A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance


 

 

Sky

 

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 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.

Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Buddy        Hope       Banshee       Chloe       Oscar       Leah       Nyla

Ike       Bo       Maggie


 

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.

Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Buddy        Hope       Banshee       Chloe       Oscar       Leah       Nyla


 

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.

Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Buddy        Hope       Banshee       Chloe       Oscar       Leah       Nyla


 

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.

Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Buddy        Hope       Gina       Chloe       Oscar       Leah       Nyla


 

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.

Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Buddy        Mimi       Gina       Chloe       Oscar       Leah       Nyla


 

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.

Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Buddy        Mimi       Gina       Chloe       Oscar


 

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.

Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Buddy        Mimi       Gina       Chloe       Oscar


 

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.

Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Buddy        Mimi       Gina       Chloe       Oscar


 

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.

Chi Chi       Justin       Rufus       Taz      Buddy        Sky       Mimi       Gina       Chloe       Oscar


 

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.

Chi Chi       Justin       Lilo       Rufus       Taz      Toby       Buddy        Sky       Mimi       Gina       Chloe       Oscar


 

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.

Chi Chi       Justin       Lilo       Rufus       Taz      Toby       Buddy        Sky       Mimi       Gina


 

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.

Chi Chi       Justin       Lilo       Rufus       Taz      Claude       Toby       Buddy        Athena      Sky       Mimi       Gina


 

 

 

 


 

Hounds of Prison Education
A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance