BELFAST — The Waldo County Reentry Center got an unusual resident April 29, when the focus of its new dog program arrived from Pope Memorial Humane Society in Thomaston.

According to Lieutenant Jason Trundy, the idea for a program including dogs has long been an interest of Jerome Weiner, a director with Volunteers of America. Weiner, who works closely with the reentry center, was approached by Lane Fisher, owner of Waggle Tails Obedience School.

The program, which fosters a dog that has some hindrance making adoption difficult, welcomed its first guest. Bashful is a seven-year-old who was recently surrendered due to family health issues.

Bashful, who was actually from a litter of seven puppies born at the shelter, suffers from severe anxiety due to the separation from her former owner. She has escaped her enclosure several times, injuring herself.

In addition to providing obedience training, Fisher also coordinated a network of community members to assist in the endeavor. Some of those providing services include Dr. Sarah Tomalty, of Little River Veterinary Hospital, and Loyal Biscuit, which will provide dog food to the program for the next year.

When it came time to select potential handlers for the new arrival, the reentry center employed an application process. Of the seven residents to apply, Caleb Hupper and Austin Stevens were chosen as Bashful's new trainers.

Though unsure of exactly how long Bashful's stay will last, the goal is to return her for adoption, and begin the process anew.

The Waldo County Sheriff's Office will post updates about Bashful's progress on their Facebook page, in addition to alerting community members when she returns to the shelter for adoption.

For Trundy, the potential benefits of the program are twofold.

"We're hoping it helps residents with their reintegration, as well as helping the dogs get adopted," he said.

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com