Our good friends at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA are always coming up with creative ways to help pets, wildlife, and the people who love them. One innovative program that's been quite successful is TAILS (Transitioning Animals Into Loving Situations), a partnership between Peninsula Humane and the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office that pairs minimum-security inmates with shelter dogs, especially those dogs who need some extra attention and TLC.
It's a win-win for the people and the dogs: the inmates learn job skills and practice being responsible for somebody else, while the dogs learn social graces and acquire a happy, confident outlook on life. Peninsula Humane's Scott Delucchi says, "Outside of a weekly training class led by a PHS/SPCA volunteer, the inmates are responsible for exercise, socialization, grooming and homework from class. The dogs have two handlers who have nothing but time for them, constant off-leash romps in a large yard with their classmates, and more love than anyone could imagine."
Recent graduate Tope here has had a good time in jail, where he learned many commands and earned a reputation as the easiest dog on the planet. Now this active senior Chug (Chihuahua/pug) is looking for a home of his own where he can show off his charming nature. Gentle and social, he gets along well with all the humans and dogs he meets, and probably would do the same with cats. He's the perfect companion for folks who like to stroll and smell the roses, and would be happy to accompany you on all your DogTreks. If you would like to arrange a meeting with Tope, or learn more about him, please contact slundquist@PHS_SPCA.org (or call 650/340-7022, ext. 418).
