September 19, 2014  |  02:44 pm

The following canines are the first three participants in the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office The Big House Program and are in search of a “furever” home!

For those not familiar with The Big House Program, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s office has partnered with Doggone Express, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Mt. Hermon, LA. Doggone Express helps Louisiana prisons and jails establish training programs called “From the Big House to Your House.” Inmates work with dogs brought to the jail from local shelters to teach them basic skills such as sitting, staying, name recognition and other abilities that will make them more adoptable. The dogs also emerge from the training fully kennel trained. The program is designed to help inmates gain marketable skills in canine training and to provide them an opportunity to emotionally bond with other living creatures.

Meet Rocky!

Rocky is a 1-1/2 year old Rottweiler mix, weighs approximately 50 pounds and is full of energy. He was picked up as a stray by animal control and never redeemed. He was at the shelter for over a year waiting for a loving home. He was adopted on 08/07/2014 by an elderly couple. Of course, Rocky is very young and had no obedience training whatsoever. He was very hyper, and extremely energetic. Needless to say he was too much for them to handle and he was returned on 08/20/2014 for being “too hyper”.

Rocky is smart, active, and loves to play fetch. He needs room to run and someone who will help him release his energy. He is full of play. Rocky will make a great running partner!

Rocky is up to date on all vaccines, spayed, tested negative for heartworms, and is micro chipped. He is good with other dogs, has shown no aggressive tendencies and displayed no concerning behaviors while at the shelter or in The Big House Program.

Here's Raysa!

Raysa is Doberman Pincher/Australian Cattle Dog mix. She is approximately 1-1/2 years old and weighs approximately 45 pounds.  She was picked up as a stray on January 22, 2014 by animal control and is anxiously searching for her BFF.

Raysa is probably the sweetest canine you will ever meet.  She loves to play fetch.  She loves affection and is eager to please.  When she first arrived she was shy and timid.  In no time she has come out of her shell and loves attention.  Raysa eagerly waits for a pat on the head and a scratch behind the ear. She will make a great companion.  She is super affectionate and will need a home that can give her all the attention she needs and deserves.

Raysa is up to date on all vaccines, spayed, tested negative for heartworms, and is micro chipped.  She is good with other dogs, has shown no aggressive tendencies and displayed no concerning behaviors while at the shelter or in The Big House Program.

Hellooooo Beautiful!

Roxie is approximately 1-1/2 year old beautiful female Rottweiler weighing approximately 83 pounds. She is very sweet, calm, gentle and loving. She was picked up as a stray and is anxiously waiting for a loving home. Roxie has been known to escape low fences at her prior foster home so a high fence in yard is a must. If she had her way she would prefer to find a family that will keep her as an indoor pet. She is fully kennel trained.

Roxie can be on the shy side, but warms up rather quickly. She needs a little TLC to get accustomed to her environment but it doesn’t take long. At times she can be skittish if she’s abruptly startled; however, she is extremely laid back and may even be considered a little “lazy” as her trainer has described her to be!  She is friendly and has been labeled a “big baby” by the training staff.

She loves to be close to humans and at any time she’s willing to accept a belly rub. She is looking for someone to give her a home with the finer things in life – watching a football game, a soft bed to sleep on, endless supply of treats, and a quiet place just to hang out.  Roxie doesn’t require a lot of play. She’s got the “laid back kind of style” mentality. She’s comfortable just lying beside you while you watch TV.

Roxie is up to date on all vaccines, spayed, tested negative for heartworms, and is micro chipped. She is good with other dogs, has shown no aggressive tendencies and displayed no concerning behaviors while in The Big House Program.

All three canines will be available for adoption immediately following their training. The St. Tammany Parish Animal Shelter adoption fee is $65.

If you’re interested in meeting or adopting Rocky, Raysa, or Roxie, please contact Danell Gerchow at (985) 768-1165 or e-mail her at danellgerchow@stpso.com for the necessary paperwork.