Adoptable Georgia Dogs for March 22, 2016

Today’s featured dogs are from Canine Cellmates, a program in the Fulton County Jail to help jailed inmates learn a marketable skill while saving shelter animals.

In simple terms, this program changes lives – both canine and human, by offering them a second chance at life. Both groups have faced isolation and rejection by the outside world, but when they come together, they often give each other a new found sense of hope, as they become the rescuer for one another.

Naaman is a 2.5 year old, 70-pound adult male Labrador Retriever and Black Mouth Cur mix who is available for adoption from Canine Cellmates in Atlanta, GA.

NAAMAN graduated in cycle 4 (2014) and became a Canine CellMates celebrity by almost becoming an international Search and Rescue Dog. Well, he has been out of the lime light for a little bit now and has been enjoying life as a canine companion in his wonderful foster home. He is loving doing all of the things that “regular” dogs do – going on long hikes, sleeping on the couch and being loved on.

The best person or family for him would be an active one. Naaman’s perfect owner would be someone who is dog savvy and comfortable with large, physical dogs. This person would be someone who enjoys being physically active. A runner would be ideal, as Naaman loves to run, and according to a CCM volunteer, is the PERECT running partner, staying focused on the running as his job, and ignoring everything around him. He would be a great companion to take hunting, camping, or hiking. He enjoys things like dock diving and agility. He is a very smart boy, so he will need stimulation – both mentally and physically.

Mack is a 3-year old adult male Mastiff and Basset Hound mix who is available for adoption from Canine Cellmates in Atlanta, GA.

With a heart as big as his head, this goofy looking boy will cuddle his way into your lap. Stud muffin extraordinaire, Mack is a surprisingly athletic and energetic boy when outdoors, but calm and quiet indoors. Handsome, funny, and exuding manliness, this pup excels in the bonding department and just wants to please. When is he not turning heads, pleasing, or cuddling, Mack loves playing fetch … and clicker training.

Canine CellMates dogs are trained in items similar to the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test. They learn basic obedience and commands such as sit, down, stay, etc.

Jack is a one-year old male Plott Hound and Labrador Retriever mix who is available for adoption from Canine Cellmates in Atlanta, GA.

He’s an athletic, fun-loving young boy who just can’t wait to play with you. Sweet, gentle yet bouncy, he is a star in the training room and favorite playmate of our handlers. Well versed in soccer, fetch, and tug, this boy is learning and expanding his repertoire every day. While energetic, he is quiet and gentle during play. Not only is this boy smart and fun, but he is also quite the looker when the sun hits his handsome reverse brindle stripes. Playful, happy, and loving this is a fantastic dog for any home. Come claim this dashing pup before the Sarge scoops him up!

I first heard of this type of program when Gwinnett County Sheriff Butch Conway started Operation Second Chance, or Jail Dogs, at the Gwinnett County Jail. He recently announced that Jail Dogs will double its program size, serving more dogs and more inmates.

The Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office is expanding the Operation Second Chance program, doubling the size of the popular initiative to take in rescue dogs to be housed with inmates.

The program began in 2010 in an effort to reduce euthanasia rates in the county and was a partnership between Sheriff Butch Conway and Dennis Kronenfeld, founder of Society of Humane Friends of Georgia. The dogs live with non-violent inmates who care for and train the dogs until they are adopted.

The Jail Dogs program, which has rescued more than 300 dogs, is now adding another unit in the jail, the sheriff’s office announced this week.

The longtime sheriff, who is seeking re-election in November and faces opposition from fellow Republican and retired deputy Keith Van Nus, is a well-known animal enthusiast.

The catalyst for expanding the program, which is reportedly funded without tax money, was feedback from Gwinnett residents. Each grand jury is charged with inspecting the jail and their reports have praised the program since it began, many of them suggesting that the program be expanded, the sheriff’s office said.

Click here to learn more about Jail Dogs, check out some of their current adoptable dogs, and donate to help keep it running at no cost to taxpayers.