5 dogs graduate training at CSP‑Corcoran

November 20, 2024

Tyson was one of five dogs to graduate the training program at Corcoran. He's also found his forever home with the Johnsons, a captain and vice principal at Corcoran.

Five dogs recently graduated a training program at California State Prison, Corcoran, with one finding a forever home with staff.

The dogs go through eight weeks of training with incarcerated handlers at CSP-Corcoran before they graduate and are ready for adoption.

Tyson finds forever home with married staff

Corcoran graduation ceremony for five dogs who completed training. — Tyson shakes paws with his trainer at the graduation ceremony.

In the latest round of training, one dog stood out to Correctional Capt. A. Johnson and his wife, Vice Principal K. Johnson.

Tyson, a bulldog, is loving, fun, energetic, and playful. The dog was also looking for a loving family and place to call home.

The Johnsons adopted Tyson from the Paws Estate Rescue and Shelter (PERS) after he graduated the program.

“Tyson is such a loving dog,” said one of the trainers. “He was able to bring men together that usually would not have hung out. This program makes residents more human and brings custody and residents together. I am privileged and honored to be a part of it.”

Becoming part of the family

Capt. Johnson spoke about his experience with Tyson after the adoption.

“You cannot buy love, but you can rescue it. As soon as we met Tyson, we knew he was special. He has the sweetest demeanor and a calming effect on all those he meets,” he said. “He was a favorite on the yard, and we knew that when he was done with his training, we wanted to take him home”.

Vice Principal Johnson said Tyson has transformed their home.

“He is adored by everyone who meets him, and he settled in quickly. Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them. While we may like to think we are significantly impacting their lives, in reality, they are changing our lives. We are just so thankful we were given the opportunity to give Tyson a forever home.”

For more information regarding the PERS program, visit their website: https://www.pawestaterescue.org/.

By Lt. Justin McIntyre