By Joan Dalton | Executive Director
Seventeen years ago, Gabriel was barely a teenager when he became incarcerated. He took to working with dogs that had issues because he also had issues. Like many teenagers who get locked up in a correctional facility, they find the consistency and learning that every behavior has a consequence is a good thing. How to trust humans after being abused takes longer.
After joining Project POOCH (positive opportunities--obvious change with hounds), Gabriel learned that dogs are non-judgmental and they made him smile when they greeted him upon arrival at the kennel. One of Gabriel's favorite dogs was Bandit. Bandit taught Gabriel to trust because Bandit was trusting Gabriel. Gabriel learned that caring for a dog is much like caring for a child--they require that their physical and emotional needs be met if they are to thrive and become healthy in body and mind.
With children of his own now, Gabriel practices many of the lessons he learned by working with dogs. He is employed and plans to continue his education.
Help us help more youth and dogs by donating to Project POOCH.
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