Celebrating our four-legged friends and companions, the incarcerated individuals at Pleasant Valley State Prison shared their love of pets during National Dog Day on Aug. 26.
In a collaboration with the prison, Wiley’s Wish and the Veterans Transition Center of California work to rehabilitate and socialize shelter dogs for adoption.
What had started on a single facility at Pleasant Valley State Prison has expanded to other yards and now includes some 17 dogs in the program. In addition, the program has placed 16 dogs in homes, including one as far away as Massachusetts.
“Incarcerated handlers provide rehabilitation, skills and love to dogs rescued from shelters. While helping save the dogs, the handlers are learning about responsibility, teamwork, team building, communication and rebuilding family relationships. This helps in their own rehabilitation,” said one of the program liaison trainers.
Submitted by Lt. J.L. Martin
Trainers on National Dog Day at Pleasant Valley
Learn more about CDCR’s K-9 programs.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
CDCR Dog News
Rescue dogs graduate WSP‑RC training program
A partnership between Wasco State Prison-Reception Center (WSP-RC) and PAW Estate Rescue & Shelter reached a milestone April 21 as…
San Quentin hosts third puppy graduation
San Quentin celebrated its third annual puppy graduation partnering with Canine Companions and pairing incarcerated individuals with service-dog prospects. Dozens…
CMF hosts annual Paws for Life banquet
The gymnasium at California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville was transformed for the annual banquet honoring Paws for Life K-9…
K‑9 searches find contraband at Gabilan, Wasco
Two recent searches led by the CDCR Central Region K-9 Unit turned up contraband at Gabilan Conservation Camp and Wasco…
Golden retriever therapy dogs visit CSP‑Solano
California State Prison (CSP) Solano staff were seeing gold last week thanks to golden retriever therapy dogs. The dogs, part…
Getting up close with new ISP dog program
The Ironwood State Prison (ISP) Dog Training Academy is a newly developed program working in collaboration with Mal’s House Rescue.…