| Columbia County Sheriff's Office |
David W. Harrison, Jr., SHERIFF James R. Sweet, UNDERSHERIFF
| Copyright ©2006 Columbia County Sheriff's Office, Hudson, NY 12534 |
Columbia County Sheriff David Harrison, Jr. announces that the Sheriff’s Office is starting a new program in the county jail which
will accept homeless dogs who will be taught basic obedience training and other skills by inmates, that will help the dogs be more
adoptable and increase their chances of going to a permanent home. The Sheriff’s Office contacted the Columbia Greene
Humane Society/SPCA (CGHS/SPCA) to become partners in the program which is called “A New Leash on Life”. The program
was developed and will be overseen by Captain John Davi, Commander of the Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division.
This unique partnership places homeless dogs selected by these agencies, into the Columbia County Jail where they will live with
and be trained by specifically selected volunteer inmates. The inmates who are chosen to be primary and secondary handlers
must first be eligible based on their classification and their disciplinary history while incarcerated. They are then interviewed
individually by Sheriff’s Office staff. Once chosen, the inmate will receive two hours of classroom training before they begin 6
weeks of round the clock care of their assigned dog. Once a week, a formal training class is held by Charlene Marchand, a
volunteer professional trainer and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the CGHS/SPCA. Depending on the needs of each
individual dog, the inmate will work with the dog on basic home skills and socialization. Once the dogs complete the six week
program, they will possess obedience skills such as how to heel, sit, recall and stay. The dogs will also be house trained, leash
trained and responsive to voice and hand commands, making the dog more adoptable with the end result being their adoption to
a loving permanent home.
Upon completion, the dogs will be available for adoption through the Columbia Greene Humane Society/SPCA. The program
costs county taxpayers nothing as those involved volunteer their time, and equipment is donated or purchased from the inmate
commissary fund as allowed by the NYS Commission of Correction.
Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA is dedicated to the protection, humane treatment, and well being of all animals. Its
mission is accomplished by commitment to community outreach, humane education and prevention of cruelty to animals. They
do not euthanize animals for space constraints and do not receive any federal, state, or county funding.
It is our hope that this program will not only provide a second chance for these sheltered dogs, but will also allow the inmates
participating in the program to experience a feeling of giving back something positive to the community and gain a sense of
responsibility, and satisfaction by teaching and taking care of the animal. They will also learn job skills in dog training and
grooming which may help them once they are released from jail.
For more information about a “A New Leash of Life” program or adopting a dog that has graduated from the program contact the
CGHS/SPCA at (518) 828-6044, email info@cghs.org.
will accept homeless dogs who will be taught basic obedience training and other skills by inmates, that will help the dogs be more
adoptable and increase their chances of going to a permanent home. The Sheriff’s Office contacted the Columbia Greene
Humane Society/SPCA (CGHS/SPCA) to become partners in the program which is called “A New Leash on Life”. The program
was developed and will be overseen by Captain John Davi, Commander of the Sheriff’s Office Corrections Division.
This unique partnership places homeless dogs selected by these agencies, into the Columbia County Jail where they will live with
and be trained by specifically selected volunteer inmates. The inmates who are chosen to be primary and secondary handlers
must first be eligible based on their classification and their disciplinary history while incarcerated. They are then interviewed
individually by Sheriff’s Office staff. Once chosen, the inmate will receive two hours of classroom training before they begin 6
weeks of round the clock care of their assigned dog. Once a week, a formal training class is held by Charlene Marchand, a
volunteer professional trainer and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the CGHS/SPCA. Depending on the needs of each
individual dog, the inmate will work with the dog on basic home skills and socialization. Once the dogs complete the six week
program, they will possess obedience skills such as how to heel, sit, recall and stay. The dogs will also be house trained, leash
trained and responsive to voice and hand commands, making the dog more adoptable with the end result being their adoption to
a loving permanent home.
Upon completion, the dogs will be available for adoption through the Columbia Greene Humane Society/SPCA. The program
costs county taxpayers nothing as those involved volunteer their time, and equipment is donated or purchased from the inmate
commissary fund as allowed by the NYS Commission of Correction.
Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA is dedicated to the protection, humane treatment, and well being of all animals. Its
mission is accomplished by commitment to community outreach, humane education and prevention of cruelty to animals. They
do not euthanize animals for space constraints and do not receive any federal, state, or county funding.
It is our hope that this program will not only provide a second chance for these sheltered dogs, but will also allow the inmates
participating in the program to experience a feeling of giving back something positive to the community and gain a sense of
responsibility, and satisfaction by teaching and taking care of the animal. They will also learn job skills in dog training and
grooming which may help them once they are released from jail.
For more information about a “A New Leash of Life” program or adopting a dog that has graduated from the program contact the
CGHS/SPCA at (518) 828-6044, email info@cghs.org.
| Nikolai, a 1.5 year old male Labrador Mix, is a puppy at heart, and loves attention and toys. He'll melt in your arms with any sort of affection, and he'll do anything to play a game of fetch. Nikolai has a wonderful temperament and would do great in a home with an active family. He seems to do well with other dogs, but he has to be tested again with cats, and we think he’d do just fine with kids that can tire him out with endless games of fetch. If interested in meeting Nikolai, please call the CGHS at 518-828-6044. |
| Cody is 9 months old and he's well-tempered, playful, and just a big goofball. Cody was given as a present when he was a puppy - and it was decided that he was just getting too big for the household. Cody is extremely loving and loves to play and have fun. He's a total teddy bear and would make a great companion to any family. He does well with other dogs, older kids, but will need work with cats. If interested in meeting Nikolai, please call the CGHS at 518-828-6044. |
Sadie is a sweetheart, with lots of energy and love to give.
Sadie is very active and loves to play, and would do
wonderfully in a home where she can burn off a lot of energy.
Sadie does well with other dogs, but does not do so well with
cats. Sadie would be good with older, durable kids that can
play lots of fetch and frisbee with her. Sadie was surrendered
because her new owner did not have time for her, and Sadie
now is actively looking for a forever home that will devote lots
of play time to her! If interested in meeting Nikolai, please
call the CGHS at 518-828-6044.
Sadie is very active and loves to play, and would do
wonderfully in a home where she can burn off a lot of energy.
Sadie does well with other dogs, but does not do so well with
cats. Sadie would be good with older, durable kids that can
play lots of fetch and frisbee with her. Sadie was surrendered
because her new owner did not have time for her, and Sadie
now is actively looking for a forever home that will devote lots
of play time to her! If interested in meeting Nikolai, please
call the CGHS at 518-828-6044.