
will bring as much joy to your forever family as you have to him. Paws
crossed, sweet Sky!
For information on adopting Sky, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 8
Sky’s handler says that “he is doing well in all areas. He will still
resource guard me at times, but he is becoming better about it. He is an
eager and ready pupil during our training sessions.” Sky was introduced to
Nyla off-leash in the dog yard this week. “She pretty much ignored him, and
he respected her lack of attention to him. He isn’t lacking in any area at
present, but even if he was his charm and good looks would more than make up
for it!” Sky’s handler would have been so proud to see him at the Pride Fest
this past Saturday! He accepted pets from everyone who wanted to give him
one, including the granddaughter of one of the HOPE volunteers. Everyone
told him what a handsome boy he is, and although Sky couldn’t hear their
praise, he soaked up the attention. He was also very good about sharing the
pool that the HOPE volunteers set up for him. Sky didn’t go in the pool, but
he thought it was fun to watch the other dogs and even a small pig enjoy it!
This boy is a prize, and we HOPE he finds his forever home very soon!
For information on adopting Sky, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 7
Sky’s handler reports that his training is going well overall, and he is a
very social boy when it comes to his interaction with the other dogs in the
program. Although Sky accepts his baths like a trooper, he’s still not too
sure about being splashed with water from the doggie pools. His handler also
found a solution to Sky’s having to have cheese as an incentive to have his
ears cleaned. “I was behind him and he didn’t see the tissue in my hand. I
think that is the key. If he sees it, cheese must be used.” Sky is such a
special boy, and we’re grateful to his handler for giving him the care this
pup so deserves. He is teaching Sky that life is about being a happy dog
with the challenges that come along with his adversities.
Work Release - This week Sky took an unusual field trip and
spent that day at HOPE volunteer Margie's office. He behaved like a
true HOPE ambassador and made more friends than he had paws to count.
He is so well mannered and social. He loves to be around people and
especially loves all the attention he gets including belly rubs, ear
scratches, petting and playing. Now all he needs is a home of his very
own!!
"Does anyone know how many naps are included in a full work day?"
"My office even comes with a bed and toys!"
"Where's my first client?"
Snuggle break with my coworker, Kathy.
Testing out the office supplies
Nylabone break with Margie.
For information on adopting Sky, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 6
“Sky is doing well with his training, and is a pure joy to have in my life.
He is very exuberant, and his happy and playful personality is truly showing
through. He played off leash with Gina and Taz, and the three of them were
having a grand old time together. Each of them appears to just now be
learning how to play with other dogs.” Although all of their handlers
watched the interaction between their pups closely, they agree that “all is
well at this point.” Sky went on a nature walk with HOPE volunteer Margie
last weekend. His handler says that his pooch “enjoyed himself immensely. It
must be true, because that’s what he ‘told’ me. Sky whined and barked a bit
after Margie left the prison, but his handler didn’t mind. “It’s okay, as
long as he had fun!” Sky had his first outing at Pet Value at the West Shore
Plaza on Saturday. What a great little ambassador he was for the program!
Like Gina, he would sit close to the door to wait for the next person to
come through and give him a pet and some loving. He did very well walking
on-leash with the HOPE volunteers, and was just a joy the whole time he was
at the event. He loved “snarfling” on the blanket we had there, playing with
the toys that one of the volunteers bought for the pups, and, of course
playing with Gina. Oh, boy, this boy can play! To be with him is to love
him. Yes, he’s deaf and sight impaired because of his breeding, but Sky is a
happy pup. He just needs a person or people to look past his issues and
embrace him into their home. Could that be you?
For information on adopting Sky, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 5
Sky’s handler says that this sweet boy “is moving right along with his
training” (that the HOPE program trainers have mapped out for him). He
appears to have had a very nice turn around.” As for his socialization
skills, Sky is not shy at all! “He is embracing all of his admirers and
interacting with any and all who will give him a moment of their time.” Sky
is still very much a puppy. “He is full of energy, and loves to play (tug is
his favorite). He loves to cuddle and be close to you. As his soft silky fur
grows, he begins to look more and more like a cute little lamb.” We know
that with your handler’s love and devotion to your well-being, you’ll find a
forever home, Sky!
For information on adopting Sky, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 4
“Sky did brilliantly this past week with his meets and greets. Everyone is
coming to like and enjoy him.” This pup loves all of the pets he gets, and
tries to play with everyone who gives him one. As for his training, he and
his handler have “been spending a lot of time together in order to build a
strong bond. I feel this has been established and we can now dedicate more
time to formal training.” This week, Sky spent a lot of time on his stay
command, and also worked on his “heel” skills. Although the latter still
needs some work, his handler will patiently work with him until he masters
it. Sky also is grasping the concept of “OK” in sign language as his
release. As for his pack mates, “he gets along well with all of the other
dogs, and is always eager for a good romp with any willing participant.”
After just four weeks, Sky’s handler says that this special boy “is a
gorgeous and wonderful dog who deserves a loving and caring home that he can
fill with happiness.”
For information on adopting Sky, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 3
“Sky is doing exceptionally well on all fronts.” One of his biggest
accomplishments is that he doesn’t resource guard anything anymore from his
main handler…not even his food bowl! Sky also got a bath this week, “and he
endured it like a champ!” This pup is also “doing fine” with his training.
His handler’s main area of focus right now is working on Sky’s stays for
self-control purposes. Of course the HOPE program isn’t all work and no play
for our pups. Sky and his buddy Mimi had a grand time in the big doggie yard
while their handlers mowed the grass this week. “They both did well
together. Neither one of them had any sort of reaction to the three mowers
being used in their presence.” Sky also played and socialized with Buddy in
the dog runs on two different occasions this week without any incidents or
problems. We are so pleased, Sky, that your handler continues to help you
through the challenges that come with your adversities that are no fault of
your own. Continue loving your new friends, sweet Sky!
For information on adopting Sky, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 2
Sky did well during his second week at the prison. He played very well with
Gina while off-leash, and was introduced to Taz as a playmate without
incident. As for his training, his handler reports that “I have been
desensitizing Sky in many different areas of concern for him. He now accepts
me handling all parts of his body. He accepts gentle grooming with a brush
or comb, and he actually likes getting his teeth brushed. He allows me to
clean his ears, but this must be done while he is nibbling on a cheese
stick.” Sky also learned the “give it” command, so he’ll now let his handler
have his toy without him actually taking it from this pup’s mouth. In
addition to “give it, “ and the skills he learned last week, Sky already
knows his paw, speak, leave it, up and stay/wait commands. “He doesn’t
always offer the commands given, but he does know them. Overall, he is doing
well, and his trust is increasing. He is slowly being introduced to people
and he appears to enjoy the interaction with them. He seems to be quite
happy and energetic. A little TLC goes a long way with Sky.”
For information on adopting Sky, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
Week 1
Sky’s handler simply worked on building a bond with him this week. “I am
familiarizing him with ‘watch’ while attempting to gain his trust.”
Understandably, at this point, Sky resource guards everything, so his
handler is putting a lot of emphasis on that part of his training. Sky has
already learned his sit and come commands, as well as the hand signal for
“good boy” as a marker. His handler comments, “cheese – the training tool of
champions!” Even after just a short time with this pup, Sky’s handler
reports that “he is intelligent and energetic. He is going to be a great dog
once he begins to trust and bond more readily and freely.”
For information on adopting Sky, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.
UPDATE
6-4-11
Sky started his training at the prison today. This
young boy needs some specialty training. You see, Sky is deaf, as well
as being visually impaired. His handler will be working closely with
the HOPE trainers and also the rest of the HOPE team to make sure that Sky
gets the benefit of everyone's knowledge and skills. We're sure
that HOPE is just the ticket for Sky as he finds away to communicate with
the people in his world. He is
an adorable, two year old Cocker Spaniel who is available for adoption through
Cocker Spaniel
Adoption Center. Stay tuned
for next week's update.
For information on adopting Sky, please contact the HOPE
Program by CLICKING HERE
or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application
online by clicking here.