The PAWS program at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex pairs a select group of TJJD youth with K-9 partners for 12 weeks. All of the K-9s come from the local Corinne T. Smith Animal Shelter. During this time, the dogs learn basic commands, improve their socialization skills and earn the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizenship certification. 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. Four AKC graduates are currently ready for adoption. 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.
Dusty (pictured above) 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 (pictured left) 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.
Macy (pictured left) is a two year-old Jack Russell Terrier that weighs around 12 lbs. She is very active and enjoys being outside and is very alert to her surroundings. After playing in the yard she enjoys cuddling and resting. Macy is good with other dogs and does not like to be left alone. She would be best in a home with a lot of attention and an active lifestyle. Macy loves squeaky toys and eats best when she has meat treats mixed in with her food. In addition to her AKC Certification talents, she also enjoys “giving high-fives.”
Diamond (pictured bottom left) is a three year-old black and white Border Collie weighing in at 35 lbs. She is a very calm dog who loves attention and company. Diamond also loves to run and play with people outside. She would be a great addition to an active family who could give her lots of attention and the exercise she wants. She enjoys her treats and needs a caring companion during the scary thunderstorms. Diamond takes after her breed’s trait to herd other animals and sometimes people, so a family with at least school-aged children would be best for her.
Please contact the Community Relations Office at the Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex at 325-641-4240 or 325-642-4241 if you are interested learning more about volunteer opportunities at this facility.
