"A New Leash on Life” is a North Carolina state-sponsored program that allows minimum and medium custody prisoners in North Carolina prisons to partner with local animal welfare groups or animal shelters to train rescue dogs basic obedience in preparation for permanent adoption. Cal’s inmate-trainer taught him basic obedience, house training and socialization through positive reinforcement and repetition. He even learned a few fun tricks. On graduation day, Cal received his Canine Good Citizen Certification, an honor which denotes that Cal passed a series of tests showing that he behaved properly both at home and in the community.

But Cal was not the only one to benefit from the program. Cal’s inmate-trainer was able to perform community service while incarcerated, build self-esteem, self discipline and confidence, and maybe learn to love and be loved unconditionally for the first time in his life. Research shows that inmates participating in these types of programs show a less than 1% recidivism rate. Not only did Cal learn trust, his inmate-trainer learned how to give and receive love as only a dog can give.

“A New Leash on Life” gives inmates and dogs a real second chance, the dogs a permanent home and the inmate a new opportunity at life. If you are interested in adopting one of these special dogs, please follow the application procedures on the website indicating that you would like to adopt a prison dog. Please note that program graduates are in high demand and we suggest that if you are interested in adopting a program graduate, that you complete the adoption application process early. Because of the advanced training and exceptional temperament of these dogs, preference will be given to applicants with special needs or those intending to participate in a therapy dog program. The Adoption Fee for these special dogs is $300.00. If you have any questions regarding this program, our e-mail is nyleashonlife@yahoo.com.