Inmates Reentering Society To Train With Mostly Mutts

KENNESAW, GA — Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue was approved to participate in the Metro Reentry Program, and is now actively training offenders at the Metro Reentry Facility.

The citizens returning to society are learning how to train dogs in basic commands and other skills such as grooming and general pet care. These skills will qualify them for jobs when they reenter society. The dogs assigned to the program live with two returning citizens until they have mastered their training program.

The first two Mostly Mutts dogs who went through the program have “graduated” and already been adopted into new loving homes.

“This is an incredible opportunity for us to make a real difference in the lives of others” said Tammy Turley, Executive Director. “We have some outstanding trainers on our team, and they are very happy to give their time to manage this program and help the returning citizens. It is a win-win because we can accelerate the training of each dog in the program and it helps them get adopted faster.”

The Metro Reentry Program was established to give offenders who will be transitioning back into society the skills they need to succeed. The Metro Reentry facility that opened last August, provides opportunities for simultaneous participation in academic and vocational education programs, personal development, extracurricular activities, and community service, along with counseling, cognitive, and substance abuse programming.

“We are very fortunate to be able to offer the program for our returning citizens at Metro Re-entry facility, through the partnership with Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue and Adoption, Inc.,” said Commissioner Timothy C. Ward. “Not only are the returning citizens able support the rescue and rehabilitation efforts, but they gain beneficial job skills that will greatly assist them as they transition back into society.”

Mostly Mutts strives to reduce the number of animals euthanized at local shelters in Metro Atlanta by working with animal control officers to save adoptable dogs that are moments away from being put to sleep. Often, these dogs are sick, injured and require rehabilitation. Mostly Mutts provides housing, health care, training, and physical and emotional care to these rescued animals until they can be placed in a new “furever home.”

Mostly Mutts is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, licensed by the Dept. of Agriculture and staffed by volunteers. It is privately funded through donations and adoption fees.