Thomas Wheelock's Bio

Returning Citizens Support Service Network

Thomas is our Case Manager/Peer Advocate for the Returning Citizens Support Service Network (RCSSN), he helps individuals that are recently released make the positive transition back into society. It is something that he is very passionate about.

Thomas began his reformative change while incarcerated with a sentence of Life Without the Possibility of Parole. Even with this death sentence he began to heal from the trauma of his past and atone for those actions. Using trauma informed therapy, Thomas began to help others heal and rehabilitate. Thomas went from a High School drop-out to earning five college degrees. He then was chosen to be a part of the very first bachelor's degree programs in prison, through Cal State Los Angeles.

Joining the Paws for Life K9 Rescue as a dog trainer changed is life forever. Working with dogs and being a part of playgroups helped him gain a better understanding of empathy and compassion. As the years passed in the program, Thomas finally had the family that he always dreamed of having, Paws For Life K9 Rescue became his home.

In 2018, after serving 23 years in prison, Thomas received a commutation from Governor Jerry Brown and was released from prison. Soon after he began to work with Paws For Life K9 Rescue, this time, a free man.

Thomas leapt at the opportunity to be involved in the building of the People and Pet Innovation Center. He continues to train dogs and run playgroups at the PPIC to this day. He is also involved in transporting dogs to different states to help them find their forever home, which he believes everyone deserves.