ABEL LEASH CEREMONIES

Each ABEL facility hosts a ceremony at the close of each training period for guests of EENP and NC Department of Adult Corrections (DAC) to celebrate the incoming and outgoing dogs as well as the accomplishments of the training period. These ceremonies are held three times a year, approximately one month before EENP's public graduation ceremonies.

At each ceremony,

• for pups moving into training in ABEL, EENP community trainers pass their dogs' leashes to the ABEL trainers to mark their pups' transition into advanced training in ABEL;
• for pups graduating from training to be considered for placement with an EENP client, ABEL trainers pass their dogs' leashes to an EENP client or client representative;
• ABEL trainers give demonstrations of the training process and the dogs' skills, usually in the form of short skits;
• one ABEL trainer gives a speech about his experience in the program; and
• after the ceremony, guests can sit down with the ABEL trainers to talk and enjoy light food and drink provided by NC DAC

The leash ceremonies are a special opportunity for EENP's community to personally witness the professionalism and commitment of the ABEL trainers. The attendance of EENP's guests, most coming from over an hour away, is a truly invaluable show of support for the ABEL trainers and the work they do, and they often mention how much it means to them. We hope you can join us for a ceremony!