First 4 dogs graduate CSP‑Corcoran Facility 3B

May 27, 2025

An incarcerated handler demonstrates basic commands with one of four dogs who graduated CSP-Corcoran Facility 3B.

California State Prison (CSP) Corcoran Facility 3B held their first graduation for four dogs Thursday, May 1.

Collaborating with Paws Estates Rescue, the four foster dogs spent eight weeks with their incarcerated handlers.

Paco, Batman, Lucy, and Ollie learned everything from basic commands to a few tricks, impressing everyone who attended the graduation. Guests heard stories from the trainers of the bonds created with their foster pets. The trainers also talked about what led them to participate in this project.

One incarcerated handler shared this was the first time he had touched a dog in over 34 years. He went on to explain how therapeutic it was for him to relive positive experiences he thought he would never have again.

Paw shake for one of the dogs trained at CSP-Corcoran.

An incarcerated handler demonstrates basic commands with the dog he trained at CSP-Corcoran.

Another said he enjoyed being able to share positive dog-training stories with his family during weekly phone calls.

After a round of refreshments, the four newly trained pets were escorted from the visiting room by guests and volunteers, off to find their forever homes.

Story by Correctional Officer D. Hicks
Submitted by Lt. J. McIntyre