|
Allyn Weigel, tried to get Obedience Training of shelter dogs in a prison setting. While at the 2009 “AKC Responsible Dog Owners Day” at Volusia Mall, Daytona, FL, Allyn met Tomoka C.I.’s new Warden, Steven Wellhausen. Luckily, his Assistant Warden of Programs at Tomoka C.I. was personally experienced such a program at another Institution. Allyn’s timing could not have been better! Meeting with Angela Gordon, Assistant Warden of Programs, it was required to have a humane society or shelter, so they chose the no kill facility, West Volusia Humane Society for the first year. Allyn Weigel asked Karen K. Clark with WE Help Animals Incorporated to complete the Team for promotion, graphics and some supplies. The end result is three companies coming together with Tomoka Correctional Institution and producing a successful program: Prison Pups and Pals!
The 55 year old facility, West Volusia Humane Society has an adoption fee of $80 (eighty) dollars. The dogs have been screened for different backgrounds, each dog is selected according to it’s temperament, personality, possible abuse, and size.
The dogs are obedience trained by the dedicated inmates. The inmates are treating the dogs as if they were their own personal pet in a gentle, compassionate way. The dogs live with the inmates, wire-crated along side them in the dorm at night and the dogs are NEVER left alone.
The inmates are focusing on good citizenship, accountability and responsibility. This program should provide animal care skills when released and stays with them most times. The inmates each prepare daily and weekly reports. The reports include the dog’s behavior, learning ability, progress as well as daily “care” routine; Walks, feeding, grooming, etc.
*There is no State funding for this inmate educational and animal training program, The State also requires that an animal must be spayed or neutered, have a comprehensive physical and up to date with vaccines; Along with rabies, bordetella (kennel cough), tested for parasites, heart worm tested, micro chipped and very healthy. Every seven to eight weeks, another five or more dogs will arrive at Tomoka C.I. for classes. Those animals must be prepared according to the above mentioned specifications.
Expenses must be covered by our partnered organizations, individuals, and businesses. The companies that came aboard during the organizational time, were Countryside Animal Clinic of Deland, LLC. that voluntarily prepared all five dogs according to State requirements. Karen K Clark asked Aaron Pest Control based in Deland, to use their services, they also Volunteered to spray 30,000 sq. ft. dog exercise yard every 90 days when called upon by Tomoka C.I.; Thank you both for your generous donation to an untested project. KKC
MEDICALLY PREPARING ALL FIVE DOGS FOR THE 2010 PROGRAM WAS expected TO BE A HUGE EXPENSE and it could have been as much as $1800 for each session. Gloria Thomas contacted Countryside Animal Clinic of Deland, LLC Counryside is one of the primary care facilities for the WVHS. VCA Orange City Animal Hospital Class prepared the 2010/002 and SPRING Oaks Animal Hospital in Deland prepared the class 2010/003! All Done out of the goodness of their hearts! Thank you all. KKC
In 2010, Gloria Thomas was blessed with good luck, the three veterinarians donated their services: Medical tests, exams, spaying or neutering. Thus, food, supplies such as grooming items, flea and tick control, wire crates, pooper scoopers, scooper bags, food & water dishes, paper towels, chew toys, etc. were supported by tax deductible deductions.
|
