We are partnering with the California Corrections Department - SAC to create a Dog training Program where we will teach inmates to become dog handlers. These dog handlers will take over the obedience training of our dogs as we pull them from local shelters avoiding certain euthanasia.
We will be able to have 20 - 30 dogs go through our training program and once they graduate will be given (at no cost) to local veterans as Companion and Service Dogs.
The dogs live with their inmate trainers and participate in their daily activities. This promotes an emotional and working relationship which enhances the effectiveness of the training program.
The inmates benefit greatly from working with the dogs. They understand and relate to the dogs that have been thrown out, are able to see in their eyes many of the same feelings and as they work with the dogs, together as a team, the miracle of healing begins.
The dogs bring a sense of fulfillment and esteem to the inmates and will also bring the same to their new life partners. So much from a dog that somebody threw away!
And at the very end, these same dogs will give a veteran a sense of purpose and a new best friend.
