Encore Enrichment Center for Shelter Dogs

02/06/2023

02/06/2023

These over-achievers lined up their Valentines in January. Hoping for many more to find furever love this year.

AL75.petfinder.com
calhouncountyhs.blogspot.com/p/adopt.html
The Animal Shelter, 1201 Parkwood Dr, Anniston AL

01/30/2023

Hi all! To help you find K9 Nose Work information easier, I set up a FB page Dog Talk With Julie This is where I will share info about new classes and events, and pictures and videos of students’ dogs having a great time searching! I hope you will follow me on a wonderful journey to learn how dogs perceive the world through their amazing noses. Julie Madden

01/25/2023

So excited to start a new Introduction to Nose Work session - and our first ever daytime class! Kya, Vinnie and Hope all figured out the game quickly and can't wait for more. If you're interested in joining a new class, fill out the Contact Us form on my website, dogtalkwithjulie.com

12/05/2022

I am excited to announce that my new K9 Nose Work® training business is up and running! It’s called Dog Talk with Julie, and I will be offering classes at 7550 McClellan Boulevard in Anniston. You can learn more at the website: www.dogtalkwithjulie.com

Nose work is an amazing activity that can provide mental and physical exercise for dogs that have too much energy. It can also build confidence for dogs that are shy. Since we run one dog at a time, even dogs that are reactive to other dogs can participate. And we can accommodate older or disabled dogs, too. It is fun for the dog and the owner!

Please check out my website and if you have questions or want me to put you on a list for a new class starting in January, fill out the “Contact Us” form. Thanks and I wish happy holidays to all!

Julie Madden

Explore the website of Dog Talk with Julie in Anniston, AL to learn about my nose work and dog training sessions.

07/25/2022

Another day reassuring a couple of strays that everything is going to be okay. While spending time with the shy guys, we noticed they were covered in ticks. Of course, we lended a hand and picked them off! You know you have done a good job when you receive kisses and snuggles for payment!

The shy doberman has rescue commitment. We introduced loose leash walking to help her have a smooth transition with transport and into her new home!

07/09/2022

If you’ve been looking for an update, we have one for you! We haven’t opened kennels due to donations still being low. We don’t want to have the same outcome as Encore did before. However, we have been doing in shelter enrichment! We’ve even had the chance to work with a couple of strays. When working with the strays instead of focusing on obedience, we have been providing socialization and reassurance that everything is okay! Although our pictures and approach are a bit different than before, our mission remains the same🐾💗

06/02/2022

Well, the EEC building is sold. I took one last walk through yesterday, and brought my dog JD with me as we checked out each room. It seemed appropriate, since he was a shelter puppy until Tom and I adopted him.
The hallways are empty, and the building is ready for its new occupants. The non-profit that is EEC will continue to do good work on a smaller scale with Charley Jones at the helm. I am proud of what we accomplished in four years. Over 400 dogs walked through the doors for training and enrichment. Over 350 eventually found forever homes.
I am saddened that we made little headway in changing attitudes about humane animal care and being responsible for your pets. About spaying and neutering as the only tool that can really break the cycle of too many dogs and not enough homes. Those problems need legislative and societal changes that couldn't be brought about by our little efforts at 301 EA Darden Drive. But maybe someday...
So for now, it's goodbye and thanks for the memories!

Julie Madden
Co-Founder, Encore Enrichment Center for Shelter Dogs

05/27/2022

By now y'all know that the Encore building has sold and we are stopping operations in Anniston. However, if you could stand some good news, here’s a few things you can look forward to. Monday is a holiday, so most people will have the day off. Andddd… EEC's Director Charley Jones and her daughter Whitney Martin are stepping up to the plate to try to keep Encore going!! Charley will be starting off on a much smaller scale, working part time out of her home. She will be partnering with the Pell City Animal Control Center since it is close to her home.

Although they are open to continuing the nonprofit, Charley and Whitney will need your help in order to do so! Every donation is important, whether it’s $10 a month or $100. Not only will your donation help them provide the shelter dogs with the enrichment they deserve to find a furever home but, it also provides gas and insurance for the van, treats and equipment for the dogs, and will help offset other costs Charley will be paying for out of pocket. With your help, the dogs along with Charley and Whitney would be furever grateful.

If Charley is able to get enough funds from donations or grants, she may be able to expand. Time will tell. But for now, it means the non-profit organization known as the Encore Enrichment Center will continue!

As we hand things over, Charley will be sure to keep you guys updated. So, please keep following the Encore page. If you want to help, we still have a Donate button on our website, www.eec4sd.org

God bless and stay tuned!

Tom and Julie Madden
Co-Founders, EEC

05/26/2022

“Thanks, Charley, for taking care of me and the other doggies at Encore.”

“You're welcome, Tippy, it was truly my pleasure.”

(Tippy is available for adoption from Rockin P Rescue in Jacksonville, AL)

05/25/2022

“Who says a 10 year old, one-eyed dog can't be playful and perfect for the right forever family? Not Encore! I'm so glad they let me strut my stuff in their play yard.”

(Kane is available for adoption from Calhoun County Humane Society in Anniston, AL)

05/24/2022

Do you like to pet your dog?

“Oh, Pumpkin just loves petting, don’t you, Pumpkin?” Martha said, patting her Cocker Spaniel on top of his head as he tried to investigate the office. Pumpkin’s guardian had come to me for some advice about behavioral issues, and was clearly a woman who loved her dog as we all, human or dog...

05/23/2022

“Whatcha doin, Russ?”

“Taking one last sniff before Encore closes. Their play yard always had the BEST smells!”

(Russ is one and a half years old, and is available for adoption from Calhoun County Humane Society in Anniston, AL)

05/23/2022

On Friday, we had a farewell party for our Action Industries volunteers, who supported Encore for four years! This great group did lots of cleaning and other maintenance projects. They also worked with the dogs, which was a great opportunity for the dogs to meet new people and build their confidence.

Before we celebrated, the crew did one last set of cleaning and paper cutting chores. Then it was time for food! It was fun and we told lots of stories, but also sad as we said goodbye.

05/20/2022

“Hi, I'm Seymour. I'm sad to hear that Encore is closing. They helped me learn new skills and burn off energy. They said the best gift would be if every dog they worked with, got adopted or rescued. I'm one of those dogs. Just sayin...”

(Seymour is two years old and available for adoption from Rockin P Rescue in Jacksonville AL)

05/17/2022

It is with much sadness we announce that we are closing Encore Enrichment Center. It has been an incredible opportunity and we have been privileged to work with some amazing animal welfare organizations in Calhoun, St. Clair, and Etowah counties.

We are proud of the successes we achieved in the last four years. A total of 352 out of 387 dogs we worked with were adopted or rescued. We provided a safe and nurturing place for volunteers. And we brought back a vacant building to a vibrant and fun facility that was always about the dogs.

Unfortunately, we have been unable to secure sustainable funding to cover Encore’s daily operations. Fundraising, donations, and grant writing efforts did not take off as we’d hoped. COVID and its aftermath made the situation even worse. So we've sold the building and will be shutting down June 1.

Please, please be advocates for spay/neuter, humane treat of animals, and adopting from shelters. Support the hardworking shelter and rescue staff who have impossibly hard jobs. Donate , volunteer or foster, whatever you can. Small kind acts, multiplied by many people, can make a huge difference.

Speaking of volunteers, we are forever grateful to that small group of dedicated people who supported Encore activities and helped with the dogs. You know who you are and you know we love you!

And our staff, well they were just the best. Charley Jones is the most caring, knowledgeable and compassionate shelter dog advocate we’ve ever met. Whitney has been invaluable in helping to evaluate, train, bath, and manage the dogs. Becka, Ashley, Alex and Elisa all worked part time but put in full time love and dedication in helping the pups become their best selves.

But now it is time to move on. Tom is finishing up a law degree so someday he can defend animals and veterans when legal help is needed. Julie still plans to teach Nose Work somewhere in the Anniston/Jacksonville area. We will wait till the dust settles to make the final decision about dissolving the non-profit and next steps for all of us. In the meantime, we thank you for your support and caring over these years. It has definitely been an adventure.

God bless and take care.

Tom and Julie Madden
Founders, Encore Enrichment Center for Shelter Dogs

05/14/2022

Ashley and Mary Kate are sisters that were abandoned at the shelter gate in April. They're 6-8 months old and are on the small side, about 15 lbs. Ashley has super cute black and white markings on her face and body. Mary Kate is mostly black with white and brindle markings. They can be shy at first, but only till they take a deep breath and realize you're a friend. Then it's tail wagging, lap sitting, play yard running time!

05/13/2022

Russ' favorite word is “fetch.” He will gladly fetch the toy over and over again! This high energy guy may need a slow introduction, but once he's met you (and if you're willing to throw the toy) he is your loyal friend. He knows his obedience basics and likes to please.

05/12/2022

We just love this silly girl. She will gladly run laps around the play yard to tire herself out, or chase a toy if you throw it. We're still working to help her remember not to jump on people or be mouthy. But we are making progress, and Mariah is so worth it.

05/11/2022

Kane continues to make great progress in his race to enjoy every minute of life off a chain. He is a bit rusty on his obedience basics but makes up for it in positive personality!

05/10/2022

OMG Candy is awaiting the final paperwork to fly the coop and start her new life with a forever family! You go, girl.

05/09/2022

These girls are the perfect size for a lap dog! Sisters Ashley (white and black) and Mary Kate (black and brindle) are about seven months old and shouldn't get much bigger. They love love love to be held and petted, when they're not exploring and running around the play yard!

05/07/2022

Russ is a good hearted soul and the shelter environment is tough for him. He warms up quickly to people but not all dogs. Look at his coat colors – dark brown feet and legs, some dark brown spots, and lots of golden red highlights! Russ is not even two years old and is ready for a long term commitment, maybe with you?

05/06/2022

Picture the dog version of Wonder Woman – that's Mariah! She's so confident, silly and sassy. Mariah has lots of energy but will settle down after she runs it off, for quiet time with her person. This Husky/Shepherd mix is about two years old and prefers people over other dogs.

05/05/2022

This two year old seems wise beyond her years. She's a gorgeous girl with a white coat and white eye lashes, and ears that some fool decided to cut away when she was a puppy. Willow likes people but is not a fan of other dogs. She loves treats and toys and would love to meet her forever family soon.

05/04/2022

Just like Candy, Kane has lived life on a chain. He is ten years old and just now learning how to enjoy life. Kane loves people and all of your attention. He is working on basic obedience and trying to learn all about a leash. This sweet boy deserves a warm loving furever home to spend the rest of his senior years! Do you have room in your heart and home for a little old guy? If so, give Kane a chance.

05/03/2022

She's lived life on a chain, and shows signs of being overbred, but seven year old Candy still loves people and other dogs. She gladly plops over for a belly rub. She's thrilled to run in the play yard. And she's ready to spend some super senior years in a home, with a soft dog bed and lots of attention.

05/02/2022

"Russ, are you happy to be back for an encore at Encore?" By all appearances, this year and a half old lab mix loves everything about being here, except for that darn collar! Russ is at Calhoun County Humane Society looking for an active family to love forever.