campcanine

But, hey, look, there are four- and two-legged friends here!




There's always time to stop and sit and take things in:



Maya:


Andre:


Thunder:


Tiger Lilly:

Some of the inmates had not petted a dog for twenty years, for others it had been only a few weeks. Some of the inmates had been training for years but for most of them, this was their first attempt at training a dog. However, on May 8, 2009, the day the dogs first arrived at Camp Canine, you could not tell the difference because their excitement was almost uncontrollable. The instant connection, love and affection they shared with these animals was immediate and undeniable. In addition, although the joy and adoration these animals bring can be overwhelming, all of the inmates understood the weight of their responsibility. Our mission is to care for and train these dogs in the hope that they will be received into a family and provide many years of healthy and loyal companionship. Each and every inmate involved in Camp Canine understands how truly blessed he is to have the privilege of working with these dogs and looks forward to the learning experiences and challenges that they will provide.

These are a few of the statements by the inmate dog handlers when they first received their dogs.

“Seeing these dogs for the very first time made me feel like I could make a difference in something that truly matters……..”

“I have had and trained many dogs at another prison dog program and knowing when you see your new dog come in that you are literally saving their life is a feeling that never gets old…..”

“Before I met my dog, Hershey, I imagined she was big and strong but the moment I saw her for the first time she looked so helpless that my only wish was to take away her pain and give her all the happiness. It turned out that Hershey, with her lovely nature, is the one who brings happiness and relieves my pain…….”

“When I saw Bogey for the first time I saw a dog brimming with apprehensive curiosity. As he settled in on his first day, it became apparent to me that his curiosity and love of life was infectious and the bonding process began at that moment…”

“I was stunned when told that I would have a dog under my care, it was so amazing and I am so glad and privileged to be a part of Camp Canine. The feelings you experience when they tell you that we have just saved the life of 5 dogs is great!”

“On the day of arrival, my feelings were mixed. I was nervous because of the anticipation and responsibility of caring for and training a dog, but then I was filled with joy when I met Jack.”

“The day I got Stormy was like Christmas Day and it has been every day since.

I was excited to be participating in a program that was saving dogs, but that first day I realized that our four-legged friends were actually saving me….”

“I was happy and excited when Bogey got here. I looked forward to both teaching him and learning from him..”

CAMP CANINE PRESS RELEASE

May 12, 2009

The Humane Society of Oldham County (HSOC), Oldham County Animal Control (OCAC), and Luther Luckett Correctional Complex (LLCC) have formed a new and exciting partnership for the purpose of serving the community in a many-layered program. 

Many fabulous dogs end up at the OCAC through thoughtless abandonment or sadly given up for economic reasons, such as owners’ loss of jobs and homes.  Finding a new home for even the most loving former family pet can be difficult after living in a shelter and without the dog being well trained. 

Through a newly developed program called Camp Canine, dogs will be selected from the OCAC and turned over to the HSOC for medical check ups, shots and spay or neuter.  After these medical needs are addressed, the dogs will go to LLCC to live with inmates who have been carefully selected for the program.  The HSOC will also supply 3 volunteers to go into LLCC two times per week to train the inmate dog handlers in with the dogs in addition to grooming skills.  The dogs will actually live in the designated inmate dog handlers’ assigned cells in dog crates.  The LLCC has designated a large fenced in grassy area for the dogs to run, play and be trained. 

This program will accomplish two worthwhile goals.  First, the program will provide an opportunity for the inmates to improve personal skills like patience, nurturing and self confidence and could even lead to employment opportunities when released.  Secondly, the program provides the dogs with a second chance by allowing them to be adopted by loving families.  Traditionally, the overwhelming majority of dogs placed in prison dog programs are successfully placed back in the community. 

After completing training, The Humane Society of Oldham County will hold an adoption event providing the community an opportunity to adopt one of these Camp Canine Graduates.  The details and dates for these events will be announced later. 

The process for starting this program is well under way.  However, funding sources are limited.  Neither the Oldham County Animal Control nor the Luther Luckett Corrections Complex is permitted to spend tax dollars to fund this program.  The Humane Society of Oldham County can provide the initial medical needs including the low cost spay/neuter program through regular budgeted funds.  However, donations are needed in the form of supplies or funds for supplies.  Some of the supplies needed include food, leashes, collars, toys, treats, shampoo, grooming tools, toothpaste and blankets.  Anyone wishing to donate supplies or funds to purchase supplies should contact the Humane Society of Oldham County at PO Box 727, LaGrange, KY 40031, telephone 502-222-7537, or on the web site at humanesocietyoldhamcounty.com.