Adoptable Georgia Dogs for June 4, 2013

This appears to be a pure or almost-pure Golden Retriver male, who is available for adoption today from the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter. The white around his muzzle doesn’t necessarily mean he’s more than a few years old, as some Golden’s get white on their muzzle pretty young.

Angels Among Us Rescue saved these two little Chihuahuas who were born without their front legs and are raising money to get them fitted with wheels, at a cost of approximately $450 per dog. Enough has been raised for the first pair, and they’re asking for help buying the second set of wheels. You can donate online and write “wheels” in the purpose field or send a check to Angels Among Us Pet Rescue Inc., PO Box 821, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

Otis is an 89-pound male Bluetick Coonhound who is available for adoption from the Blue Ridge Humane Society in Blue Ridge, Ga. Coonhounds are great dogs who combine a mellow manner in-home with lots of energy and stamina outdoors. They’re great for athletic families.

Fulton County has established a new “Jail Dogs” Program that appears to be based on the successful program by Gwinnett County Sheriff Butch Conway. From Fox5Atlanta:

Man’s best friend is helping to change lives through a unique program at the Fulton County Jail. Inmates are working with Fulton County Animal Services to train dogs who would otherwise be euthanized.

The Canine Cellmates program offers a second chance for dogs set to be put down and a new lease on life for their handlers.

“Making me want to do something more with my life by getting in this program.  Hopefully I can change this dog’s life and change mine at the same time,” said Sesar King, a program participant.

Fulton County Sheriff Ted Jackson implemented the jail dog program, which is only program of its kind in Atlanta, and one of the few such partnerships in the country. Program director Susan Jacobs-Meadows says Canine Cellmates has a proven track record.

“In every facility that has implemented a program like this, what they have seen is a lowered incidence of violence within the facility and a drastically lowered recidivism rate from the inmates released from a program like this,” said Jacobs-Meadows.

Inmates taking part in the eight week program will train shelter dogs, teaching them the skills they need to become candidates for permanent adoption.

The goal is to minimize recidivism and improve the lives of inmates while saving dogs from euthanasia in Fulton County.

More information on the Canine Cellmates program, including how to adopt the dogs once they graduate, may be found on their website.