Five AKC graduates from the PAWS program at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex are ready for adoption.
The PAWS program pairs TJJD youth with K-9 partners, who come from the Corinne T. Smith Animal Shelter, for 12 weeks. During this time, the dogs learn basic commands, improve their socialization skills and earn the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizenship certification. Youth learn empathy, compassion and responsibility. They are responsible for their dogs at all times and do all the feeding, grooming and training. The dogs live on the dorms with the students. If you are interested in providing a forever home for one of these beautiful animals, please contact Holli Fenton, Dorm Supervisor at 325-641-4260 or Freda Day, Corinne T. Smith Animal Center Director, at 325-646-0617.
Pancho (pictured above) is a Chihuahua mix who weighs about 5 pounds. He is smooth coated and rust-colored. Pancho is a very easy-going dog who is friendly and loves to meet new people. One of his favorite things to do is to sit very still on his human’s lap. Pancho is a dog who forms deep attachments and is looking for a family to love. He gives hugs and high-fives in addition to all of the commands he had to learn as a Canine Good Citizen. This is what his student trainer had to say about Pancho: “He is very loveable. He loves cuddling and belly rubs. He picks up feelings very easily and loves to play with toys.”
Angel is a two year-old Shi-Tzu who lives up to her name. She is 10 lbs of personality wrapped into a furry bundle. Angel is playful, sensitive, lovable and has a comic streak. Barking in her sleep and chasing her own tail are among her quirkier habits. Angel gives double high-fives and hugs. Her student trainer feels that she would do well in a home with older children. In addition to the must-have belly rubs, Angel also loves to be groomed, it calms her.
Nakita is a gorgeous Malamute Husky mix who weighs about 40 lbs. She is only a year and a half old but has had a rough life until she came to the PAWS program. She is an obedient dog but very timid until she warms up. Once she does, Nakita is very loving and forms a deep attachment. She is particularly afraid of men but male staff at Ron Jackson has been working with her and she has become less afraid. Her student trainer had this to say: “Nakita just needs time to adjust and she will be fine. She is scared of men but if they work with her and take things slowly, she gets used to them.”
Tamone is another rust-colored Chihuahua mix who weighs less than 5 lbs. He is very friendly and loves attention. Tamone has a hyper side to him but will relax if offered a thumb to suck. He has learned several additional tricks including high-fives and would do best in a house with older children. He loves to play fetch and burrow under a blanket.
Last but certainly not least is Frank! Frank is a 4 year old Pug mix who weighs about 7 lbs. He is very loveable and laid-back. It does take him a little time to warm up to strangers but he will get there. He likes to jog but also to lie down with his legs stretched out straight after a busy day. Frank knows how to wave, high-five, crawl, hug, twirl and dance. His student trainer says he is an empathetic dog who will do better with an older couple.
