The Caloosa Humane Society has partnered with GEO, Moore Haven Correctional and Rehabilitation Facility, and is excited to announce a new program called “Second Leash on Life” giving second chances to both humans and shelter pups.
The focus is on rescuing dogs in need of socialization and training and placing them with incarcerated resident trainers. Through this partnership, the residents dedicate 1920 hours of hard work, education, and hands-on training to earn a “Master Trainer Certification” while the dogs become “Canine Good Citizen” (CGC) test-ready. By combining effective dog-training methods with proven rehabilitation practices, we are saving lives and equipping dogs with basic manners and commands to prepare them for a new home.
The private prison has a separate wing dedicated to 8 dogs and their trainers. The wing features a large common room, individual sleeping quarters, a private outdoor area with a covered concrete recreational space, and a grass lawn. GEO provides a Dog Trainer Instructor on staff, and the Associate Warden secured grant funding for food and training supplies. Caloosa Humane Society provides all medical care and adoption services. As each dog gets adopted, a new shelter pup enters the program. Just as trainers graduate, new inmates are selected for the program.
Inmates partner with our rescue dogs to teach manners, good behavior, and socialization. Over 12 weeks, inmates and dogs get a “second leash on life” – they train their K-9 partners on basic commands. Upon graduation, the dogs are highly adaptable and possess the following obedience skills:
• House-broken
• Crate trained
• Walking on a loose lead
• Sit and down on command
• Stay in place
• Coming when called
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In addition to training, each dogs receives:
• Spay or neuter surgery
• Vaccinations and de-worming treatment
• Flea & tick preventative
• Heartworm test, treatment, and prevention
• Microchip ID
We are proud to announce our very first “Second Leash on Life” graduation class: Rocky, Duke, Jerry, Vero, Kilo, Jovi, Maya, and Harvey! Cell Dogs are available for adoption through Caloosa Humane Society. Interested adopters are encouraged to complete pre-adoption applications and request a Meet & Greet. We look forward to many more graduations to come, so if these classmates do not fit your family, keep checking back for available cell dogs.
Members of the public are invited to visit the shelter at 1200 Pratt Blvd, LaBelle from 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM Tuesday through Sunday or call 863-675-0997. Animals for adoption are also featured on our website https://caloosahumanesociety.org/adopt/adoptable-animals/
About the Caloosa Humane Society
The Caloosa Humane Society, Inc. is a not-for-profit, 501 (c)(3) status organization that receives no federal, state, or local funding and relies on donations, bequests, and fundraising events.
We are a no-kill pet shelter in LaBelle, FL, serving Hendry/Glades counties and beyond since 2001. We rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome many homeless pets each year in our community and beyond. Our incredibly dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, and generous donors ensure that our animals receive the best possible care while they temporarily reside at CHS waiting for their forever home. Our goal is to find a loving home for each and every homeless pet that finds its way to our sweet shelter.
Caloosa Humane Society Vet Clinic is a full-service animal clinic that proudly offers high-quality veterinary care for dogs and cats available to the public. The best part about bringing your pet to CHS Veterinary Clinic, besides the professional, compassionate care your pet receives, is that your visit directly supports the care of the homeless pets at our shelter. By caring for your own best friend, you are helping the abandoned animals while they await their forever home at CHS Adoption Center. Every dollar you spend at the Caloosa vet clinic saves lives!
For more information, visit www.caloosahumanesociety.org.
