Cole *RELEASED*

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 for me; adjusting to life in my own skin was humor. I’d been wearing masks for so long that it took a long time to remember who I am.
After spending thirty-five of my fifty years locked up, I’m now ready to return to society. PFL provided me with exactly what I needed at this stage of my journey. The dogs unlocked my soul and reminded me of the strength that exist within compassion and tolerance. I cried myself to sleep the night PFL put a puppy in my arms. That little, loving creature didn’t know or care about all the mess I’d made of my life, she just wanted my love and attention.
The Paws for Life motto states, “We work harder so these dogs can have a better life.” I have a better life because of the dogs and the PFL family of volunteers.