It's been a month since nearly 50 dogs were seized from the Beekmantown-based animal rescue, A Canine Gem, and now these dogs are looking for their forever homes through Elmore SPCA.
In an innovative move, the Clinton County Canine Club is offering free beginner pet manners classes to 4 families who adopt one of the rescued dogs on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The courses will be offered this Spring at the North Country Dance Square Club building at the Clinton County Fairgrounds starting April 7.
Linda Lapier, the acting president of the Clinton County Canine Club, emphasized the importance of training in ensuring the successful integration of dogs into families, stating, “It's to help people, train them, learn to train their dogs so that they will have success with their dogs so they can integrate into their families. And we have less dogs ending up in shelters.”
The initiative aims to provide basic obedience training and socialization for the rescued dogs, with Lapier highlighting the significance of understanding the needs of the dogs and fostering a positive relationship between pets and their owners.
Elmore SPCA is currently accepting applications for the seized dogs, and while some have already found their forever homes, many are still awaiting adoption at the Clinton County Jail.
Laurie Parsons, board president of Elmore SPCA, expressed optimism about the initiative, stating, “Initiatives like this can improve the odds for animals to have a successful transition from a shelter into their home.”
However, both Lapier and Parsons stressed that the training process will require time, patience, and commitment from both the dogs and their owners.
Lapier emphasized, “Majority of the work is done by the handler. We try to show them how to do it, how to deal with their dogs and how to have success with their dogs. They have to practice and they have to follow through.”
For those interested in adopting one of the rescued dogs, applications must be submitted through Elmore SPCA. It's important to note that potential adopters cannot visit the jail to choose their pup.
If you are interested in adopting one of the dogs, you can go to Elmore SPCA's website.
If you would like to sign up for one of Clinton County Canine Club's dog training courses, you can also head to their website.