Hamilton Hounds- New Leash On Life
The Humane Society of Valdosta/Lowndes County has been working tirelessly for years to end pet overpopulation in South Georgia and put a stop to unnecessary euthanasia in the Lowndes County Animal Shelter. One of the main issues is over crowding and pets labeled as “unadoptable.” The HSVLC is excited to announce the beginning of a new program, Hamilton Hounds- New Lease On Life that hope to help both of these issues.
The Hamilton Hounds program aims to help dogs have a better chance of getting adopted by providing basic training so they are ready for life in a “furever” home, while giving inmates experience with dog training skills and emotional support that can be used once they are released. “There are so many dogs that enter the Lowndes County Animal Shelter that need some help learning how to be the best dog they can be. This program will allow us to help that special group while also not taking away space in our foster homes to save others.” -Tori Grindle, an invaluable volunteer for the HSVLC.
Dogs currently participating in Hamilton Hounds- New Leash On Life Program:
This it the third class of Hamilton Hounds! They are available for pre-adoption now and can go home after their class is finished in May. Apply to be their furever family here.
Graduates of Hamilton Hounds- New Leash On Life Program:
ALL dogs in the first and second class of Hamilton Hounds have been ADOPTED!
This program is run in partnership with the Hamilton Correctional Facility in Jasper Florida, a city very close to Valdosta as well as North Florida PAWS. Inmate handlers will teach the participating dogs basic commands, behavior modification techniques, and both animal and human socialization skills in an effort to help them find their furever homes. Each class will run for 10 weeks followed by a graduation event. Dogs in this program will become available for adoption a few weeks before the end of the 10 weeks, so be sure to check back often!
The goal for the inmates is to provide them with life-long animal advocacy/education and experiences. Through these new responsibilities of care, training, and compassion, they will learn new leadership skills- while receiving the benefits of daily purpose, long-term goals, and the overall recognized emotional/mental benefits of connecting with animals.
