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.)