The P.E.T.S. (Pawsitive Education Training Solutions) Program, better known as the Cell Dog Program, is a unique and life-changing program. Dogs are selected from PAWS Shelter and Humane Society to be trained and cared for by inmates at Kyle Correctional Center. A PAWS professional trainer carefully chooses dogs for the program who are then paired with two inmates who have applied and been selected to participate in the program by Kyle Correctional Center staff. The chosen handlers first go through two-weeks of classroom training before they begin 6 weeks of round the clock care of their assigned dog, with weekly training sessions by the trainer.

At a recent Cell Dog Program graduation, the warden graciously allowed the graduation ceremony to be documented and photographed.

The graduation ceremony began with words from the warden, who had adopted a Cell Dog a few years ago and proudly referred to him as “the best dog ever”. The PAWS shelter director and the trainer explained the program to visitors in attendance before the men and dogs paraded around the room, showing off their impressive new skills. Sit. Down. Free. A notably poignant command. One by one, each team, two handlers and their dog, would approach the front of the room. While one handler would read a letter recapping their experience with their dog, voices cracking, tears quickly wiped away, the other handler would demonstrate the special trick that they had selected to teach their dog. A moment of necessary levity came with the demonstration of Belle, a Beagle mix, getting gently “patted down” showing that she experienced the daily routine of life behind bars with the her handlers.

Watching toughened men crumble at saying goodbye to these sweet and loving dogs, sneaking their dogs a little graduation cake, and profusely thanking the warden, PAWS, and the trainer for being allowed to participate in this program was an emotional scene not soon forgotten. Thanks to the Cell Dog program lives are changed forever — for man and for dog.

In the words of PAWS dog Madison’s inmate/handler, “We will never forget the things we have taught her or the things she has taught us.”

To continue the positive work of the Cell Dog Program, PAWS needs your help. Your donations make this life-changing program possible.

Fund a Dog for $300. To pay online via PayPal, click here. Note: Type ‘Cell Dog’ in the special instructions box in the PayPal process. To pay via check, simply mail a check payable to PAWS, PO Box 695, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Please note your donation is for Cell Dog.
Fund a Class for $3,000. To pay online via PayPal, click here. Note: Type ‘Cell Dog’ in the special instructions box in the PayPal process. To pay via check, simply mail a check payable to PAWS, PO Box 695, Dripping Springs, Texas 78620. Please note your donation is for Cell Dog.
Attend a Graduation. For a chance to see lives change, please contact the shelter director at pawsshelter@verizon.net.