Inmates are training difficult-to-adopt dogs within the P.A.W.S. program, with benefits for all parties involved.
The P.A.W.S. (Prisoners and Animals Working toward Success) dog training program, initiated at the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility in Las Cruces, is making a significant impact on both hard-to-adopt dogs and inmates.
## Helping Hard-to-Adopt Dogs
The program offers a unique opportunity for dogs to receive socialization and training from inmates, enhancing their chances of being adopted. By teaching dogs basic boundaries, commands, and obedience skills, the program transforms these dogs into well-behaved and less aggressive pets, increasing their adoption prospects[1][2].
In addition, the program showcases the dogs' abilities and readiness for adoption through events like the one at Petco, where trained dogs are presented to potential adopters[1][3].
## Helping Inmates
For the inmates, the program offers a chance to develop valuable skills in dog training and caregiving, which can prove beneficial for future employment opportunities. This skill-building process enhances their employability after release[1][2].
Moreover, the program provides emotional support and a sense of purpose to the inmates, helping them develop empathy and responsibility. Interacting with dogs can have therapeutic effects, contributing to the rehabilitation of inmates[2][4].
In a heartfelt letter, one inmate expressed his change in perspective due to the program, stating that participating in the P.A.W.S. program has given him a newfound appreciation for life and the opportunity to contribute positively to society[5].
## Fundraising and Collaboration
The inmates themselves contributed to the program's funds by holding a fundraiser to help cover some of its costs. They bought items from Sam's Club for the toiletry kits, which they then sold to their fellow inmates and others outside the facility[6]. As a result, they raised $350 for the P.A.W.S. program[7].
The program is currently being overseen by Jaime Banegas, the current trainer, who mentioned that the program is creating something special. Banegas's organisation, WorkDogWork, is responsible for training the dogs in the P.A.W.S. program[8].
Currently, eight inmates are caring for four dogs in the program, with inmates and dogs having one to two sessions with a trainer each week and living together 24 hours a day[9]. The dogs once considered castaways are now being loved and cared for, thanks to the P.A.W.S. program[10].
The P.A.W.S. program is run by a no-kill animal shelter charity, reflecting its commitment to the welfare of both dogs and inmates involved.
References: [1] https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/las-cruces-prison-dog-training-program-helps-inmates-and-animals/5825939/ [2] https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/las-cruces-prison-dog-training-program-helps-inmates-and-animals/5825939/ [3] https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/las-cruces-prison-dog-training-program-helps-inmates-and-animals/5825939/ [4] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/animal-emotions/201809/the-therapeutic-benefits-animal-assisted-therapy [5] https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/las-cruces-prison-dog-training-program-helps-inmates-and-animals/5825939/ [6] https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/las-cruces-prison-dog-training-program-helps-inmates-and-animals/5825939/ [7] https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/las-cruces-prison-dog-training-program-helps-inmates-and-animals/5825939/ [8] https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/las-cruces-prison-dog-training-program-helps-inmates-and-animals/5825939/ [9] https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/las-cruces-prison-dog-training-program-helps-inmates-and-animals/5825939/ [10] https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/las-cruces-prison-dog-training-program-helps-inmates-and-animals/5825939/
Dogs in the P.A.W.S. program are equipped with essential care, grooming, and training from inmates, enhancing their behavior and fulfilling the prerequisites for adopting them into a pets' home and lifestyle. This training programimbues the dogs with basic commands, obedience skills, and proper boundaries, thus increasing their appeal to potential adopters.
By showcasing their abilities and readiness at events like Petco, these trained dogs prove their worth as well-mannered and loving pets for their future homes. This transformation not only benefits the dogs but also inspires inmates by offering them an opportunity to develop professional skills in dog training and caregiving, which could open doors in fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and other sectors upon their release.
The emotional support and sense of purpose derived from their involvement in the P.A.W.S. program significantly contribute to inmates' rehabilitation, instilling empathy, responsibility, and therapeutic benefits. Many inmates, like one highlighted with a heartfelt letter, express a newfound appreciation for life, valuing the opportunity to make a positive impact on society.
Beyond learning valuable skills, inmates contribute to the program's funds through bazaars and selling items, such as toiletry kits from Sam's Club, to fellow inmates and others outside the facility. This fundraising shows the inmates' commitment to and ownership of the P.A.W.S. program, its mission, and the improvement of both dogs and themselves.
The program's success demonstrates the power of collaboration between inmates, volunteers, trainers, charities, and animal shelters, thereby reflecting their commitment to the welfare of shelter animals. The P.A.W.S. program continues to evoke change not only in the lives of the dogs but also in those of the inmates, making a lasting impression on everyone involved.
