INTRODUCING:

The Perry Street Dogs

You have all followed us through our recent troubles with the city of Barrie, ON, Canada. Some of you as far away as Australia even offered to take our dogs into your home sight unseen to keep them safe. To those people, I would like to take the time to say thank you on behalf of the Perry Street Dogs. I also extend my thanks to you for your care and concern. Without people like you who are willing to BE the change, we could not save as many lives as we do.

Today the Perry Street Dogs are all safe and sound, and legally licensed by good friends who know us and our dogs well, and are ready to take them into their homes should it become necessary. However, it occurred to me, that those of you out there who stepped forward when we reached out, did so knowing nothing about the dogs they were willing to save. It is for this reason, that over the next 8 days (starting tomorrow) the Barrie Dog Blog will introduce Let's Adopt members worldwide to the Perry Street Dogs. The Perry Street Dogs are working dogs. They work together as a pack to help me rehabilitate the rescued dogs that come through our home. You could say they are dogs that rescue other dogs.

I am a dog trainer, and for the past two years I have been developing a rehabilitation program for rescue dogs. The program relies heavily on a dogs inherent pack mentality, and the bond that develops between dogs who live together as a pack. Using the natural instincts all dogs are born with, we integrate the rescue into the pack and allow the dogs to teach him/her what is acceptable behaviour. (Please do not try this at home, I know that sounds corny, but this method requires a pack of balanced and well adjusted dogs, and a handler with full working knowledge of dog behaviour to control the pack as they work.)

This process is a long one, and takes a trainer dedicated to rehabilitating the animal in question. It is not just a matter of throwing the rescue in with the pack and hoping for the best. Interaction must be supervised, and a knowledge of dog behaviour and body language is essential for the program to be successful.

Since July of 2008 the Perry Street dogs are responsible for the successful rehabilitation and rehoming of ten dogs. A few of those were in rehab for over a year. All save one are still in the homes we found for them.

Tomorrow you will meet lead dog Bowser (complete with photo spread).