Whittier Daily News, The (CA)
May 26, 2009
Dogs, youths get another chance at love Author: Bethania Palma Markus, Staff Writer
NORWALK - Dominique Perry bent down and tenderly scratched the scared, skinny dog that had just been entrusted to him.
The 18-year-old is like any other dog-loving teenager, except he's serving time for a crime at the California Youth Authority.
But because he and five other boys have demonstrated good behavior, they were selected to participate in "Another Chance for Love," a program run by dog trainer Janette Thomas in cooperation with the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority in Downey.
Perry's main job was to teach Bella, a 1-year-old border collie mix, basic obedience and behavior to help her find a good adoptive home.
"Being out on the streets a lot of people like pit bulls," he said. "This introduces us to a lot of different kinds of dogs."
Perry said when his time at the detention center is over, he is considering adopting a shepherd breed.
Another Chance at Love takes dogs from SEAACA's shelter and places them with selected youngsters at the California Youth Authority, who then train them in basic domestic obedience. Thomas and SEAACA staff on Friday took six dogs from the shelter to the correctional facility for training.
"It's the small victories that we cherish," said SEAACA Capt. Aaron Reyes. "It's a win-win situation."
The dogs get to spend months away from the kennel, learn skills that will make them more adoptable and get socialized, he said, while the youngsters learn important lessons in being responsible.
"They basically learn life skills," Thomas said. "They learn patience, empathy, team building. They've got to do everything."
The dogs are trained by two boys, a leader and a supporter, she said. They learn through positive reinforcement methods, like toys, treats and games.
Thomas spends a couple of weeks prior to the dogs' arrival teaching the teens training, grooming and care.
The program is supported by SEAACA, which provides necessities like food, veterinary care and medicine, she said. The Youth Authority provides oversight and support as well, she added.
"It's a three-part system," she said. Thomas remains on call 24/7 in case dog-related emergencies arise.
The most difficult part of the program, Reyes said, is when the dogs have to be taken from their trainers to be placed into adoptive homes.
But there are other needy dogs waiting in the wings.
"The kids have prior exposure mostly to fighting dogs, dominated by pit bulls," Thomas said. "They haven't really had the opportunity to experience the unconditional love of a family pet."
NORWALK - Dominique Perry bent down and tenderly scratched the scared, skinny dog that had just been entrusted to him.
The 18-year-old is like any other dog-loving teenager, except he's serving time for a crime at the California Youth Authority.
But because he and five other boys have demonstrated good behavior, they were selected to participate in "Another Chance for Love," a program run by dog trainer Janette Thomas in cooperation with the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority in Downey.
Perry's main job was to teach Bella, a 1-year-old border collie mix, basic obedience and behavior to help her find a good adoptive home.
"Being out on the streets a lot of people like pit bulls," he said. "This introduces us to a lot of different kinds of dogs."
Perry said when his time at the detention center is over, he is considering adopting a shepherd breed.
Another Chance at Love takes dogs from SEAACA's shelter and places them with selected youngsters at the California Youth Authority, who then train them in basic domestic obedience. Thomas and SEAACA staff on Friday took six dogs from the shelter to the correctional facility for training.
"It's the small victories that we cherish," said SEAACA Capt. Aaron Reyes. "It's a win-win situation."
The dogs get to spend months away from the kennel, learn skills that will make them more adoptable and get socialized, he said, while the youngsters learn important lessons in being responsible.
"They basically learn life skills," Thomas said. "They learn patience, empathy, team building. They've got to do everything."
The dogs are trained by two boys, a leader and a supporter, she said. They learn through positive reinforcement methods, like toys, treats and games.
Thomas spends a couple of weeks prior to the dogs' arrival teaching the teens training, grooming and care.
The program is supported by SEAACA, which provides necessities like food, veterinary care and medicine, she said. The Youth Authority provides oversight and support as well, she added.
"It's a three-part system," she said. Thomas remains on call 24/7 in case dog-related emergencies arise.
The most difficult part of the program, Reyes said, is when the dogs have to be taken from their trainers to be placed into adoptive homes.
But there are other needy dogs waiting in the wings.
"The kids have prior exposure mostly to fighting dogs, dominated by pit bulls," Thomas said. "They haven't really had the opportunity to experience the unconditional love of a family pet."
