Dogs to graduate from program

The program so far has saved the lives of 61 dogs.
By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County and Trumbull Correctional Institution are preparing to graduate another class of caring companions.
A group of seven dogs will graduate Oct. 31 from a training program the two organizations formed.
So far, the program has saved the lives of 61 dogs.
Shelter director Debbie Serbati said the dogs live with inmates round-the-clock for nine weeks, learning basic obedience training.
"This makes them more adoptable and more pleasant to be around," Serbati said.
After the graduation ceremony, the dogs are taken back to the shelter, where they await adoption.
A new class of dogs then enters the program.
The dogs are all young adults with little or no training, but with a lot of potential, league officials say.
Going to families: Five of seven dogs preparing for graduation are already claimed by adoptive families.
They are Trey, 7 months, a male border collie mix; Scooby, 1, a female collie mix; Parker, 6 months, male tan mix; Joey, 5 months, male mix; and Disney, 2, a male yellow Labrador retriever.
The other two are Megan, a 6-month-old, tricolor female mix, and Darby, a 1-year-old female blond mix.
To adopt, contact the shelter staff at (330) 394-4122.
The animals have all been neutered free of charge by Town and Country Veterinarian Hospital, Niles Veterinarian Clinic and Dr. Suzanne Hogue.
The shelter also accepts donations of toys, treats and collars, and is in need of 6-foot leashes, dry dog food, brushes, rawhide chews, collars and shampoo.