Project Youth and Pounds Pups (“YAPP”) was founded on the belief in the positive benefits of the human/animal bond. After seeing similarities between young people who may have gotten a rough start in life or made some bad choices, and perfectly adoptable dogs who have been left in a shelter too long, we knew that getting them together could be transformative for them both.
Project YAPP pairs at-risk teens and shelter dogs for socialization and training. During the course of the training, the kids learn patience, compassion, focus, responsibility, and a heightened sense of self-worth. The animals become much better socialized and undergo basic behavior training, allowing their true personalities to shine, and therefore becoming much more adoptable. The kids help the dogs who help the kids. It really works!!!