PVSP Facility D residents collected hundreds of pounds of recyclables to help fund a dog’s surgery. 
Delta, a New Life K-9, needed surgery. After he was medically retired from the program, he was adopted by a prison staff member. 
Pleasant Valley State Prison’s incarcerated population collected recyclables to raise money for a New Life K-9 dog’s surgery.
When one of the New Life K-9 program dogs needed help, Pleasant Valley State Prison’s incarcerated population was ready.
Delta, named after Facility D where he was being trained, began having medical issues. The 18-month-old yellow Labrador retriever had hip and elbow dysplasia, requiring surgery, eliminating Delta from the program.
The incarcerated K-9 handlers banded together, collecting recyclables to help offset the surgery’s cost. Meanwhile Delta was adopted by a prison staff member. Delta was already familiar with the staff member since he previously served as the dog’s weekend puppy raiser.
Others housed on Facility D also pitched in to help, donating recyclables to Delta’s cause. The group collected 31 large bags of cans and bottles.
On Jan. 12, New Life K-9s picked up the 402 pounds of recyclables and $651 was put toward the surgery cost.
“This is an astounding feat,” said Associate Warden M.F. Martin.
Learn more about the New Life K-9 program and other dogs at CDCR.