The New Leash on Life dogs will be at the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA on Saturday, December 1 from 11:30 a.m. until 2p.m. People can meet and apply to adopt the dogs currently in the program. The New Leash program is offered through the office of David W. Harrison, Jr., Sheriff of Columbia County. The program is held at the Columbia County Jail, where inmates are taught basic dog obedience by Charlene Marchand, professional Dog Trainer and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of CGHS/SPCA. In turn, the inmates continually rehearse basic dog obedience with homeless dogs, making them more adoptable and increasing their chances of obtaining a permanent home. The dogs are supplied by CGHS/SPCA and live with the inmates during the six week program, which offers around the clock care and crucial training for when they are adopted.
 These dogs, in particular, are especially in need of a caring home. Two of the three dogs in the program were rescued by the NYPD and the ASPCA downstate. Laila and Amber were found locked in crates in a Bronx home. The basement of the six story building was used for dog fighting, and more than fifty five dogs were recovered from the basement. CGHS/SPCA stepped up to help with the placement of the adoptable dogs, and elected to place two of them in the New Leash on Life program to better suit them for their new home. Both Laila and Amber are Bull Terrier mixes; Laila is approximately 3 years old and Amber is about 2 years old. Both dogs are very sweet and gentle. Simba is a 1 year old Siberian Husky that is very friendly and active.
All three of the dogs in the program need homes, and the adopters will receive one free training session with Charlene Marchand to help them adjust to their new environment. In addition, all three dogs’ adoption fees are sponsored by CGHS/SPCA members Art and Roz Brown, so there will be no cost for the dogs to be placed into approved homes. For more information, please contact CGHS/SPCA at (518) 828-6044, or stop by and meet the New Leash on Life dogs in person on Saturday, December 1.
Pictured above: Professional Dog Trainer and CGHS/SPCA Chairperson Charlene Marchand is seen treating obedient dogs and their handlers during a training exercise in the New Leash on Life Cell Dog Program at the Columbia County Jail. From left to right, the dogs are Amber, Simba, and Laila.