"Operation Doghouse" Expands to "Training Wheels"

Since its inception in January, 2002, "Operation Doghouse" has delivered doghouses to needy dogs in Johnston County. Our project coordinator has had plenty of opportunities to learn about their owners' love for them. While we may be eager to pass judgment on people who do not have the means or knowledge to properly care for their pets, we should remember that we can do the best service to them by helping them keep and strengthen their relationship with their pets. Providing doghouses and education about how to properly care for companion animals is one way to keep pets in their homes. Research has shown us that behavior problems and a lack of understanding of animal behavior and their needs are major reasons for pets being abandoned or surrendered to animals shelters.

With plans to expand services to the community and to become a true resource for owners and their pets, JCAPL is developing the "Training Wheels" program in Johnston County. This program will be modeled after Sue Sternberg's (Rondout Valley Adoption Center, Accord, NY) Training Wheels outreach program. A mobile unit of volunteers visit pet owners in the community and offer toys, treats, collars, leashes, free training lessons, food, bowls, doghouses, advice and education. On occasions, assistance with veterinary and spay/neuter services will be offered. Follow-up visits are made as needed.

This program has demonstrated its value in other areas, in that citizens realize there is a resource available to help provide answers and solutions to pet-related questions and problems. The primary purpose of this program is to assist shelters and animals control services to reach out to members of the community and to be able to foster human-animal relationships and prevent pets from being surrendered. Ultimately, such service would include a help-line that citizens can consult for answers to questions about pet care and behavior.

Ulli Mattern, JCAPL President and Vickie Vonn, JCAPL Board Member and Volunteer coordinator attended Sue Sternberg's "Training Wheels" and "Train to Adopt/Assess A Pet" in New York to achieve certification to provide these services to Johnston Co. animals and pet owners. Read about Ulli and Vickie's certification training. JCAPL's "Training Wheels" program recently helped a Selma resident who acquired three dogs and ten puppies after her nephew died. Read about this "Training Wheels" initiative by JCAPL.

JCAPL is very excited about launching a "Training Wheels" program in our community. In order for us to succeed, we need your assistance and contributions in the form of supplies and funds. To express your support for this program, please donate items described above or a monetary contribution and specify this as a "Training Wheels" donation.

Your $5 to $10 donation will buy:

• toys
• treats
• chewies

Your $10 to $35 donation will buy:

• food
• leashes
• collars
• bowls
• water buckets
• trolley/tie out systems (these are more humane than chaining/tethering for dogs who have no other means to be safely secured)

Your $40 to $100 donation will buy:

• doghouses

Your $200 to $250 donation will buy:

• kennels

Contact JCAPL if you would like to help the animals in Johnston County through our "Training Wheels" effort.