By Rhonda Hammerslough

Pawsitive Works

Bubbles wasn't the prettiest girl when Pawsitive Works took her in ...

With local shelters full and unable to take these dogs in, Pawsitive Works, a non-profit organization that pairs at-risk youth with shelter dogs, was contacted, and while they're not a rescue organization, they realized at once they had to do something to help. That need, coupled with the desire of Boulder Creek Academy to run a pilot session of the Pawsitive Works program, spurred the executive team to get creative!

Panhandle Animal Shelter in Sandpoint, even though they're over-full, agreed to take a couple of dogs. A couple more found homes in Boundary County, and four lucky dogs; Mister, Shyla, Ginger and Bubbles, are sharing their love, attention and need for training to Boulder Creek Academy youth in a five-week program that began February 16.

... but after working with Christian, she positively glowed, and found a forever home.

Pawsitive Works helps struggling youth identify and modify damaging behavior patterns through the care and training of homeless, behaviorally challenged dogs. That human-animal connection builds trust and contributes to the mental and physical wellness of the youth involved. By identifying behavior problems and solutions for each dog, kids can learn to incorporate those skills into their own behavior issues.

The dogs are groomed on a regular basis, learn good manners, are socialized and learn basic skills to prepare them for adoption. There's a lot of love shared on both sides of the equation, "shaping both ends of the leash," the motto of Pawsitive Works.

Three of the four dogs are looking for caring homes, and they've proven how great they are, reciprocating the love they've been shown. Bubbles, a standard brown poodle, has already melted the heart of one family and is now a loving companion in a loving home of her own.

Shyla looked almost champagne in color ...

Mister is the only male of the group, he's about 10-months to a year old, champange in color and he was the first in the group to learn that playing with toys is a blast! He was afraid of new people at the beginning, but thanks to the love and care he's been shown through the Pawsitive Works program, he's learned that people, especially the ones who like to play, are pretty good folks to hang out with.

But turned snow-white with a little help from Dylan, who also discovered she's happiest when she snuggles or plays.

While not the standard compliment of dogs going through the Pawsitive Works program, they and the students who work with them are showing just how strong the connection is between people and pets, and how the "both sides of the leash" program actually does bring out the best in both the dogs and the kids given the chance to care for them.

And while they're going to be sad to say goodbye, the kids will know they helped another living being in need, and know they were able to help. Knowing that you can matter and make a difference is powerful medicine ... especially when the recipient of that help doesn't know he or she needs it ... but gives nothing but love in return and only honest appreciation when treated well. Shyla, Mister and Ginger just wants to be good dogs, and thanks to the students at Boulder Creek Academy and the staff at Pawsitive Works, they've shown they're just that. It truly does go both ways.

If you'd like to find out more about the Pawsitive Works program or contribute to their work, or if you'd like to provide a life-time home for Shyla, Mister or Ginger and gain a tried and true canine companion, visit the Pawsitive Works website, http://pawsitiveworks.com/default.aspx or call (208) 610-9062.