Local children learn valuable life lessons about compassion, responsibility, kindness and love while participating in the Homeless Pet Club and supporting the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter.  The Homeless Pet Club is a free program that allows businesses, community groups, and schools to sponsor a shelter dog. The older a dog is, and sometimes even something as simple as the dog's fur color, can mean their odds of ever walking out of the shelter are pretty slim. To help increase the odds of an animal being adopted rather than euthanized, the Homeless Pet Club (HPC) was created.  

HPC encourages local businesses and civic organizations to get involved with saving animals that end up at area shelters. One local group working hard to save as many worthy pets as they can is Jackson County Homeschoolers (JCH). JCH members visit their sponsored dog at the shelter to give it some much needed outside time, training, love, and attention.  They dress up their dog with a colored bandana and decorate their sponsored dog’s window. The children especially enjoy working with the dogs on training (sit, stay, come) as well as playing with them to help alleviate the stress of being in the shelter.

Participating in HPC has had a profound effect on the children. Christian (age 11), states that “I think we are doing a great thing for these dogs. We are helping their lives get better. It is the best when the dog gets adopted. We try to help that along by decorating the window, taking him outside, and spreading the word. If we didn’t help the dogs, I don’t know how many of them would have been adopted by now. I know we are doing a great thing and helping a lot!”  Julian (age 9) believes “We are doing something very good for the dogs. Some dogs in a lot of the pens can’t go outside, and are just stuck in the pen. But, we let the dogs get out so they can have fun. We decorate the window and give them a bandana so they look a little cuter. I think we are doing a good job for these dogs. If we weren’t doing this, some of these dogs may have been put down by now.” Tanner agrees, "It makes me feel good helping the dogs." Tyler (age 10) feels that "saving dogs is a wonderful thing to do. I enjoy going to the shelter to visit our sponsored dog and letting them have fun. I am always happy when I hear that our dog was adopted and we can save another dog."

JCH is currently sponsoring Roscoe. Roscoe is an adorable Rottie Mix that is just over four years old. Roscoe had a family, but (through no fault of his own) they decided that they no longer wanted him. His family abandoned him at the Gwinnett County Animal Shelter. Owner surrenders are never guaranteed any time at the shelter. They are often put down soon after they come in, especially if the shelter fills up. So, after meeting this sweet guy, JCH knew he deserved a second chance and chose to sponsor him in order to save his life!

Those that have met Roscoe will tell you that he is incredibly sweet and easy going. He’s a gentle soul who loves to be by his people, but won’t be all over you. He is great with kids and didn’t mind several hugging and loving on him at one time. He is very treat motivated, which means that he’s likely easy to train. He would make a fantastic walking or running buddy. He has the PERFECT balance of energy; not a high energy dog, but not a couch potato either. This will make him an easy dog to have around.  He really enjoys being outside. One afternoon when JCH members were visiting, the shelter allowed them to take Roscoe into a fenced, grassy area. Roscoe was in heaven. They got to see him in his element! He was running around, smelling the air, and checking things out.  It was clear, he was truly happy in that moment!

Roscoe is an amazing dog that has not had a fair deal in life. Roscoe deserves to find his forever home with a family who appreciate all the love this big guy has to give. He needs a second chance at happiness. If you or someone you know would love a stable, well adjusted dog to be your faithful companion won't you please think of Roscoe and stop by Gwinnett Animal Control's Shelter and pay him a visit. 

If you would like to see pictures or find out more about Roscoe, please visit the JCH:Homeschoolers making a difference community service Facebook page.