For the P.E.T.S. (Pawsitive Education Training Solutions) Program, better known as the Cell Dog Program, PAWS dogs are carefully selected to be trained and cared for by approved inmates at Kyle Correctional Center. The chosen handlers first go through two weeks of classroom training before they begin six weeks of round-the-clock care of their assigned dog, with semi-weekly training sessions by the PAWS professional trainer. The purpose of Cell Dog is to improve lives for man and dog, but does it work? Here is one success story.

A CELL DOG SUCCESS STORY

James Sparks makes no excuses and casts no blame on others for how he landed behind bars. Raised in a good family, James was on his way to a business degree at San Francisco State University before drugs sent his life spiraling out of control, into a memory numbing blur, and ultimately into an El Paso prison for two years. Following his release, the lure of drugs proved too great, and after being found in violation of his parole, he was sentenced to another 9 months. But this time he was sent to the Substance Abuse Felony Punishment (SAFP) Program at Kyle Correctional Center, and this time his life would change completely, thanks to a dog.

Raised in a good family, James was on his way to a business degree at San Francisco State University before drugs sent his life spiraling out of control, into a memory numbing blur, and ultimately into an El Paso prison for two years.

When the prison gates closed behind Garrett, a Border Collie/Heeler mix plucked from PAWS Shelter and Humane Society, locking him inside Kyle Correctional Center, little did he know he was about to save a life. As part of the PAWS Cell Dog Program, which matches shelter dogs with behavioral issues and inmates who have applied for and been accepted into the special training program, Garrett was placed with inmate James Sparks.

When James saw notices about the upcoming Cell Dog Program, he had applied immediately. He recalled how much he loved his family pets growing up and knowing that the dogs were coming from a shelter, he felt a “second chance” kinship and an opportunity for family and companionship.

Garrett lived with James in his cell for 6 weeks. They were together 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Every night, Garrett would crawl into bed with James and, like clockwork, Garrett would awaken him at 5 in the morning with a gentle lick on the face because he needed to go to the bathroom. James would alert the guard to be able to take the dog out.

“Being allowed in the Cell Dog Program was a privilege I was not going to abuse,” remembers James. “During these early morning bathroom breaks, in the quiet before daybreak, Garrett and I would take the opportunity to do extra training.”

With instructions and education from the Cell Dog Program trainer, James worked with Garrett. James and his fellow Cell Dog participants were instructed on recognizing health concerns in their companion dogs and taught how to teach their dogs basic commands and manners to help them become more adoptable.

In return Garrett gave James a reason to care about himself, a reason to feel self-worth again, and to get his life back on track. James now had someone completely dependent on him, Garrett needed him 24 hours a day and James was determined to not let that trusting dog down.

“I knew I always had it in me to be a success, but for a while I just couldn’t grab control of my life and get it back on track,” says James. “Having that shelter dog count on me 24 hours a day gave me a feeling of worth that forever changed the direction of my life.” James recently stopped by PAWS for a visit.

James recalls the days before his imprisonment when his life had become a forgettable blur, where he could disappear for days and no one could find him. Inside prison, James explains, there are always others still trying to pull you away from doing what is right. Statistics indicate that almost 7 out of every 10 male prisoners released from jail will be re-arrested within 3 years, and more than 50% of those will go right back to prison. The odds were not in James’ favor, but having Garrett gave James a reason to stay on the right path.

James also recalls the kindness of PAWS’ Shelter Manager, Courtney Fish, who started the Cell Dog program at the Kyle facility.

“She never asked why I was there,” recalls James. “Courtney made us all feel like human beings.”

Garrett was released a few months before James and was immediately adopted. Garrett’s Cell Dog time had paid off, but what about James? This time, when James was released, he was a new man. Garrett and the Cell Dog Program changed his life, he says. It took a shelter dog given a second chance for James to finally give himself a second chance. James got a job, got married, and is 6 years sober.

Most former inmates make every effort to keep their past hidden, but James speaks openly and honestly about his. He wants to tell the story of how Cell Dog saved his life.

“I knew I always had it in me to be a success, but for a while I just couldn’t grab control of my life and get it back on track,” says James. “Having that shelter dog count on me 24 hours a day gave me a feeling of worth that forever changed the direction of my life.”

Today, James and his family have 4 rescued animals of their own. And while talking about Garrett even today, years later, can still bring tears to his eyes, he smiles at the memory of his last picture of Garrett. Shortly after Garrett’s adoption, James received a Christmas card from the adopting family with a photograph tucked inside. It was a picture of a happy dog under a Christmas tree in the embrace of a pile of laughing kids.

Thanks to the Cell Dog Program and second chances, both James and Garrett came out the other side.

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 or fund an entire 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.  For more information, contact PAWS.