GIDDINGS, Texas – Just as
TJJD has been increasing exercise time for youth, the PAWS program is working
to raise the duration of exercise and play outings for the PAWS dogs in
residence at TJJD facilities.
To that end, PAWS is
providing more toys and longer lines (exercise leashes) to the youth who work
with the dogs. The longer lines will allow greater running distances for the
dogs, enabling the youth to give them a workout on the wide grassy areas
available on campus. These runs will supplement the dogs’ regular play times
within the PAWS fenced areas.
The dogs will benefit, and so
with the youth who take them for a jog. Everyone wins! And after the work out,
the youth trainers and their canine charges can relax in the spring sun.
PAWS operates at three TJJD
secure facilities – Gainesville State School, Ron Jackson State Juvenile
Correctional Complex and the Giddings State School, where these photos were
taken.
(If you are interested in
adopting a PAWS Dog, please visit the “PAWS at TJJD” Facebook page.)