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| Major greets new adopter Megan White as Meredith looks on |
The first graduate of the Steuben County Sheriff's Department's SPIRIT program held an informal press conference Monday although his public comments were restricted to vigorous tail wagging and big toothy smiles. Major, 3, completed his training program at the Public Safety Building in 5.5 weeks, and greeted his new family with more wriggles of joy. Officials speculate Major is a Labrador-pit bull mix, and report he was found dropped off on SPCA grounds. The program pairs dogs selected by Hornell Humane Society and Finger Lakes SPCA with an inmate at the county jail. The groups also place the graduating dog with the adoptive family. "We are very invested in this program and hope to expand it," county Sheriff Jim Allard said. "The combination of helping animals in need, providing inmates with a positive skill and being able to provide a family with a well-trained dog is exactly the type of service we love to provide at the Sheriff’s Office." Steuben County Jail Superintendent Major Matthew Whitmore said one more dog, Ralphie, remains in the program, and another is likely to join an inmate in January.
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| Major inspects the shoe of adopter Ken Nichols as Meredith looks on |
