Three rescued dogs from Guadalupe are getting a fresh start inside Lewis Prison, where inmates are training them for adoption through a program called Paws for Redemption.
Janey, Max and Bunny are the newest dogs in the program, run by One Love Arizona. It pairs shelter dogs with vetted inmates who train and care for them until the dogs are ready for adoption.
The prison built kennels, misters and turf to support the program. Training classes for inmates and puppies are held once a week.
The three dogs are among 18 rescued from Guadalupe earlier this year. Dana Klose, who works with One Love Arizona, said they were a strong fit for the program.
“We basically partner shelter dogs and incarcerated individuals,” Klose said. “It changes the humans, and it changes the dogs.”
Inmates involved in the program said the work has had a deep effect on them.
Charles Morel said the dogs have brought something to the yard that had been missing.
“To be perfectly honest with you, I thought I wouldn’t see a dog until I got out,” Morel said. “I mean, we wake up, we’re not happy to be here. Other people aren’t happy that we’re here, but these guys are happy that we’re here, and that just makes our day from there on good.”
Morel said the training can also lead to work after release.
“We can go out, volunteer rescues, get a business, start our own business, uh, work for someone as a professional certified trainer,” Morel said.
Ryan Islas said the dogs changed the way he sees his life.
“These dogs, they give me love without anything in return. They don’t expect anything in return,” Islas said. “It’ll bring things out of you that you never knew you had and I’m grateful for that because it’s completely changed my life completely changed my life.”
Derrik Hanstedt, who is scheduled to be released next year, said the program gave him purpose.
“It’s almost like not even being in prison. It gives you purpose. It gives you something to look forward to. It’s amazing,” Hanstedt said.
He said seeing the dogs improve has been one of the most rewarding parts of the work.
“It’s super rewarding in the sense that I’m actually making a difference in something that’s living life in a positive way instead of a negative way,” Hanstedt said. “There’s still a chance. Nobody’s hopeless. Just like dogs, they got a chance, and they’re not hopeless.”
Paws for Redemption is now in its fourth cycle of dogs trained inside Lewis Prison. Participants can earn training certifications they can use after their release. More information about One Love Arizona and the program is available on the organization’s website.
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