Dedicated Volunteers Train Shelter Dogs for Adoption

Anchorage Animal Care and Control is working to increase pet adoptions with the help of volunteers and a shelter dog training class.

Tools

By Alexis Fernandez

Story Created: Aug 7, 2011 at 6:20 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Aug 7, 2011 at 6:20 PM AKDT

Anchorage Animal Care and Control is working to increase pet adoptions with the help of volunteers and a shelter dog training class.

Last year, more than 6,300 animals were housed at the shelter, nearly 3,000 of which were adopted.

Although the number of adoptable and adopted animals have remained consistent throughout the years, dog trainers from the shelter want more people to adopt. They hope to achieve that goal by training the dogs before they are adopted so when owners take them home the hard work is already done.

Every Saturday, a handful of volunteers show up to train the dogs, including 20-year-old Desiree Sawyer.

“I’ve had animals growing up ever since I was little,” she said. “I love animals. I want to work with animals every chance I get.”

The volunteers teach them basic commands and never use punishment when handling the dogs. Treats, praise, and quality time are used instead.

Today, it was 6-year-old Precious’ turn who has been at the shelter for more than a month.

“Shelter environment can be very stressful for dogs…none of the dogs came from this type of environment,” said Kathy Broome, a volunteer shelter dog trainer. “It’s really important for them to keep their mind working, to keep them mentally healthy.”

And for volunteers, it’s an incredible experience.

“I love every minute of it,” said Mary Wanamaker, a volunteer trainer.

If you are interested in adoption or becoming a volunteer trainer, you can contact ACC at (907) 343-8119.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

Brenda Bratley said on Sunday, Aug 7 at 6:56 PM

The inmates at Hiland Mountain Correctional Facility also train shelter dogs. They are here with 'their' inmate for a couple months, are available for adoption through the Mat-Su animal shelter Spot Program. The dogs may be adopted at any time after the first few weeks, but cannot be taken home until their graduation from the program. It is an amazing and heartwarming program. It does wonders for the inmates and of course saves a wonderful animal.

71978504
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KTVA CBS 11 | Anchorage, Alaska News and Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.