The Newest Canine Good Citizens

Cape Girardeau was once again the site of the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizen certification on July 11th. The CGC training program concentrates on basic obedience, but the certification takes the basic commands a step further to also insure the graduates are social with people and other dogs. All dogs were rescued or shelter dogs, and included the first American Pit Bull Terrier from Chaffee, Missouri to gain the CGC certification.

The Chaffee City Council recently passed an ordinance that would severely restrict certain breeds. This was an attempt to force irresponsible dog owners to step up and do what is right for their dogs, as well as, the community. Last month it was proposed that responsible owners of the targeted breeds be rewarded with special considerations if they completed the CGC training and gained their certification. Sassy, owned by Mike Martin, became the first Chaffee Pit Bull to be certified a Canine Good Citizen under this proposal.

Sassy was originally adopted from the Humane Society of Southest Missouri in Cape Girardeau. Scarlett, a yellow Labrador mix from Safe Harbor in Jackson, and Lady Bug, a Hound mix from Silverwalk Hounds in Cape Girardeau, were amoung the dogs to successfully complete the certification. Both of these dogs are available for adoption.

The next CGC classes will begin on July 22nd and 23rd, at 6:30 pm. The Cape Area Family Resource Center, at 1202 S. Sprigg St., will once again host the sessions. The next test session is scheduled for September 10th. For more information on classes, testing, or certified dogs available for adoption, please contact Melanie Coy at mscoy@netzero.com.