Dog lovers network, pull, place, evaluate, transport, vet, foster and find new homes for dogs. With over two decades in Aussie rescue, I was alerted of an owner surrender. A young adult mini-Aussie needed help in Miami.
Dee Hoult is the founder and lead trainer of Applause Your Paws, in Miami, Florida. Over the years, we have emailed, spoken on the phone, and done livestream interviews. Dee is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant and a friend; yet we have never met in person. That was about to change.
Dee also leads her unique nonprofit, Magic City K9. She has been involved with prison dog programs for the majority of her 16 years training dogs. MCK9’s mission is to provide a new leash on life for shelter dogs, and a vocation for inmates. Each rescued dog is paired with an inmate-trainer, and supervised by MCK9, for a minimum of four months. Participants gain valuable experience, while benefiting from canine companionship.
At the Miami-Dade County shelter, stray/surrendered bullies aren’t likely to leave through the front doors. Owners won’t step forward to claim the illegal breed, or pony up the $500 fine. Since 1990, you may not own/keep an American pit bull terrier, American Staffordshire terrier, Staffordshire bull terrier, or any dog that resembles one in Miami-Dade County.
From death row, Dee selects young adult, social dogs with human affinity. The majority are bully-breeds/mixes (with an occasional mini-Aussie). They are temperament tested, and further evaluated/monitored. They learn impulse control, leash and basic manners (sit, stay, come, wait). There is friendly competition in the program, so handlers may add in tricks, tasks and other behaviors.
Dogs earn a chance at a happy and fulfilled life, and perhaps even a meaningful service job. The men gain skills as dog trainers, contributing to a remarkable two percent recidivism rate, compared to up to 80 percent for habitual offenders.
“The best type of positive reinforcement you can get as an instructor is to know you’re truly changing lives (humans and dogs) through dog training,” states Dee Hoult.
Eighteen MCK9s are doing time at Everglades ReEntry. A four-week board and train program can run up to thousands of dollars. Magic City K9 adoption rates average $350, including the dog (with 16 weeks of training). They are UTD, spayed/neutered and available for adoption, with an application process, references and fee, which enables this worthwhile program to continue.
The men I met that day may have made bad decisions (theft, robbery, nonviolent crimes) and are paying their dues. The finish line/freedom is in sight – their releases are in three years or less. Duke’s release to his new adoptive family is scheduled for this month.
From his anxiously awaiting adopters, the Boswell family:
Our elderly Aussie crossed the Rainbow Bridge. After taking some time to heal, we considered adoption. We were wary of adopting an adult shelter dog. I worried about the dog’s history. Was s/he a biter? Housetrained? Good with small kids/other dogs?
Via social media, our daughter contacted someone in Aussie rescue about a dog. We had also been talking to a friend in South Florida. The stars aligned because it turned out to be the same dog! Jessica had been in contact with Tina, while we had been talking to Dee.
As soon as I saw that face, I knew that beautiful guy was ours. With Dee’s expertise and the Magic City K9 program, I have confidence in welcoming Duke into our extended family. We appreciate the love and care he was given by his trainers. We will continue Duke’s training to ensure everyone’s adjustment, safety and enjoyment.
We feel beyond fortunate about our rescued family member. We are looking forward to showing Duke that everyone deserves a second chance.
Adoptable MCK9s here: www.MagicCityK9.org