Two AKC graduates from the PAWS program at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex are currently ready for adoption.
Dusty is a two year-old brown Rhodesian ridgeback who weighs around 65 lbs. He is very friendly and loves attention. Dusty has a hyper side and can be easily distracted but stays close to home and will relax after playing in the yard. He loves his exercise and playtime; however, one of his favorite pastimes is lying in bed and being read to while chewing on his bone. He enjoys being handfed and loves his treats. He has learned several additional tricks including “please” and “pray.” He and would do best in an energetic home with older children.Pandora is a two year-old curly-coated black Retriever that weighs about 40 lbs. She has a very friendly temperament and loves to play outside with her tennis balls. She is great around other dogs, but is a shy eater and needs a lot of attention. In addition to the commands that Pandora had to learn for his AKC certification, she has also mastered “praying”, “saying please” and “hugging.” Pandora is a very intelligent dog who learns new things quickly and would thrive in a family with an active lifestyle.
The PAWS program at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex 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. To date the PAWS program has had 80 canines graduate with 78 successful adoptions. The youth benefit by learning to demonstrate 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.
Anyone interested in providing a forever home for one of these beautiful animals can contact Holli Fenton, Dorm Supervisor at 325-641-4260 or Freda Day, Corinne T. Smith Animal Center Director, at 325-646-0617.
