Sixteen youths incarcerated in the BARK Dorm at Gainesville State School received certificates of achievement from Dallas Pets Alive to commemorate the one year anniversary of the life-saving work these teens have been doing every single day.
Celebrating a Life-saving Program
Dallas Pets Alive staff and 2024 CNN Hero of the Year, Stephen Knight of Dogs Matter, were on hand at the ceremony to recognize the positive impact these youths have had on not only the displaced animals in their care but also their human owners who are just trying to turn their lives around.
They were joined by Britton (pictured left), a Dogs Matter alum, who shared his inspiring story of addiction and recovery with the youths.
He brought along his beloved dog, Zuzu, who is also a beneficiary of the life-saving program. She resided at the BARK Dorm while Britton was away at getting the help he needed. Without the support of Dogs Matter and the BARK Dorm, it is unlikely that Britton and Zuzu would have remained an intact family. Most residential recovery facilities do not allow companion animals to stay and this is a big reason dogs are surrendered or euthanized or their owners simply refuse to go get the help they need.
All of the BARK Dorm dogs come to Dallas Pets Alive through our PASS (Pawsitive Alternative to Shelter Surrender) program and a partnership with Dogs Matter. These dogs are in immediate need of somewhere to stay and require temporary foster care while their owners are getting their lives back on track after experiencing a housing, addiction, financial, or other transitional crisis.
And over at the BARK Dorm, the youth residents are also on a path of growth and self-improvement.
Life-saving Assistance in Times of Crisis
Once a dog is identified and brought into the program, he/she is matched with youth handlers who will work with that particular dog for the duration of their stay. The handlers are carefully selected residents who have earned the opportunity to participate in the life-saving program by exhibiting good behavior and receiving good marks in school. These youths are assigned to care for each dog in need, as if it were their own, until it is time for the dog to be reunited with the owner.
More Than Just Temporary Foster Care
What makes this program so impactful is the meaningful and life-changing ways all parties benefit.
During their time in the program, the dogs have the opportunity to improve their socialization skills, trick repertoire, and manners with hands-on behavioral training classes. By providing daily care and training for these dogs, the youths are also learning valuable lessons in trust, teamwork, patience, responsibility, and discipline.
The BARK program provides both the boys and the dogs with some new skills they will need to succeed in their next chapter in life. And finally, the owners of these dogs are free to make the most of their second chance to get their life back on track and get the help they need. It truly is a win, win, win!
A Life-saving Collaboration
The BARK Dorm is made possible through a collaboration between DPA and the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. Over the past 12 months, there have been 20 dogs enrolled in the BARK Dorm. These dogs and their owners have all been spared from the agony, stress, and uncertain outcome of a shelter surrender.
At DPA, we are so proud of these youths, their journey of pawsitivity, and the impact they continue to have on the lives of others.
