PAWGRESS REPORT FEBRUARY 2013 // A SPECIAL EDITION OF PAW PRINTS
AHS Behavior Modification Program
Transforms Troubled Dogs Into Irreplaceable Companions Ronnie, a lovable 2-year-old canine, came to the Arizona Humane Society with an extreme lack of manners and behavior that was nearly impossible to manage. In just a few short weeks, a once out-of-control Ronnie is now helping a Navy veteran stay in control of his life. Ronnie, a graduate of AHS’ recently implemented Behavior Modification Program, now boasts a patient demeanor and is working with Soldier’s Best Friend to become a service dog for a nine-year military veteran named Kyle. Soldier’s Best Friend, a Phoenix-based community partner of AHS, pairs service dogs with war heroes like Kyle, who are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), to help them transition back into civilian life. Ronnie is just over a month into his training and will need to complete the program before Kyle is able to officially adopt him – a process which typically takes six months. But for Kyle, a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom who is dealing with PTSD and mobility issues, Ronnie has already made a world of difference.
“There aren’t words to say how grateful I am for him,” Kyle said of Ronnie. “He keeps me going.” Ronnie is just one of many success stories that have come through AHS’ Behavior Modification program. The behavior program, which launched late last year, works with dogs who enter
AHS displaying a variety of behavior issues often that are no fault of their own. These problems range from shyness to fear to food aggression to a lack of basic manners like Ronnie exhibited. Once identified, these dogs work with trained AHS behavior specialists to overcome their issues before being placed up for adoption. Since the program’s inception, countless dogs have already successfully passed through the program and gone on to find their forever families. “As the state’s largest open intake shelter that accepts all animals regardless of age, breed and medical condition, AHS sees thousands of these types of behavior cases every year,” AHS executive director Guy Collison said. “But we’re not just going to give up on these dogs. We won’t take the easy way out when we can make a difference for these animals and also provide joy to the individuals who adopt them. We are incredibly proud
of this program and grateful to you for giving us the ability to save more lives.” Eventually, AHS hopes to expand the program to include a full-scale pet behavior tip line and basic training classes for the public. Your continued support can help make that possible and give thousands of dogs like Ronnie a second chance at life. And for Kyle, Ronnie’s second chance provided Kyle with a second chance, as well.
“Everywhere I go he’s with me,” Kyle said. “He’s just a big goof. But he’s an absolutely great dog.”
Bucking Bad Behavior Holly, Penny Shine In New Homes HOLLY 1-year-old Holly was fearful and cautious upon arrival at AHS. After completing the Behavior Modification Program, she was adopted by Lisa Partridge who says Holly now shadows her everywhere. “She’s adjusting beautifully,” Partridge said. “She’s gone from fearful to playful.” PENNY Penny, a Parson Russell Terrier, had problems with food aggression during her first few days at AHS. She’s now a member of the Jones family that includes three other dogs, three cats, a goat and some chickens. “It’s like she was tailor-made for us because of how goofy she is,” owner Marcy Jones said. “She fits into our pack great. We’re amazed at how smart she is.”