OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Marion County kids aren’t the only ones going back to school this week. Marion County Animal Services (MCAS) announced its 32nd class of the Florida Inmates and Dog Obedience (FIDO for short) Project has been hard at work learning positive reinforcement training and socialization skills.

The FIDO Project pairs shelter dogs with select inmates at the Marion Correctional Institution. This program helps the dogs learn obedience training, and helps the trainers learn patience, dog behavior & health, and teamwork.

This “class” has been dubbed the Candy Canines. The five dogs are named Charm, Pixy, Crunch, Rolo, and Peeps and all are available for adoption.

 

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MCAS hopes to find homes for each dog before the end of their training period. The first meet & greet will happen this Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mr. Mocha’s Pet Supplies. The address for the event is 11761 South U.S. Highway 441 in Belleview.

Graduation day, when all of the dogs will be able to go to their new homes, is September 13. If you’re looking for a new pet you can take home today, MCAS reported 247 animals currently available for adoption in their shelter, including these pets of the week.

TAKE ME HOME THIS WEEK – AUGUST 13, 2024

Nami is five-year-old has been at MCAS for nearly a month now and told us she thinks her person might walk in our doors at any moment. Let’s not disappoint this optimistic, bright-eyed beauty – help keep her spirits up and announce that you’re ready to take her home! Courtesy: MCAS
Xena has the heart of a princess and the paws of a warrior – no feather toy stands a chance against her. This five-month-old kitten may be shy at first, but playing is the way to her heart. This girl can keep you entertained for hours! Courtesy: MCAS
Anyone a fan of smooth jazz or yacht rock? Six-year-old Pretty Boy is seeking a mellow home with laid back people. Not a fan of shelter life, this guy dreams of peaceful days, good music, and a place to call home. Courtesy: MCAS

August 10 through September 10 is Clear the Shelters Month. To celebrate this nationwide effort, all adoption fees are waived. You can view more sweet animals available for adoption on the Marion County Animal Services website and Facebook page.