The Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex is in the second year of the Pairing Achievement with Service (PAWS) program. PAWS is a unique program that uses the natural relationship that comes from the bond between humans and animals living together and being responsible for each other.
The PAWS program pairs select TYC youth with K9 partners for 12 weeks. The dogs, who come from local Corinne T Smith Animal Center , learn basic commands, improved socialization skills, and earn American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizenship certification. Youth learn responsibility and benefit from the companionship. During the 12 week program, youth are responsible for their dogs at all times. They must groom, feed, and train them. The dogs live on the dorm with their human caretakers.
Two such dogs, Jodeci and Jake, are ready for adoption and described below by the trainer. If you are interested in adopting a dog please contact Holli Fenton, Dorm Supervisor, at 325-641-4260 or Freda Day, Corinne T Smith Animal Center Director, at 325-646-0617.
Jodeci is a beautiful 1 – 1 ½ yr. old, 65 lb. male, Catahoula hound mix with lots of personality. He has a beautiful brown and white coat with a few freckles. Eye color is blue, crystal blue. Jodeci is a thinker and very smart. He will need a job like running, agility, tracking or someone that is active to exercise his brain and his body. He is very serious at times but can clown around with the best of them. He can also be very hyper and curious. His likes include: space, attention, playing fetch, running, catching treats, obstacles and agility, jumping over ropes and through tires. Jodeci responds best by being called by his first name followed by the command. He does not like it when you keep him in his room without exercise. His tricks include: sit, down, stay, come, bang (play dead), paw, high-five, close door, open door to his cage and drop it. Jodeci will need someone with a personality as strong as his so that he can maintain his training. Consistent, positive and focused training will create a bond and loyalty that will be unmatched. If you are a single family home with older children (12+) or a single adult with an active lifestyle, then Jodeci is waiting to come to his forever home.
Jake is a very energetic and playful, male, puppy, about 10 – 12 months old. He loves to be the center of attention. He’s the kind of dog that likes to be the only dog in the house which is best for him. He needs someone strong, confident and not a pushover. Jake likes to use his “charm” to get what he wants. Like I said, he wants all the attention to be on him. He’s going to need someone that is home and able to entertain him. Jake can be left on his own in the house, just make sure to keep your shoes locked up! Jake will whine if he needs to use the restroom. If you choose to use a kennel, he knows the simple demand “Jake go to your room”. Do NOT feed or water him in the kennel, he will make a mess and it’s best to supervise him while he is eating his food. He eats three cups of dog food once a day. He doesn’t care for hard treats, he likes the meaty ones. When trying to look for a place for him to sleep, make sure he can see you as he has some separation issues. Jake can be trusted to love other people but please be careful when introducing another dog to him. He is going to need a big back yard. Do not let him loose in an unclosed area until you build a relationship. Jake is very strong-willed dog. Take care of him! Other character traits include: protective, funny, loving, caring, strong, playful, relaxing, confident, explorer, curious, trained, trusting and charming.
