eskiesbehindbars

Tender Loving Canine (TLC) Rescue - Specializing in the American Eskimo (TLC Rescue) is proud to announce a new program, "Eskies Behind Bars".

Exactly how does the program work? It is a 24 hour a day commitment for both dog and handler. The dog lives with one chosen inmate and they actually share a cell. The inmate is responsible for all aspects of the Eskie's care and training, from housebreaking to feeding to basic obedience. The dogs are rescued from pounds, shelters, backyard breeders/puppy mills, and owner surrenders.

Each inmate has to have "X" amount of community service. Each prison has their own hours. One prison may have a total of 38,000 and another have 240,000 hours of community service per year to complete. Not every person can work outside the prison to meet those hours. Other services could include: making license plates, wood work, make signs, etc. Eskies Behind Bars program helps the prison meet their goals.

Selected Eskies must pass a personality test and demonstrate certain traits in order to become part of the program. They need energy, and a desire to please.

TLC Rescue provides the handlers crates/kennels, bowls, leashes, food, collars, treats, shampoo, training materials, etc. Before any dog can enter into this program they have to be temperament tested, current on all vaccines, and altered. They must be in the program a minimum of six (6) weeks and will stay until they are adopted.

The handler must be willing to keep a log, complete assignments and attend classes. Besides basic obedience training, the dogs are given socialization, one-on-one attention, and lots of love.

When the Eskie has completed its training, it is a mixed blessing for the inmate who has dedicated so much time, effort and love into their charge. The inmate must watch as "their" dog goes off to their new forever home.

We all know what positive roles animals play in our lives and these dogs make a difference, first to the inmate who may have never experienced the love or the need that these dogs offer and then to the adopting family in the joy they will find with the help of their new dog.

This program is funded entirely by donations and fundraisers. You can help and make a difference by sending your donation to TLC Rescue, P.O. Box 216, Grove City, OH, 43123.

Click here to read news articles about the Eskies Behind Bars program.

These dogs are currently in the program or have already graduated from the program. We try our best to have pictures of all the dogs shown but there might be a few missing for whatever reason.