Pit Bull Sculpture created by Paws for Life

Paws For Life brings rescued shelter dogs to live full-time with inmates at the California State Prison, Los Angeles County. Over a twelve-week cycle, inmates learn from Karma trainers how to train our rescue dogs for ‘Canine Good Citizen’ certification. Once a dog earns “Canine Good Citizen” designation, the chance for successful adoption increases — as does our ability to rescue another shelter animal in its place. The inmates also benefit: beyond the rehabilitative therapy of a dog’s presence, they are learning “real world” skills and connecting to a larger a humanitarian process outside of the prison walls. This program gives them a way to contribute back to society by helping a dog get a second chance at life.