Hello,
My name is Gene A. Scott Jr., a formerly incarcerated individual with a well developed skill for working with shelter dogs of all types. I’ve trained timid, scared dogs, as well as confidant, dominate, and aggressive dogs. I’ve also helped other people use my techniques with great success.
I recently had the privilege of meeting Jane Miller as well as two of her psychiatric patients. Their stories were each inspiring in their own way. They were also very tragic. Fortunately through the help of their reformed shelter dogs turned service animals they were able to face the world and bravely tell their stories.
I was asked if I would be interested in helping out not only with the training of future PSD’s; but also working directly with the clients themselves. I can’t begin to tell you what an honor it was to be considered trustworthy enough to handle that responsibility. I’ve always enjoyed helping people and when training dogs in the prison program I was in I always kept in mind that I was training someone else’s future family member.
I can think of no better nor more noble a service to society than to bring someone in need and a dog in need together and help combine them into a single working unit capable of facing life’s challenges.
I can also relate to many of the clients emotional issues. I myself had suffered depression for many years when I was younger as well as being the victim of several different types of abuse. I know just how debilitating one’s own mind can be. Fortunately for me I was able to manage and recover from my issues. And yes, there were all sorts of dogs involved in finding my ability to have a sense of self-worth and purpose along the way.
I have been asked to write this as a request to help Healing Companions Inc. find the funds to hire me on as a trainer, I was involved in the Luv a pup program in Grafton prison’s honor camp where I worked with the Berea ARF animal shelter for roughly three years. I really feel that this is an opportunity for me to give something back to all those who helped me while I was still incarcerated. Please find it in your hearts to give everyone involved a better shot a better life, especially the dogs. If you would like to help please donate to Healing Companions to support hiring me.
Thank you and take care,
Gene Scott
