Avery Humane Society
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A New Leash On LifeSince 2006 we have partnered with a local Correctional Institute in a program called "A New Leash on Life." This program allows eight inmates to train four of our dogs in basic obedience. The dogs spend ten weeks in training at the correctional facility. The program makes our animals more adoptable, preparing them for their forever homes, and has changed the lives of all the inmates involved.
UPDATE 10/13/23- We have not been able to have our program since COVID. I contacted Mr. Sparks (program leader at MVCI) and they still do not have staff enough to host the program. He is hoping this changes soon, as much as we do.
Humane Society Dogs Go Home with AKC RegistrationsThrough New ProgramThe Avery Humane Society has joined forces with the American Kennel Club to provide more training and opportunities for the community’s homeless dogs. Now all dogs that graduate from the New Leash on Life program will go to their new homes with a registration in the AKC Canine Partners program. The Canine Partners program enables mixed-breeds and purebreds “without papers” to enjoy AKC benefits and compete in AKC events, including agility and rally trials. The registrations include other benefits of value to all dog owners, including 60 days of free pet health insurance and a one-year subscription to the AKC Family Dog magazine that includes tips on training, grooming and health care. Owners receive a registration certificate from AKC, suitable for framing, which includes the dog’s name and individual AKC number. “This is a great opportunity for the new owners of our dogs to receive valuable resources from the AKC to help them care for and train their dogs,” said Charlene Calhoun, shelter manager. “It also gives our owners and dogs access to all the events and programs that the AKC offers.” Avery Humane Society works in conjunction with the Mountain View Correctional Institute in Spruce Pine on the New Leash on Life program that benefits both the shelter’s dogs and the prison’s inmates. Shelter dogs live with inmates, who are selected as trainers, for several weeks. Professional dog trainers conduct classes at the prison and advise the inmates on the dogs’ behavioral and training needs. The socialization and training prepare the dogs for life with their new families, and that increases their adoptability. “Having basic training and socialization will make these dogs’ transition into their new homes much smoother for both them and their new families,” Calhoun said. New Leash on Life also benefits the inmates who learn responsibility and dog care skills that may help them find future employment in the animal care field. The AKC looks forward to a long relationship with the Avery Humane Society and New Leash on Life, which is a program of the NC Department of Corrections. “We are delighted to work with such a dedicated group of people who work so diligently to find good homes for these deserving dogs,” said Mark Dunn, Assistant Vice President of AKC Canine Partners. The American Kennel Club Inc. is the oldest dog registry in the country, having been founded in 1884. The not-for-profit organization not only registers dogs and governs dog shows, it works to improve the health and welfare of all dogs though the AKC Canine Health Foundation, the AKC Companion Animal Recovery service, disaster relief and more. For more information on adopting a dog, contact the Avery Humane Society at 828-733-2333 or averyhumanesociety@att.net. For more information on AKC Canine Partners, contact akccaninepartners@akc.org or call 919-816-3749.
Judy Rowand and Mr. Sparks Judy Rowand were the initial trainers for the New Leash on Life Program. Judy has been a professional trainer for over 40 yrs. Judy helped get the flagship program started in Marion and Black Mt units. Ron and Judy are happy to be helping with the program at Mt. View Correctional facility. |
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From left to right: Belle, Rocky, Molasses and Bullet (All Adopted) |
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Available Dogs in Training ~ Program closed due to COVID Bell "sitting" on command and being patient while the trainers are being instructed.
Molasses choosing to stare at me instead of listening to the group of trainers talk.
Rocky being a good boy and getting loved on while waiting on the next instructions.
CONGRATULATIONS Leash on Life Graduating Class of 8-2019!
Dogs from left to right: Falls, Doogie, Hershey and Hoover
Trainers in photo left to right: A.Y. Willard, Greg Wheeling, John Wimunc, Joseph Meadows, Zachary Logan, Brandon Holmes, Jhalmar Medina, and Eric Call
Falls is learning quicky and I hear he is loyal and great with the other dogs.
It isn't always about training. Sometimes it is about the heart that goes into it.
Bonnie learning her "down". She sure is a sweet girl. ~~>
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Indie goes belly up at the drop of a hat! She loves attention!
<~~Esmerelda and Call taking a short break.
<~ Clyde getting a belly rub. He is such a love sponge!
<~ Pumpkin waiting to show her stuff!
<~ Luna waiting her turn. 
<~ River takes a bow!
