Bojangles’s Scholarship Helps Shelter Dogs Receive Training

Six-and-a-half-year-old Bojangles has been at the Heartland Humane Society since April of 2021, waiting for his forever home. After stealing the hearts of the shelter’s staff and volunteers, he became the namesake of a new scholarship program to help other dogs like him on their adoption journeys. 

How It Started 

Bojangles had been at the shelter far longer than the 20 days it takes most dogs to get adopted at Heartland, so in late 2021, staff and volunteers began to think of ways they could help him find a home. One volunteer offered to pay for his adoption fee, but volunteer and outreach coordinator Hannah Agnew-Svoboda thought about the behavioral trainer they work with, and had a better idea. 

“I said, ‘what about instead of paying for his adoption, you make a donation to pay for some training,’” said Agnew-Svoboda. “That could really help guarantee his success.’” 

Agnew-Svoboda’s idea eventually grew into something bigger, and on Giving Tuesday, the Bojangle’s Dog Training Scholarship was born. 

Giving Shelter Dogs a Chance 

The scholarship provides select dogs free training after being adopted to help them settle into their new homes. These dogs are chosen by staff who work closely with them, and know which ones could use the help to get adopted and stay adopted. 

“It doesn’t mean that these dogs are problem dogs, you know. They just have quirks,” said Agnew-Svoboda, mentioning that a lot of the dogs being surrendered to the shelter are ‘pandemic puppies,’ and struggle with separation anxiety. 

All of Heartland’s dogs receive a free behavioral consultation via Zoom once adopted, but dogs awarded the scholarship get four to five additional training sessions with the same trainer they worked with during their time in the shelter. 

The trainer helps dogs build relationships, gain confidence, and work on obedience to make sure they’re successful in their new homes. 

“We want it to be this sort of icing on the cake that makes you feel like, ‘I know this is going to work, and I feel supported,’” said Agnew-Svoboda. 

The Bojangles’s scholarship is funded through donations from the public, and currently has 19 supporters of the cause. 

“So many friends have rescue puppies that have needed help adjusting. This is a great idea,” said one anonymous donor. 

Bojangles’s Journey Isn’t Over 

As of now, Bojangles still has yet to find his forever home, but Agnew-Svoboda is confident that a perfect match will come along. 

“Whoever adopts [him] is going to be so lucky,” said Agnew-Svoboda. “They’re going to have such a fun guy, and he’s just going to think they’re the coolest.” 

For more information on Bojangles’s Dog Training Scholarship or to donate, click here. 

By Momoko Baker 

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