EPIC Pals
EPIC Pals relies on the human animal bond to create caring and confident kids. The program takes place twice a week at which time, the young people in the program work through a lesson in the Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum followed by a hands on dog training session. During the training session, program participants work under the direction of an accomplished dog trainer to help teach dogs from local shelters basic obedience skills. Class sizes are small and dogs in the program are carefully selected by workers at local shelters. EPIC has been successful in placing dogs who are going through the EPIC Pals program in volunteer foster homes. Fosters play a critical part in this program by providing a home for the dogs while they are going through the program and also by helping to reinforce the training lessons the young people and the dogs work on in class. EPIC Pals is currently being offered to select groups on a referral only basis although we hope to make the program available to others soon. If you are interested in fostering an EPIC Pals dog in the future or if you are interested in adopting one of the dogs who have gone through the program, please contact us. Additionally, monetary donations and/or donations of leashes, collars, bowls or crates are always appreciated. Contact us at 573-587-1921 or coordinator@epicprevention.org for more information. EPIC Pals is a great program but it wouldn’t be possible without help. Thanks to everyone who has helped make this project a success so far including: Missouri Foundation for Health, Missouri Division of Youth Services ECHO program, Cape Girardeau County Juvenile Office, ACT Missouri, Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary, Bollinger County Stray Project, Busch Pet Products, the EPIC Pals teacher, the EPIC Pals trainer, all of our dedicated volunteers including the EPIC Pals fosters and of course, all of the great kids and dogs who are participating in the program! Make sure to visit and “like” our Facebook page for more pictures and regular updates about the program! www.facebook.com/epicprevention
