RESCUED – Saving Lives – One Life at a Time!

Colwell Probation Detention Center and Tri-State Pet Rescue, Inc. held its Ribbon Cutting and Graduation Ceremony Wednesday, August 29th for RESCUED: Detention Center & FAMA Dog Rescue Program, a wonderful program started with Jan Eaton (Director of Tri-State Pet Rescue, Inc) and her dedication to “saving lives!” RESCUED is a program designed to save dogs from being euthanized at Fannin and Gilmer County Animal Shelters while providing detainees the training to teach basic dog obedience and animal care/grooming skills. Detainees can also receive an On-the-Job Training Certificate in grooming. The program operates on a volunteer basis and does not require any Federal or State tax dollars to function. The program produces amazing results for all involved.

As the ceremony began, the candidates brought in the first four dogs to have completed the program. It was impressive to see how well the dogs and their handlers interacted with each other and how well behaved the dogs were too! It occurred to me that the simple obedience training given to these dogs could make all the difference with a successful forever-home. The dogs continued to sit quietly up front during the entire presentation (Only two woofs and a low occasional growl). It was visible the impact the program had made on the handlers too. Presentation of On-the-Job Training Certificates along with assistance from North Georgia College in resume preparation will help ensure the success of the handlers to continue on to future success in the field.

Good Manners Demostration was held by Cold Nose College and First Graduating Class of Handlers and Dogs and it was flawless. Commissioner Brian Owens, Superintendent Diane Hassett, and Director Jan Eaton were all smiles for the Ribbon Cutting, which followed the amazing exhibition of skills the handlers and dogs had gained. The participation of the detainees is based on an interview process to determine the best possible candidates for the program. Diane Hassett, Superintendent, Colwell PDC said the program is “a win-win for all!” FetchYourNews.com had an opportunity to speak with Commissioner Owens after the ceremony and he was so pleased that he has already approved the program to begin in Alto – located in Habersham County.

I spoke with Superintendent Hassett a couple of days later and she told me that the four dogs that graduated are now returned to find their forever-homes with one already adopted. So four new furry friends have arrived at Colwell to begin their journey to forever-homes and new handlers will be selected to participate and experience the very life- changing program. As for me, I can only sing praises for all involved – RESCUED certainly lives up to its name! I look forward to the possiblity of many more graduations of this program that I truly hope spreads rapidly through Georgia and other states as well.