What happens when one woman believes so deeply in the power of dogs to change lives that she builds a program to prove it — and keeps it alive even after the state stops funding it?

Content Note: In this episode, there are mentions of child abuse and neglect and a juvenile case involving murder and the death of a dog. These topics are discussed only in passing, but we recognize they may be sensitive for some listeners.

In this episode, we’ll meet Joan Dalton, author of the book Second Chances: The Transformative Relationship Between Incarcerated Youth and Shelter Dogs.  Joan is the founder of Project POOCH, a program pairing teens in juvenile detention with shelter dogs. What started as an idea grew into a transformative program that not only rehabilitates dogs in need of homes but also teaches young people the skills and compassion they need to heal and move forward.

Joan & I discuss how the program began, the life-changing impacts she’s witnessed and the resilience it took to keep the program going when funding was pulled.  From trauma to trust, you'll hear how Project POOCH creates powerful paths to healing, empathy and redemption — for both humans and animals.

Juvenile justice is something we should all care about, because these youths will return to society as adults. We have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to help them grow into contributing members of society. When we give people and animals the tools to heal, the results can transform lives and communities.

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