Department of Corrections
Prison’s ‘Paws With Purpose’ Program to Mark Third Anniversary

     Frankfort, KY – Three years ago, the Kentucky Department of Corrections partnered with a non-profit organization in Louisville to bring a different type of program into one of its prisons and the lives of some Kentuckians with disabilities are better today as a result.
     On Wednesday, “Paws With Purpose,” a program that provides highly-skilled and professionally trained dogs to individuals with disabilities, will mark its third anniversary with a reception at the Kentucky Correctional Institution for Women (KCIW) in Pewee Valley.
     Some of the individuals who have received dogs will attend, including Laura Reynolds, Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky 2006. Reynolds is the guest speaker. The reception begins at 1 p.m. in the prison’s administration building.
     The training program typically has eight or nine puppies and inmates at the prison raise them from approximately two months old until the dogs are about a year and a half old. At that point, program coordinators take the dogs back for advanced service dog training.
     “We’re proud to be a part of programs like Paws With Purpose,” said Corrections Commissioner John D. Rees. “Programs like this lead to a reduction in problems within the prison and an increase in inmate self-esteem, both of which are always goals we are striving for in Corrections. This one has the incredible added advantage of providing assist dogs for the disabled.”
     Paws With Purpose is a non-profit organization based in Louisville. The organization focuses on training four types of assist dogs: Service Dogs (for individuals with limited mobility); Signal Dogs (for those individuals who are hearing impaired); Facility Dogs (placed with professionals in facilities where the animal can improve the health, emotional well being and quality of life for individuals); and Assisted Service Dogs (provided to children and adults with developmental disabilities).
     If you would like general information about Paws With Purpose, contact 502-689-0804, or visit the website: www.pawswithpurpose.org.