The pups who have graduated from the Hounds of Prison Education (HOPE) program will be getting together for a “parolee� reunion on Sunday, Nov. 19. The HOPE Program, sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance, works with the State Correctional Institution at Camp Hill and CPAA member rescue organizations to give a second chance to some very deserving hounds.
Sixteen dogs from nine local rescues have graduated from the HOPE Program since it began in March of 2005 and soon, they will be reunited with their fellow, furry “parolees� at the first HOPE Dogs Reunion. Thanks to the expert guidance of the HOPE Program trainer and the support of the staff at SCI Camp Hill, the inmate handlers have succeeded in helping these wonderful dogs learn the skills they need to thrive in their new forever homes.
The reunion will be the first opportunity for the adoptive families to meet the people who make the program a success -- including staff members and officers from SCI Camp Hill, adoption coordinators from the rescues, foster parents and volunteers.
“There are so many wonderful people who have a hand in helping these dogs find their way to better days. It will be fantastic to give them a day to see the results of all their dedication and love,� saids Kelly McGinley, HOPE Program Coordinator.
As the graduates head to their reunion, four new dogs are beginning their training in the hopes that they’ll have the same good fortune as the hounds who have gone before them. Sully, Abby, Snowy and Koby have begun their training and are keeping all of their paws crossed that this will be the last stop on the path to their forever homes!
For information on the HOPE Program, visit www.hopedogs.org or call (717) 243-4444.
The HOPE Program is sponsored by the Central Pennsylvania Animal Alliance, www.cpaa.info.
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