Pawsitive Change saw the first class of 18 graduate from its rehabilitative program.
By Lt. Jose Martinez, AA/PIO
North Kern State Prison
Dogs are helping offenders better themselves through rehabilitation – for the canine as well as the inmate. The first graduation for North Kern State Prison’s (NKSP) Pawsitive Change Program was held Nov. 10.
The 18 program participants received a certificate for Canine Behavior and Training. For a little over three months, inmates focused on dog psychology and rehabilitation. The program was not only about training canines but also how the teaching pertains to one’s self and how it applies in every aspect of life.
Throughout the 14-week program, the participants learned how to communicate and put differences aside to work together toward achieving a goal.
They cultured compassion for the canines as well as an understanding for each other. As one participant phrased it, “I have a new friend that I hate to see leave, but I also made new friends in people I never would have talked to.”
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Pawsitive Change is a program through Marley’s Mutts. Learn more about the program.
This is a truly positive program where the residents have the opportunity to care for animals with distressful backgrounds. It is interesting to see the dogs going for walks in the mornings and the bonds that are formed between the caretakers and canines. The presence of the pooches definitely brings a calm to the yard and a pleasant, authentic domestic ambiance.
Im glad to see that this program brings out the best in each other and how they have learned to put their differences aside. Dogs are truly a mans best friend Great Job to everyone involved
Dogs are a perfect opportunity for rehabilitative efforts allow the inmates learn to care for someone or something other than themselves, and teaches them responsibility for another living, breathing being.