BUFFALO — A pair of Shelties — Nicky and Maxie — are among the first to graduate from the new “Pups at the Pen” program at the Erie County Correctional Facility, a joint program from the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and SPCA Serving Erie County.
Nicky and Maxie were surrendered to the SPCA this summer and became the first candidates for this new program. The dogs completed a six-week session, living with female inmates and receiving training every day. They worked on leash-walking, focus and motivation exercises, basic commands, roundabout turns, hand targeting, and more.
The dogs will be available for adoption 4:00 p.m. Saturday at the SPCA’s “Canines on the Catwalk” event in Slade Park at the Erie County Fair. They are bonded brothers and must be adopted together.
The next Pups at the Pen dog(s) will be transported to the Erie County Correctional Facility later this month.
The SPCA specifically selects canine candidates for the program who may need extra attention or who have special needs; a training representative from the SPCA works with the inmates weekly to teach them how to teach the dogs proper behavior and socialization skills, ultimately preparing the dogs for successful placement.
For more information about the Pups at the Pen program or to inquire about Nicky and Maxie please contact Gina Browning at the SPCA Serving Erie County, 716-629-3505.
