Second Chance Kennel In Its First Week of Helping Shelter Dogs, Swanson Youth
By: Alanna Quillen
Updated: February 20, 2013
MONROE -- Shelter dogs and teens at the Swanson Center for Youth are giving each other second chances.
The Monroe Humane Society is in it's first week of a new program called Second Chance Kennels.
The four pups -- Elvis, Suzie, Becca and Audrey -- and the teens working with them are one of a kind in the state. The program is the only one involving juvenile youth and shelter dogs.
The teens at Swanson are paired with shelter dogs from the Humane Society. Despite the chill on Wednesday, the teens spent some quality time with the dogs.
"I've actually taught Audrey how to sit in sign language," said Quinton Chriss, a member of the program.
A dog trainer helps the teens teach the dogs basic obedience skills -- like commands and leash training -- preparing the pups for adoption to a permanent home.
"We have two in the morning -- they come feed and clean -- and then we have another two that come in the afternoon for treat time," said Ellen Hicks, president of the local Humane Society. "We have a good rotation so that no everyone is doing the same job."
Program organizers broke ground in September, but hit delays along the way.
"With the holidays and weather, but the boys did a good job and built this," said Hicks.
Eight students are selected through a questionnaire and interview process to be in the program -- the selected youth also helped build the kennel, fencing, foundation and shelter for the dogs.
"It feels really good, it really does," said Chriss. "I'm glad to give them a second chance and they're helping me out also."
Once the dogs are trained and ready for adoption, the pups will graduate out of the program and another set of dogs will take their place.
"It feels great knowing the situation they were in and when they leave, how they're gonna be," said program member Oran Montgomery.
In order to continue training and working with the dogs, the teens must maintain good behavior.
"They're helping me by just...I love animals, and they're keeping me outta trouble," said Chriss.
Organizers say they're hoping to expand.
"If they want to expand this to another facility, we've got the blueprint," said Hicks.
Currently, the Humane Soceity is in need of donations of dog food, treats, rubber toys, cleaning supplies and dog houses. You can contact them by clicking here or calling (318) 387-9553.
The Monroe Humane Society is in it's first week of a new program called Second Chance Kennels.
The four pups -- Elvis, Suzie, Becca and Audrey -- and the teens working with them are one of a kind in the state. The program is the only one involving juvenile youth and shelter dogs.
The teens at Swanson are paired with shelter dogs from the Humane Society. Despite the chill on Wednesday, the teens spent some quality time with the dogs.
"I've actually taught Audrey how to sit in sign language," said Quinton Chriss, a member of the program.
A dog trainer helps the teens teach the dogs basic obedience skills -- like commands and leash training -- preparing the pups for adoption to a permanent home.
"We have two in the morning -- they come feed and clean -- and then we have another two that come in the afternoon for treat time," said Ellen Hicks, president of the local Humane Society. "We have a good rotation so that no everyone is doing the same job."
Program organizers broke ground in September, but hit delays along the way.
"With the holidays and weather, but the boys did a good job and built this," said Hicks.
Eight students are selected through a questionnaire and interview process to be in the program -- the selected youth also helped build the kennel, fencing, foundation and shelter for the dogs.
"It feels really good, it really does," said Chriss. "I'm glad to give them a second chance and they're helping me out also."
Once the dogs are trained and ready for adoption, the pups will graduate out of the program and another set of dogs will take their place.
"It feels great knowing the situation they were in and when they leave, how they're gonna be," said program member Oran Montgomery.
In order to continue training and working with the dogs, the teens must maintain good behavior.
"They're helping me by just...I love animals, and they're keeping me outta trouble," said Chriss.
Organizers say they're hoping to expand.
"If they want to expand this to another facility, we've got the blueprint," said Hicks.
Currently, the Humane Soceity is in need of donations of dog food, treats, rubber toys, cleaning supplies and dog houses. You can contact them by clicking here or calling (318) 387-9553.
