the two have bonded "Iwas afraid to get close at first, Marcy admits "But once I got to now him, I just couldn't give up on him. When Simpson assigns a dog to a student, she also hands animal's case over t file. The kids earn about each dog's background and personality in class, they discuss their dogs challenges and how to overcome them. They have to analyze the dogs behavior. Why is he doing that? says Simpson. "And they also have to that t themselves: What in my past is causing me to act this way So far, most of the pairings have worked. Only a couple of dogs have been sent to shelters for being and only few kids have been expelled from the But eventually the dogs do leave. After two months, they have learned basic commands, corrected the worst of their behavior problems, and are ready for adoption. Each year, about loo dogs come through the programmed and are advertised on websites. Simpson has no trouble placing the animal which are ideal for people who want to adopt a rescued dog but lack the time or expertise to train one. Let's get a move on, Mulley," says Teal, gently tugging her Australian German hepherd into the gym. Mulley was beaten by her former owner, leaving her easily intimidated and hungry for affection. "I have to be real slow and patient with her because her background," says Teal, 15 As the other handlers line up with their leashed dogs for a drill, loud barks ounce off the walls. "That is not appropriate behavior tell them to stop," shouts Simpson "Stop!" the kids command. There immediate silence, broken b few whimpers. Good Let's go," says Simpson. "Heel!" The handlers trek across the gym as Simpson calls out other commands which the teens pass along to their dogs