Inmates shared their feelings about the Paws in Prison program and showed off the skills of dogs they trained at a graduation ceremony Wednesday at the Sanders Estes Unit in Venus.
The eight week Paws in Prison program ended with inmates thanking Warden David McComis and other prison employees for allowing them to train the dogs.
“This has given me a whole different outlook on life,” said Mario Perez, an inmate who trained a dog named Midnight. “I am planning to stay in the program for one more round.”
Deputy Warden Michael Ringer said the Sanders Estes Unit plans to build the program and bring in more dogs over the next few months.
“This has had a positive impact on our facility,” he said.
The Sanders Estes Unit is the third GEO-run facility to implement Paws in Prison.
Pulling in support
Wally Swanson, founder of the Camp Wolfgang dog rescue, donates dogs to the program, and Maximum K9 trainer Gayle Justice teaches inmates to train the dogs.
“There have been less disciplinary issues in the prison since the program began,” Swanson said. “Over the decades I have rarely had an involvement that is win-win like this is.”
Justice said inmates who handle the dogs have a deep concern for them.
“They really love the dogs,” she said.
Michael Hollie, one of two inmates who trained a blue-eyed dog named Sky, fell so deeply in love with his dog that he is adopting her. He said he will be released from prison in 23 days and is thankful he is able to adopt Sky.
“This has been an experience that I will cherish and remember for the rest of my life,” he said. “It has been so rewarding to see dogs that have been abused or abandoned go home to loving families.”
The inmates train the dogs to be more social so they are more likely to be adopted, said GEO K9 Program Manager Michelle Gaconnet.
Of the six dogs that were trained, five have been adopted.
Mary Gipson of Crandall is adopting the dog that her son, Paul Dixon, trained.
Dixon said the program taught him more about responsibility.
“This has brought a lot into my life,” he said through tears.
Inmate Bradley Waltermire agreed.
“You learn to give care to someone other than yourself,” he said.
The dogs lived with the inmates in their cells during the program. Inmates groomed them, fed them and attended to all of their needs.
“It’s like having a child,” Waltermire said. “They require all your time, attention and love.”
For information about Paws in Prison, contact McComis at 972-366-3334 or Gaconnet at 512-426-1794.
Misty Shultz can be reached
at 817-645-2441, ext. 2336,
or reporter2@trcle.com.
Local News
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Standing, from left, are Grandview’s Ryan Breton (offensive most valuable player) and Austin Martinez (Ironman award winner), Alvarado’s Wayne Onderdonck (county MVP) and Brazos Fuller (co-newcomer of the year), Burleson’s Ayinde Alaajiy (co-newcomer of the year), Godley’s Blake Washinton (co-linemen of the year), Alvarado’s Tyler Bates (defensive MVP), Alvarado Head Coach Jeff Dixon (coach of the year) and Grandview’s Davis Scarbrough (co-linemen of the year).
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Indians on top of selections
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Four of Johnson County’s eight football teams qualified for the postseason in 2011 with Alvarado making it all the way to the Class 3A Division I state championship game at Cowboys Stadium against Tyler Chapel Hill. - First team offense, defense features host of area standouts
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Front, from left, are Grandview’s Caleb Hollingsworth, Cleburne’s Zach Haler, Joshua’s Jordan Garrett, Alvarado’s A.J. Castillo, Xavier Holbert, Kenny Adams and Marcus McNeil, Cleburne’s Conner Martyniuk and Godley’s Drew Benge. Standing, from left, are Alvarado’s Ronald Thomas, C.J. Johnson and Alex Gentrey, Grandview’s Austin Wylie and Caleb Armstrong. Not pictured is Alvarado’s Marcus Villarreal.
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The first-team offense included Alvarado quarterback Kenny West and Burleson quarterback Barrett Cain. - Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
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The first-team offense included Alvarado quarterback Kenny West and Burleson quarterback Barrett Cain. - Cleburne, Grandview, Burleson lead second team offense, defense
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Fallen deputy Clifton Taylor’s sister, Megan Davis, takes a picture of a painting of her brother on Monday during a dedication to the deputy. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office renamed its building to the Clifton Taylor Law Enforcement Center in honor of the deputy who lost his life during a disturbance call in April. The picture was painted by Fort Worth artist Gary Crouch. Three pictures were made and one will hang in the Clifton Taylor Law Enforcement Center. The other two paintings were presented as gifts to Taylor’s parents and his fiancee.
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Never forgotten
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Never forgotten
