PAW Estate Rescue & Shelter, Inc.
Our PAW Prison Training Program is a mutually beneficial community program that benefits all who are involved, including, but not limited to, Inmate Trainers, Prison Staff, Future Adopters, and Rescue Fosters and Volunteers.
The primary objective of this program is to allow our rescue dogs an opportunity at basic obedience training with Prison Inmates so that these dogs can find amazing furever homes either with Prison Staff or other suitable adopters. It is a positive program that PAW Estate Rescue & Shelter, Inc. provides to the State Prison System at no cost to the institution.
Our dogs come from various situations and have different background stories. We rescue stray dogs that go unclaimed, owner surrender dogs, and dogs that are marked for euthanasia in local shelters.
Prison Inmates involved in the program are given the opportunity to engage in a positive and productive program that saves dogs lives, while simultaneously helping them feel a sense of purpose while they serve out their sentence. This program gives inmates the chance to contribute to a larger community service-oriented program. It allows inmates an opportunity to participate and work together with others regardless of cultural divides.
Many inmates and staff alike have reported an increase in self-esteem by inmates participating in the program. They have also reported improved communication between Prison Staff and the inmate population. In addition, they have felt and seen a potential decrease in tension and violence in the facility where the dog program is located.
This program has allowed PAW Estate Rescue & Shelter, Inc. to save dogs at an increased rate and we are so grateful to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; specifically, Avenal and Corcoran State Prison for allowing our dogs into their institution - providing both the dogs and the inmates a sense of belonging and giving them all a doggone chance.
We're proud of the partnerships we've made. Read these articles about the success at Avenal State Prison and Corcoran State Prison.