The Texas Juvenile Justice Department’s BARK program, in partnership with DPA and Dogs Matter, is celebrating one year of providing second chances; for the young men enrolled at the school, some special dogs in need of temporary foster care, and the dog’s owners who are finally free to get the professional help or restart they need.
All the dogs residing in the BARK (Building Attachment and Resilience K-9) Dorm, located at Gainesville State School, have come to DPA through Dogs Matter and PASS (Positive Alternatives to Shelter Surrender) and are in immediate need of temporary foster care while their owners are experiencing a housing, addiction, financial or another transitional crisis.
Incarcerated youth at the Gainesville campus must make the most of their second chance by earning their way into the BARK Dorm with good marks in school, as well as exhibiting good behavior, to be paired to care for a Dogs Matter or PASS dog.
What makes this program so impactful is the meaningful and life-changing ways all parties benefit. Youths learn patience, responsibility, teamwork, and discipline. The dogs have a warm bed and safe temporary place to live, all while learning some new tricks. And finally, the owners of these dogs can make the most of their second chance to get their life back on track. It truly is a win, win, win!
All our BARK Dorm stories from the past year are special, but here are some of the biggest wins:
Luna
Curious Luna came to DPA through Dogs Matter after her owner became homeless and needed to go into treatment for addiction. Luna was only 9 months old when she arrived at the BARK Dorm and was timid and frightened due to abuse she had experienced before she was adopted by her owner. Luna’s youth handler worked patiently with her to gain her trust and in turn, she learned to trust others.
Sadly, her owner ultimately made the brave and difficult decision to put her up for adoption while they continued their own recovery journey. But Luna got her second chance when the young man who had worked so closely with her in the program completed his time at Gainesville. He jumped at the chance to adopt Luna as his own! Since their reunion outside of the BARK Dorm, Luna now plays a huge role in helping to keep her adopter’s life on track.
Honey
Sweet little Honey was tearfully surrendered to Dallas Animal Services by her owner, a veteran who had unfortunately lost his housing. Devastated by the circumstances, he was fearful she might be euthanized due to lack of space in the shelter. Honey’s owner was determined to come back for her, so she was a perfect candidate for the PASS program and found her way to the BARK Dorm.
At first Honey was timid, nervous, and preferred to stay in her crate, but with the patient, loving care of her handlers and a whole lot of treats, she soon warmed up and became a favorite of the residents. A second chance and a happily ever after for Honey and her owner arrived when he got back on his feet, and they were reunited. Learn more about Honey’s story.
Rebel
Loyal and gentle Rebel was placed in a boarding facility by his owner after exhausting all their other options, desperate to enter a residential treatment program. This housing arrangement for Rebel was costly and not a feasible long-term solution, so they reached out to PASS for help finding a temporary home for Rebel. When a spot opened at the BARK Dorm, Rebel moved in. After all the transition and change, Rebel was a little apprehensive and needed consistent, patient, and loving care to become comfortable in his new surroundings. However, he has made tremendous progress and is warming up to the youths at the facility as well as his fellow canine residents, and loves walking on a leash and fishy treats.
Tragically, his owner has passed away while in treatment, leaving Rebel waiting for a reunion date that will not come. DPA is helping Rebel find his new forever home to ensure he has the full, happy life he deserves. Will you be his second chance? Apply to adopt Rebel.
Second chances are priceless, but they are not free.
The BARK Dorm, Dogs Matter and PASS are funded by generous donors. Your support helps dogs like these stay out of already overcrowded shelters, ensuring they have the best chance possible to be reunited with the people who love them. Finding, supporting, and enrolling dogs who are a fit for the BARK Dorm offers these young men a second chance to learn about love, compassion, and responsibility, and frees struggling pet owners to get the help they need. Won’t you support the BARK Dorm?
