Dogblog note: This is the first in an occasional series on behind-the-scenes activities at Anchorage Animal Care & Control Center. Hope you enjoy.
By LAURA ATWOOD
Anchorage Animal Care & Control Center
Anchorage Animal Care and Control is always thrilled when one of our dogs is adopted, but we are especially thrilled when the dog is adopted into a program like PAWSitive Connections at McLaughlin Youth Center. Why? Because now that one dog has a chance to make a PAWSitive impact on the lives of youth in our community.
In the PAWSitive Connections program select residents at McLaughlin Youth Center (MYC) train dogs that are then adopted into their forever homes. The program provides at-risk teens with opportunities to earn school credits, and develop the social skills, vocational skills, and good work habits that will help them be productive members of society.
MYC youth chosen to become dog trainers complete a 10-week educational class and attend weekly dog training sessions. They are responsible for all daily tasks required in caring for a dog. Most importantly they are responsible for showing the dog love and affection, which they naturally receive in return. The youth develop empathy, understanding and patience as they bond with the dog. For some, both dog and youth, the relationship is their first experience of unconditional love, and it helps them develop the self-confidence and hope they need to build future relationships.
PAWSitive Connections recently adopted Dylan, a Labrador retriever, from Anchorage Animal Care and Control. Tracey Barnhart states "Our dog rescue program at McLaughlin Youth Center, PAWSitive Connections, is so lucky to have the opportunity to work with this beautiful boy. The amazing staff at Anchorage Animal Care and Control knew he would be a perfect fit for our program, and they were so right."
Dylan and the youth dog trainers will begin training classes at Alaska Dog Sports on May 12th. Tracey says that his youth trainers have already been working with him on sit, down, shake, and more and that the girls are very proud when they teach him a new trick.
Anchorage Animal Care and Control will be following Dylan's progress through his training and adoption so stay-tuned for more!
Laura Atwood is public relations coordinator with Anchorage Animal Care and Control Center.