By Madison Watt
CCC Journalism Program
BLACKWOOD – Camden County College’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Nu Mu, is running Project Tachash, a program for students to train shelter dogs in animal-assisted therapy. The program’s goal is to reduce adoption returns for behavior-related issues.
Project Tachash is a heartfelt initiative, serving as a beacon of hope for the shelter dogs at the Animal Adoption Center in Lindenwold, New Jersey. According to the official Project Tachash website, the program’s goal is to “embrace the unicorn qualities in shelter dogs.” This is in reference to the “tachash” in Jewish culture.
The program’s website emphasizes its belief that “every dog tells a story and every human has the potential to hear it.” Those involved with Project Tachash agree that every dog can love and be loved, regardless of whether or not they reside in a shelter.
According to Project Tachash’s Facebook page, they are partnered with Positive Response Dog Training. James Kaelin and other employees at the shelter will hand-pick the dogs for participation. When a dog is adopted, Kaelin will train them and their new family. Students will be able to shadow this process. Trading cards and flyers will promote the eligible dogs to the community, ensuring they find the home best suited for them.
Paige Cole, Alpha Nu Mu’s vice president of service, says the project is “still in the fundraising stage as of now” and “will likely see the volunteering after this semester.” Members of Alpha Nu Mu have gone to local businesses in search of donations to raffle off for fundraising. Items like dog food, leashes, collars, food bowls and other training materials were encouraged for donation. The program is the honor society’s service project.
Cole is the founder of Project Tachash. She shared in a Facebook post how therapy dogs made a difference in her life when she was hospitalized for two years at 11 years old.
Cole told me, “I took a vow back then to help others in the same way that I was. As the vice president of service for Phi Theta Kappa, I saw this as an opportunity to do just that.”
This project is close to her heart, especially owning an “emergency rehomed American Bully puppy” herself. She views this project as a “labor of love” and is excited for the future of Project Tachash.
Gloria Campos, Alpha Nu Mu’s president, says students should get involved with Project Tachash because “Who doesn’t want to help save the lives of shelter dogs while also helping them reach their full potential?” Campos also shared with me that her brother has epilepsy and this program gives her the chance to help others like him. Project Tachash not only enriches the lives of the dogs, but also the volunteers.
To learn more about or to get involved with Project Tachash, visit https://projecttachash.weebly.com/.