Troubled kids help abused dogs and learn about love
By Amy Sacks
Daily News Staff Writer
Originally published by www.nydailynews.com, May 23, 2009
When Michael Vick was arrested last year for running a dogfighting ring, 15–year–old Orlando didn't think what the former NFL star had done was such a big deal. After all, pit bull fighting is a popular sport around the teen's Bronx neighborhood.
But Orlando's recent work training abused shelter dogs at an upstate juvenile justice facility has helped the troubled youth see that every animal deserves respect and a shot at a great life.
"Now I know it's a harmful thing, and it breaks my heart," said Orlando, who is currently a resident at the Sgt. Henry Johnson Youth Leadership Academy, located in upstate South Kortright.
Orlando is one of 15 New York City boys between 13 and 18 who participate in a new therapeutic program at the limited–security facility that pairs each kid with a former shelter dog.
The goal of the year–old program, a collaborative effort between the Youth Leadership Academy and the Glen Wild Animal Rescue, a member of the Mayor's Alliance for N.Y.C.'s Animals, is to rehabilitate dogs that have been deemed unadoptable so they can find a new home.
For the young residents, working with the dogs helps them deal with feelings of isolation and depression, instills a sense of accomplishment and pride, and offers them a friend to talk to.
Glen Wild Rescue founder Liz Keller pulls the dogs, mostly pit bulls, from NYC Animal Care & Control shelters, where she formerly worked as a manager. Once they are healthy and acclimated to their new home, the dogs are ready to be brought to the Youth Leadership Academy.
Every Wednesday, Keller teaches the cadets—some of whom have never even touched a dog—how to train the dogs using positive reinforcement methods under the leadership of youth counselor Stephen Dutcher.
So far, Orlando has taught his partner, Bo, a hound mix, to sit, stay, heel and give a high–five. He rewards Bo with a treat and some love, and the team begins and ends every training session by rolling around in the grass at the facility, which is situated among rolling hills, next to a farm with cows, bulls and other animals the city kids have never seen.
The kids also get to see firsthand the effects of neglect.
They recently met Courage and Kallie, two sweet and loving pit bulls that are damaged for life by dogfighting and cannot be placed for adoption.
Youth Leadership Academy psychologist Sue Newman says the program is a win–win situation.
"While we're helping the youth address their needs, the youth are helping the dogs in addressing theirs," she said. Many of the kids identify with abuse and learn through the dogs that "if you give love, you get love."
Many of the dogs have been adopted. Director Ruben Reyes hopes that some of the teens will be inspired to work with animals when they return home and believes the program opens them up to new career possibilities.
Meanwhile, Keller hopes to expand the program so more needy kids and animals can benefit.
Her plans include hiring a coordinator in the city who can mentor kids and connect them with volunteer and job opportunities working with shelter animals.
Donations can be sent to Glen Wild Rescue, P.O. Box 75, South Kortright, NY 13842, or through the group's Web site, www.glenwildanimalrescue.org.
© Copyright 2009 Daily News, L.P.
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