 A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance |
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Denver
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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 8
Denver had another great week. He worked on polishing up his obedience
skills so that he can start his work as a therapy dog once he gets to his
new home. There will be plenty of people to visit and lots of new
things to learn once he gets there so he wants all of his other skils to be
in tip-top shape!
For information on adopting Denver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Cocoa Marty Bronko
Week 7
Denver showed his handler his true Lab "prey drives" this week. Denver will
stop in mid-stride, perk up his ears and tail, and will freeze all motion
when a flock of Canada geese touch down on a nearby pond. His handler says
that it's "neat" to see, because he knows that it is what Labs do. So with
the geese, Denver has a "mild prey drive". One prey drive down, one to
go...kitty cats. So far, Denver and his handler have only met a couple of
kitties and each time Denver's handler says that holding on for dear life is
the proper response. Since Denver always freezes all motion in a breathless
pause that lasts ten seconds or more, his handler is able to anchor himself
to avert being dragged to the cats. Denver's handler opines that this pup
may only want to rush over to the cats to shower them with affection and
protect them from anything that might bring them harm, especially since he
grew up with a few cats of his own.. No matter what prey drive he's
exhibiting, "Denver is as lovely as ever."
For information on adopting Denver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Cocoa Marty Bronko
Week 6
Denver's handler says that this pup is very expressive and has an overall
pleasant personality. Denver politely waits for his food. He doesn't beg and
he knows his boundaries in his people's spaces. He's also doing well with
both his recall and walking exercises, as long as he keeps focused on the
tasks at hand. Although he can't speak, Denver conveys contentment,
happiness and calm...at least that's how his handler reads Denver's
vocalizations and tail-wagging. Denver's handler likens his vocalizations to
a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. They're low and resounding sounds. Denver 's
handler says that when his pup "speaks," he does so in a slow and easy
manner, as if he's inviting those around him to play, give him pets or a
combination of the two. As for the tail-wagging, Denver's handler reports
that it's almost a sedative. "When the world is right with Denver, his tail
sweeps back and forth automatically and with a sort of mellow grace found in
a branch moving rhythmically in a steady breeze, or in a sudsy surf's ebb
and flow." Here's to tail wags in your forever home, Denver.
For information on adopting Denver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Cocoa Marty Bronko
Week 5
With consistent effort, Denver really got the hang of leash-walking this
week. "He understands the necessary requirements to walk properly, however,
he relapses quickly into a sense-driven beast of burden if allowed to lead
the way." Sometimes, Denver will look back or reduce his gait mid-stride,
trying with his good-natured ability to respect his handler's commands.
Denver will wait for his "let's go" command, and will pivot on point as a
result! When Denver and his handler are in sync during their walks, they
share a "zen-like" experience moving through the block. Denver's handler
says that with persistence, this pooch will be a life-long walking companion
for his new family! Here's to finding many walks in your future, Denver!
For information on adopting Denver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Cocoa Marty Bronko
Week 4
Even though Denver's handler tries to make training fun and exciting for
him, Denver has begun to protest a bit with the new demands put on him. For
Denver, "radical" protests only amount to being stubborn and lethargic at
times. Overall, Denver's handler says that he's very accommodating.
Leash-walking is the main focus right now, and Denver's handler has training
guidelines posted in his cell to help him (and the other handlers) to help
Denver overcome his leash exuberance. From time to time, while leash
training in the play yard, Denver will try to go inside. When his handler
takes him off-leash after practicing his stays, heels and other commands,
Denver will head straight for his house. "Denver is built like an outdoor
dog, looks like one, and often acts like a rugged, woodsy pup, but deep
within his furry soul, he's a home-body. He's happy to lounge inside for
extended amounts of time." After observing Denver in his crate, his handler
says that it's a "cradle of bliss -- it's like his own personalized day spa.
Denver rolls around in it, moaning with contentment, while nuzzling his
stuffed bull toy." Denver, you are such a sweet pup. Here's to finding you
forever home very soon!
For information on adopting Denver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Cocoa Marty Bronko
Week 3
Denver's handler says that this pup's calm demeanor in private settings
extended itself into the general prison atmosphere this week. He achieved
contentment in a down/stay position in some of the highest traffic areas on
the block, and Denver learned distance stays (all on his own) and his
recalls! His handler says that Denver really has so much potential, and he's
looking forward to nurturing it during his time in the program.
Denver absolutely loves the plush bull toy he received as a Christmas
present from the HOPE volunteers. Denver's handler says that his treatment
of the toy is a testament to his gentle nature. "It's funny watching a big
dog baby a stuffed toy. Denver sometimes caresses the tiny stuffed bull, as
if it was a helpless pup and he a thoughtful mother." Even though he plays
fetch with his new-found treasure, Denver hasn't removed a stitch from it or
creased the plush material. After his handler showed Denver that he can also
use his toy as a pillow, he has taken to resting his head on it regularly.
No matter what home Denver goes to, his little plush bull will follow him.
Regardless of the toy, Denver's gentle manner will be easily recognized and
he will quickly win over anyone in his presence. Denver is "a very, very
good boy--he's very dignified, accommodating and sweet."
For information on adopting Denver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Cocoa Marty Bronko
Week 2
The second full week of Denver's training brought no surprises to his
handler. At six-years old, Denver pretty much knows his way around the
block, and gathers comments from everyone about how nice, gentle and
well-behaved he is. Denver continues to fully appreciate the worth of
receiving pets. "Indeed, Denver is a pet connoisseur!" This pup also speaks
doggie language very well. If he chooses to have some alone time from his
four-legged friends, he just casually ignores them and they understand that
he wants his own space. As for his two-legged friends, let's just say that
Denver loves to indulge them with letting them pet and love him. In addition
to basic manners, Denver worked on his leash-walking, recall, leave-it, and
concentration during high stimulation periods this week. Denver functions
"incredibly well" indoors. He casually walks about, visiting his friends on
the tier with full trust and good cheer. Denver can "sleep and rest in
absolute contentment for extended periods during the day." He also can put
in a full 8-hours of "log sawing" at night...much like their cell-mate! This
pup has a very sweet soul. His handler knows that whoever adopts Denver will
be welcoming a calm being into their lives...one who can make a bad day
somehow seem perfect when they receive his warmth and love.
For information on adopting Denver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Cocoa Marty Bronko
Week 1
Denver and his handler got to know each other this week, and oh, what a week
it was! Denver's handler says that instead of resource guarding, Denver
"resource shares." This pup loves to learn, so his handler has focused on
two areas of training for now. First is his leash-walking while inside the
tier. Denver has already shown improvement in this area. He responds to the
"let's go" command, and realizes that pulling forward means going backward
with his handler's gentle hand. Denver also loves to sniff out anything that
he can in the doggie yard...sometimes forgetting that his handler is on the
other end of his leash! He just goes where his nose takes him, but his
handler is up to the challenge of getting him to focus.
Denver's handler thinks that he could succeed as a personal care companion.
He sits still "forever" for the slightest stroke or scratch on his head.
"Receiving pets is Denver's nirvana." To Denver, everyone is a friend and a
potential petter. He will do his "sit" and "down" commands with ease with a
lot of people around him. His handler says that Denver is very well-behaved,
has good manners and is able to entertain himself with his toys. You're
doing great, Denver. Keep up the good work!
For information on adopting Denver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Cocoa Marty Bronko
UPDATE - 12/12/09
Denver is a sweet boy who's starting over after losing his home to a
foreclosure. He loves everyone and is just as nice as can be, but
needs a course in some of the basics so he can move on to a home of his own. Denver's
little brother Champ will be following in his footsteps later on down the
road. Denver is a six year old
black lab and is available for
adoption through
Furry Friends
Network.
For information on adopting Denver, please contact the HOPE Program by CLICKING HERE or calling 717-379-2511. You can complete an application online by clicking here.
Tess Marty Penney Cocoa Marty Bronko
Hounds of Prison Education
A Program of the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance