|
Blue Ribbon Program
Helping Hands Humane Society has always looked for innovative ways to showcase the wonderful animals we have available for adoption. Our "Blue Ribbon" program is one that has been especially successful. About 1994, we agreed to partner with the Women's Correctional Facility here in Topeka to institute a dog training program involving the inmates and shelter dogs. We worked with the Correctional Facility to secure a grant for them to build a ten-run kennel and grooming facility on the prison grounds. It took nearly two years for this program to come to fruition, and in July of 1996 the first group of shelter dogs moved to the prison for six weeks.
Every other month, Helping Hands selects nine shelter dogs to participate in this invaluable program that is now an eight-week course. Upon arrival, each dog is assigned to an inmate who will care for the dog throughout its stay. The inmates are each responsible for feeding, socializing, grooming, training and keeping their dog's pen clean. They also keep a daily journal on the personality and progress of their dog. The journals come back to the shelter with the dogs and are given to the adopters. This gives the adopter some insight into the temperament and demeanor of their new dog.
Over the years, several trainers have donated their time to this program by working with the inmates and the dogs. They teach the inmates appropriate methods of training
dogs with positive re-enforcement. The dogs learn basic obedience commands of sit, down, stay, come and heel. They are well groomed during their stay and given constant love and companionship.
Dee Dee Rose of HIIQK9s is the current trainer. She not only works with the inmates to teach basic obedience, but also teaches the dogs fun tricks. At the end of the eight-week training program, Dee Dee tests each individual dog to assess their skills and their retention of the training they have received.
Any partnership must be beneficial to both parties, and the "Blue Ribbon" program certainly accomplishes this goal. The inmates learn responsibility, compassion and nurturing. Acquiring the skills of dog training and grooming give them a great sense of accomplishment. Helping Hands' dogs return to the shelter well trained, socialized and well groomed. All of these attributes greatly increase their chances of being adopted. Upon their return, potential adopters are usually waiting to meet these "Blue Ribbon" dogs. The Topeka Correctional Facility and Helping Hands are both looking forward to continuing this successful partnership for many years.
Want to adopt one of our Blue Ribbon Dogs?
Check Petfinder for featured dogs!
Do You Have a Blue Ribbon Dog?
If you adopted a Blue Ribbon Dog from Helping Hands, we invite you to share your experience and give them the special recognition they deserve. As a graduate of the Blue Ribbon Program, your pet's story could be featured here as well as on the the HHHS alumni page.
Phone: 785-233-7325 Fax: 785-233-8151 Website © 2005 All Rights Reserved.
Web site design and maintenance by Images Plus!