Dog, trainer bond leads to adoption outside

February 11, 2025

Vona Darnell and Richard Marquez with Rascal. The bond between Marquez, the incarcerated trainer, and the dog led to Rascal's adoption by Marquez's wife.

A bond between an incarcerated trainer and a dog in the Second Chance Canine Program has led to the dog’s adoption.

Richard Marquez, incarcerated at Pleasant Valley State Prison, was a previous dog trainer handler and eagerly volunteered when the Second Chance program was brought to the prison.

Thanks to requests from staff and the incarcerated population, Wiley’s Wish certified trainer Vona Darnell worked with the Veterans Transition Center to bring the program to Pleasant Valley in December 2023.

Two previous dog handlers, Marquez and Keith Erickson, volunteered to be mentors and trainers for the Second Chance Canine Program.

Incarcerated trainer Marquez fell for a lovable stray dog brought into the program named Rascal, forming a strong bond. Since the stray arrived, the pair has been inseparable. To ensure their bond isn’t broken when Marquez is paroled, his wife adopted Rascal.

“Richard and Rascal have a double parole/paw-role date,” said Darnell. “It’s been a pleasure watching their relationship blossom.”

How does the dog-training program work?

Dogs and puppies are placed with incarcerated handlers who then teach the dogs basic obedience skills to pass the American Kennel Club S.T.A.R. (Socialization, Training, Activity and Responsible Owner) and Canine Good Citizen evaluations. Dogs live with the handlers for approximately 12 weeks before they are adopted.

To date, 33 dogs have been adopted. The Second Chance Canine Program is on three facilities with over 50 handlers and 20 dogs.

“Some of our adopted dogs have gone on to become service dogs and multiple dogs have been adopted as far away as Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Tennessee,” said Darnell.

Wiley’s Wish has dog programs in three California prisons, offering a second chance for the incarcerated trainers and the dogs.

While offering emotional support, the dogs help teach the handlers responsibility, respect, humility, love, compassion, and other skills.

The program is offered at: