Vacaville

I grew up in the system – learning how to be a cold and callous criminal because I believed that was my way to survive. Eventually I had to make a choice: Grow up and become a responsible, accountable adult, or remain the same and continue to die from the inside out. Sobriety came hard…

I’ve been part of the PFL family for a brief seven months now, and it’s been life changing. PFL has allowed me to work with four awesome dogs who have touched me internally in ways that only a true dog lover would be able to identify. This program is a program that is filled with…

I cannot change the past but I am actively changing my future by changing myself. Being a part of PFL allows me to continue my personal transformation. My goal is to be unrecognizable from the man who first came to prison. I was a selfish individual and now I am a giver, whether through my…

This program help facilitate rehabilitation through caring, compassion, patience, responsibility and community. The integration of love of animals and the willingness to help rescued animal is the focus of PFL. As a member of this program for almost six years, I have had the privilege to work with some great dogs and some amazing people.…

My name is Richard Fontes, and I’m a 53-year old first termer serving Life Without the Possibility of Parole (LWOP). Perhaps the biggest misconception about the Paws for Life K9 Rescue (PFL) program, is that we save the dogs – in fact, the dogs are the ones rescuing us. Working with these amazing animals is…

Paws for Life has made me dig a little deeper in my heart to see the goodness in a person. The love of a dog is one thing, but the love and compassion to and from a person can change your life. Each day I’m getting closer to that with the help of a dog.…

My name is Greg Hampton. I have been in prison for 15 years and am now a senior citizen. Thanks to Paws for Life I feel like I have purpose again and reap the unconditional love of these dogs.

Hello, my name is Johnny Lloyd. I have been incarcerated for the past 44 years. Yes I am serving a 7 to Life sentence for First Degree Murder. I was 26 years of age at the time of my arrest and conviction. I am now 70 years old. I have not received a parole release…

“Healing.” It’s 5:45 am and before I can even care for myself, I care for an adorable, yet vulnerable, living being – my rescue dog. At work, I am blessed to give to those who are blind. After work, I am involved to give to terminally ill patients in the hospice unit. Before bed, I…

Being in Paws for Life has given me purpose every day. I get to wake up and train with dogs all the time. There was a time while in prison that I couldn’t even conceive of what it would or could be like to have or hold a dog again. I absolutely love being able…