Program sponsored by local Humane Society chapter

LAKE CHARLES -- A new rehabilitation project for incarcerated at-risk youths and rescued death-row dogs has been launched at the Calcasieu Parish Juvenile Detention Center in partnership with the Calcasieu Parish Animal Services Department and the Humane Society of Southwest Louisiana.

The project, New Leash on Life, places rescued dogs in the care of detained youths, who feed and walk the animals and practice obedience training. According to Dane Bolin, director of the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Office of Juvenile Services, the youths are chosen based on a willingness to participate and a proven track record of being capable of accepting responsibility. They are paired off into teams and are expected to feed the dogs, clean their kennels, document training progress, and take them for morning, noon and night walks.

“This project benefits our kids by teaching them to redirect their focus from themselves to others. It diffuses anger and anxiety, which get redirected into learning new skills with patience and focus,” Bolin said. “They will learn valuable, marketable skills.” Sally Stride, a certified pet dog trainer and the owner of Proper Pooches Dog Training, instructs the youths on professional dog training techniques. Stride’s techniques stress positive reinforcement — no choke chains, no spanking, no shock collars.

According to Stride, the use of positive reinforcement and rewards teaches the youths that there is a humane way to work with animals — and, in turn, a more positive and humane way to approach life in general. “The residents learn that they can achieve what they set out to do, using positivity and kindness instead of anger and violence,” Stride said. “The kids have to problemsolve when situations are frustrating, and they can’t give up.”

The dogs live at the Juvenile Detention Center for at least four weeks. Once their training is complete, the animals are put up for adoption, and another set of untrained dogs moves into the program. The program has been so successful that one released youth requested that he work with animals to satisfy his community service requirement. Another asked Stride for information on how to become a certified dog trainer.

The kids who are participating in this first four-week session of New Leash on Life have renewed my faith that kids are good,” said Marsha Montgomery, president of the Southwest Louisiana Humane Society. “These kids have been respectful, hardworking, committed, and they are truly taking their responsibility to the lives of these little dogs very seriously. Kids helping save dogs’ lives who will, in turn, help rehabilitate those kids — what could be more perfect?”

Chloe and Sherlock are two dogs that have already been through the program. They’re now obedience-trained and ready for adoption. For more information on adopting Chloe or Sherlock, e-mail Beth Zilbert at bethemma@ yahoo.com or visit www.petfinder.com. For information on how to join the newly formed Humane Society of Southwest Louisiana, visit www.gohumane.com.

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