06/11/2024
RESTART.
Here’s the deal: these dogs get trained by the prisoners, and when I say “trained,” I mean proper training. These dogs get more stimulation and structure in 24 hours than most pet dogs see in a week. They’re thriving—tails wagging, brains working hard! But it’s not just the dogs who come out of this with their lives changed.
Think about it. In a place where showing empathy or being vulnerable could be seen as a weakness, these men are learning to let down their guard. They’re showing kindness and patience, not just to the dogs, but in front of each other. It’s a rare thing to see, and it’s even rarer to experience. The way they connect—it’s powerful. And the cherry on top? These dogs go on to become assistance dogs, changing the lives of people who need them most.
I haven’t always been the dog guy you know. There was a time when things could have gone another way for me—and not the good kind of “other way.” Let’s just say, I could’ve ended up on the wrong side of those bars. But dogs changed that. They gave me purpose, they taught me trust, and they pulled me through when life was more grit than gratitude. They have done several times since those days too.
That’s why Restart matters to me. They’re doing work that changes lives. But like any charity, they need a leg up. If you can, donate. If not, a simple share can make a big difference. The more people hear about this, the better chance the programme has to keep running.
Second chances don’t come around often. Let’s make sure they do—for the dogs, for the men, and for the people who need those dogs most.
Restart Dogs
https://www.takingtheleadcharity.com/
