Pro-Am Trainer Challenge


Pro-Am Trainer Challenge Event Background


Joe Ray was a sophomore at Sabine High School when he started a community service project in the Summer of 2023. Dedicated to changing the lives of vulnerable dogs, Joe is partnering again with the Henderson Animal Center for this 2nd annual community event: The Pro-Am Trainer Challenge. Participants will foster a dog beginning October 1st.

Fosters will work with their selected dog on basic obedience such as leash training, house training and basic commands. 

Participants will gather to compete for exciting prizes. There will be two categories represented; Professional trainers and Amateur trainers. The Pro-Am Trainer Challenge benefits Henderson Animal Center in many ways: by increasing adoptability of participating dogs, rapidly placing them in loving homes, and bringing publicity to the Center itself.



Joe Ray created this project in the hopes to plant a seed in our Community to find workable ways to solve the problem of dog overpopulation.

ProAm Trophies

While there are no strict requirements, focus should be on basic obedience with emphasis on increasing the adoptability of each dog. Contestants will foster their canine training partner for the duration of the training period.

During the event, trainers can showcase their dog in a public forum, and will be evaluated by an impartial panel of judges using a rubric. The evaluation criteria will be available before taking the dogs home, so each trainer thoroughly understands the grading system. Each contestant will be given a final score, with winners being announced the day of the event.

Training challenge dogs will be available for immediate adoption at the conclusion of the event. Pre-approval is required to adopt at the event.  Trainers will have first choice to adopt their training partner before they are available to the public.


ProAM Pooches in action

Please send completed applications to Charissa Pool, Animal Center and Protection Director at: cpool@hendersontx.us