Grantee's Stories

Patriot PAWS Service Dogs

Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Prison Program

 

Founded in 2006, Patriot PAWS Service Dogs is a Rockwall, TX-based nonprofit that trains and provides the highest quality Service Dogs at no cost to disabled American Veterans. Patriot PAWS currently trains dogs through their partnership with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, where Offender Trainers work with program dogs within their prison units. The Texas Bar Foundation awarded a $15,000 grant to Patriot PAWS Service Dogs to support the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Prison Program. This grant allowed them to continue to teach prison inmates how to train Service Dogs for Disabled Veterans.

A trainer and a veteran walk with a service dog in training at a prison facility.

The training program helps inmates learn a new vocation and workforce and life skills that will empower and enable them to become productive members of society with continuous education. Through positive reinforcement, the program gives inmates a sense of stability to manage life’s changes. This program not only helps inmates but also benefits Texas veterans.  A total of 23 inmates are actively engaged in the program. The program boasts a recidivism rate of less than 3%, significantly lower than national averages.  Since 2008, a total of 8 paroled inmates have been hired by Patriot PAWS.  Additionally, 30 parolees from our program are now working in animal-related fields.

A trainer and a veteran walk with a service dog in training at a prison facility, inside of a basketball court.

“We are deeply grateful to the Texas Bar Foundation for their generous $15,000 grant supporting our prison program. This funding allows us to continue offering inmates a second chance—teaching them valuable skills, instilling purpose, and giving them the opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of others. By training service dogs for veterans, these individuals not only help change someone else’s life but also transform their own. This program is a powerful reminder that redemption and hope are always possible.”

Regina Bailey, Finance Specialist for Patriot Paws Service Dogs

To find out more about the project visit patriotpaws.org