PAWS DOG OF THE WEEK: CELL DOG GRADUATION
Instead of a PAWS Dog of the Week, we're sharing the incredible experience of last week's PAWS Cell Dog Program Graduation. By way of background, in this unique and life-changing program, dogs are selected from PAWS Shelter and Humane Society to be trained and cared for by inmates at Kyle Correctional Center. PAWS professional trainer Rachel Daughn carefully chooses dogs for the program who are then paired with two inmates who have applied and been selected to participate in the program by Kyle Correctional Center staff. The chosen handlers first go through two-weeks of classroom training before they begin 6 weeks of round the clock care of their assigned dog, with weekly training sessions by Ms. Daughn.
Last week, the warden graciously allowed the graduation ceremony to be photographed.
The graduation ceremony began with words from the warden, who had adopted a Cell Dog a few years ago and proudly referred to him as "the best dog ever". Shelter director Kathy Turney and Ms. Daughn explained the program to visitors in attendance before the men and dogs paraded around the room, showing off their impressive new skills. Sit. Down. Free. A notably poignant command. One by one, each team, two handlers and their dog, would approach the front of the room. While one handler would read a letter recapping their experience with their dog, voices cracking, tears quickly wiped away, the other handler would demonstrate the special trick that they had selected to teach their dog. A moment of necessary levity came with the demonstration of Belle, the Beagle mix, getting gently "patted down" showing that she experienced the daily routine of life behind bars with the her handlers.
Watching toughened men crumble at saying goodbye to these sweet and loving dogs, sneaking their dogs a little graduation cake, and profusely thanking the warden, PAWS, and Rachel Daughn for being allowed to participate in this program was an emotional scene not soon forgotten. Thanks to the Cell Dog program lives are changed forever — for man and for dog.
In the words of Madison's inmate/handler, "We will never forget the things we have taught her or the things she has taught us."
Since graduation late last week, four of the dogs have already been adopted but four more, housetrained, well-mannered life changers from this class, are still available for adoption. To learn more about PAWS and the Cell Dog program visit pawsshelter.org.
Photographs by Melanie Cambron: Little Jasper (above). Madison receives her bandana from Trainer Rachel Daughn (left). Carmella waves goodbye to her handler (below).
Last week, the warden graciously allowed the graduation ceremony to be photographed.
In the words of Madison's inmate/handler, "We will never forget the things we have taught her or the things she has taught us."
Since graduation late last week, four of the dogs have already been adopted but four more, housetrained, well-mannered life changers from this class, are still available for adoption. To learn more about PAWS and the Cell Dog program visit pawsshelter.org.
Photographs by Melanie Cambron: Little Jasper (above). Madison receives her bandana from Trainer Rachel Daughn (left). Carmella waves goodbye to her handler (below).
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Posted by DSBabble.com at Monday, November 02, 2009 8:40 PM 
Categories: paws dog of the week
Tags: cell dog program dripping springs paws animal shelter
Categories: paws dog of the week
Tags: cell dog program dripping springs paws animal shelter
unbelievably moving. i have heard the inmates say that despite a lifetime in and out of prisons, the paws in prison is the only thing that has made them want to change their lives. thank you PAWS for all that you do!
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