Congrats to the Class of 2009

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On May 11, the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) hosted the Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) exam at our Philadelphia Adoption Center and we are pleased to announce that 10 dogs passed with flying colors. This was the first time that the PSPCA has administered the CGC exam at our shelter.

The CGC exam is a certification program administered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) that rewards dogs who have good manners at home and in the community and stresses responsible pet ownership. The United States Senate and 35 state legislatures, including Pennsylvania, have resolutions endorsing the Canine Good Citizen® concept. The CGC exam is also a pre-requisite to therapy dog certification.

Of the 10 dogs that passed the CGC exam, seven were Pit Bulls/Pit Bulls mixes, including three that were adopted from the PSPCA. Two of the adopted Pit Bulls had been rescued from cruelty cases in Philadelphia by PSPCA Humane Law Enforcement Officers.

The Animal Farm Foundation is generously providing the PSPCA with a $150 Incentive Award for each of the seven Pit Bulls/Pit Bull mixes that passed the CGC exam. This will generate a total of $1,050 in support for the PSPCA.

“The Animal Farm Foundation’s AKC Canine Good Citizen® Incentive Award is designed to bring together dogs, their owners, and the community,” said Stacey Coleman, Foundation Manager for the Animal Farm Foundation. “Dogs and their owners strengthen their bond by training together for their CGC. In turn, the dog-owner teams help the shelters by earning much needed funds for the homeless animals in their community. We are pleased that the Pennsylvania SPCA is participating in our incentive award program and is successfully bringing their community together for the good of the animals.”

The PSPCA provided scholarships for all Pit Bull/Pit Bull mix owners whose dogs took the CGC exam, which would otherwise cost $25 per dog.

“Pit Bulls have been misunderstood and maligned for years due to sensational myths and advocates of breed bans,” said Nicole Larocco, Director of Animal Behavior & Training for the PSPCA. “This means that Pit Bulls often linger in the shelter for months because they are overlooked and unwanted by potential adopters who are not aware of their loyal, loving nature.”

During the six weeks leading up to the exam, Larocco taught a training class to help dogs and their owners prepare. Five of the 10 dogs that passed the exam had participated in Larocco’s class.

Beth Strecker, an approved CGC evaluator who has volunteered with the PSPCA for nearly 40 years, administered the exam on behalf of the AKC.