Friends of Paws in Prison
A Second Chance for Both
Paws in Prison is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to saving rescue dogs from rural kill shelters by pairing them with female inmates for professional training and compassionate care. We believe that by helping to heal a dog, an individual allows their own healing to begin, creating a powerful journey of transformation for all involved.
Our History and Mission
Founded in 2007 by Machelle Gaconnet at the correctional facility in Lockhart, Texas, our program was created to foster responsibility and empathy through the rescue and training of shelter dogs. Over the years, we have grown to serve communities including Seguin, San Antonio, and Austin, demonstrating that with unconditional love, anything is possible.
How We Make a Difference
We provide a unique training environment where shelter dogs learn basic skills—such as house-breaking, sitting, staying, and heeling—through positive reinforcement techniques. Simultaneously, participating women gain valuable life skills like patience, teamwork, and accountability, often earning certifications that prepare them for successful careers in the animal care industry upon release.
Your Partner in Adoption
When you adopt a dog from Paws in Prison, you are welcoming a well-trained companion who has been socialized with kindness, respect, and patience. Our dogs come into the program as rescue animals and graduate as superstar family members, ready to bring joy and love into your home. We celebrate the unique bond between our dogs and their handlers, ensuring each placement is a joyful start to a new life.
Join Our Mission
Are you ready to find your new best friend? We invite you to explore our available dogs to see if your perfect companion is waiting for you. For those who wish to support our work further, we welcome donations and volunteers who share our passion for creating life-changing second chances.
9/16 - 🚨 6 DAYS LEFT! 🚨 We are now just 1,935 votes away from our goal in the Cutest Critters Contest! 🐾❤️ That sounds big — but when you break it down, it’s only: ✨ 323 votes a day ✨ With 27 contestants, that’s just 12 votes per contestant today TODAY’S CHALLENGE: Can every contestant rally their team to get 12 votes today? And if your team is feeling extra brave… go for 15 or 20! 🔥 Every $1 = 1 vote, and every vote helps support the life-changing work of Paws in Prison. 🐾 Vote for your favorite 🐾 Share your contestant’s page 🐾 Tag your family and friends 🐾 Help us finish strong 👉 gogophotocontest.com/pawsinprisontx 6 days. 1,935 votes. 27 contestants. Let’s do this! #PawsInPrison #CutestCrittersContest #6DaysLeft #VoteNow #SecondChances SupportPawsInPrison
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