Our pets of the week are Flash and Gaza. Once, they were dogs without a home, and now they’re safe and well-cared for in our Mutts With Manners program at the Northpoint Training Center in Burgin, Kentucky (Northpoint Trained Canines Program). DBCHS’s Mutts With Manners program matches carefully screened prison inmates with a shelter dog for six weeks to eight weeks for training.

During their stay, Flash and Gaza and our other Mutts With Manners dogs learn basic obedience led by our professional trainer, Cheri Carbone. The inmates and the dogs live together in the prison dormitory and attend weekly training sessions. Even throughout Covid lockdowns, training continued. For the last couple of years, Cheri has been doing Zoom sessions with the dogs and their inmate handlers.

Cheri, a small but mighty team of volunteers and the inmates provide the dogs with the structure they need to adapt to a traditional home. The dogs receive one-on-one companionship and opportunities for socialization, behavior modification, and plenty of love.

In the end, the dogs participating in the program graduate with a wealth of valuable skills. Mutts With Manners are confident, well behaved and ready to start a new life with a loving family. Here’s what their handlers have to say about Flash and Gaza:

“Flash (formerly known as Axel) is a handsome red tick hound mix and probably the most laid-back guy you will ever meet. He is 6 years old and weighs 75 pounds. Flash gets along with everybody and anybody – including cats. He does prefer to be the only dog in the home, and he’s all the dog you need! Flash has been in the program for a while so he really knows his commands, and even has a few tricks to show off, too.”

“Gaza (formerly known as Trooper) is an energetic and smart boxer mix. He is 2 years old and 83 pounds. He loves to play and is very friendly. He is the newest Mutt with Manners to complete his training and knows all of his commands and is full of tricks. This tough looking guy is a big sweetheart. He would be a perfect pal for your other pets – except for cats, please – or just hanging out with his best friend – you.”

Both Flash and Gaza are neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, microchipped and ready to go home. If you’re interested in adopting a Mutts With Manners dog, please visit www.dbchs.org/muttswithmannersdogs to complete an online application. If you seem to be a good fit for one of our Mutts, a volunteer will contact you to schedule a meet-and-greet.

The Danville-Boyle County Humane Society is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) established in 1972 that promotes the humane treatment of animals through compassionate care, engagement, and support. To donate, please visit DBCHS.org/give or mail a check to DBCHS P.O. Box 487, Danville, KY 40423-0487. We’re grateful for every contribution.