Transforming Lives, One Dog at a Time
PAWS Program
The Paroling Animals With Skills (PAWS) program is a life-changing partnership between the Lewis-Clark Animal Shelter and the Idaho Correctional Institution-Orofino (ICI-O). This unique initiative pairs shelter dogs in need of extra help with carefully selected incarcerated individuals who dedicate eight weeks to training and caring for them.
Support the PAWS Program
The success of the PAWS program relies on community support. Essential supplies like food, training tools, and other resources are vital to keep this program running smoothly.
Donate today or reach out to learn how you can contribute to this transformative initiative. Every gift helps pave the way for success for both our shelter dogs and the trainers who work with them.
Current Training Supplies Needed
- Training Treats
- Dry Dog Food
- Pet Waste Bags
- Kongs
- Peanut Butter
- Tennis Balls
- Dog Shampoo
How It Works
The shelter selects dogs that struggle with behavioral, socialization, or obedience issues and enrolls them in the PAWS program. Each dog is paired with an inmate who has completed a specialized dog training course. Over eight weeks, the trainer-dog teams work intensively to build obedience skills, improve socialization, and address behavior challenges. The dogs also participate in supervised play sessions to learn proper interaction with other dogs.
During this time, trainers maintain detailed progress logs, providing valuable insight into each dog’s personality, temperament, and energy level. This information helps the shelter match dogs with the perfect forever home upon their return. Thanks to the PAWS program, these dogs are far better prepared for adoption, reducing the likelihood of them being returned to the shelter or rehomed repeatedly. All PAWS dogs are Canine Good Citizen Ready once graduated.
More Than Training
The PAWS program goes beyond teaching dogs basic commands. It creates a community within the prison system where participants hold roles such as janitor, photographer, inventory manager, or team leader. This program not only transforms the lives of the dogs but also provides incarcerated individuals with purpose, responsibility, and the skills to succeed.
The mission of PAWS is clear: to bring positive, lasting change to both the shelter dogs and the men who train them. The impact is profound, offering a second chance for both man and animal.
Wagging Tails, Happy Hearts
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