Canine CellMates

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Atlanta, GA
Canine CellMates

We are a rehabilitative program, involving felony offenders, in and out of custody, and rescue dogs
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Canine CellMates is a program that we believe will have a large ripple effect on our community. For the dogs that are pulled from Fulton County Animal Control, they will be socialized, trained and adopted into loving homes, when they were facing almost certain euthanasia at the shelter. For the inmate handlers, they are given the opportunity to exhibit responsibility and accountability with measur

able goals to attain. They have the opportunity to experience positive physical contact and unconditional love. They learn skills that may enable them to more successfully re-enter the workplace, and a confidence to do so based on the successes they have experienced in this program. They have the opportunity to interact with people that are outside their normal circle of influence, and learn and grow socially. Through these people, both volunteers and speakers, they are able to expand their dreams to include possibilities they had not conceived of before. This program allows these men to grow into better people— less likely to re-offend, and more likely to become better citizens of our community, better children to their parents, and better parents to their children. Our involvement with the handlers doesn't stop when they get released. If they have given us 100% when they are in the program, we then assist them in their search for jobs and housing, help with furnishings, food and transportation, and continue to support them while they strive to become the men we know they can be.

06/29/2025

📷📷📷📷📷📷📷📷📷Happy National Camera Day! 📷📷📷📷📷📷📷📷📷

A day to celebrate the technology that lets us capture beautiful people, places, and…
short, chunky dogs with giant heads.

Speaking of, meet Zuko.

Zuko is the kind of dog you can’t help but photograph. His legs are so short they’re practically decorative. His head is so big you might be tempted to dribble it like a basketball (please don’t). His eyes are so huge and soulful you’ll swear he’s reading your mind while asking for snacks.

Is he quirky? Absolutely. Is he photogenic? Beyond. Is he ready to be the model of your dreams? You bet.

Zuko is a 4-year-old, 55-pound Olde English Bulldogge looking for a forever home—and a forever photographer, who will focus their lens on him.

Zuko is fully vetted, neutered, and obedience trained, and ready to start his modelling career at your house.

Ready to fill your camera roll with the best squishy-face content ever? Start with an adoption application at caninecellmates.org/adopt

06/27/2025

Ever been the only kid on the playground with no one to play with? 😪

That’s me right now. I’ve got a big yard, a ball, and the zoomies ready to go…but no best friend to share them with.

I’m a good dog. I’ve worked hard in my training, I listen well, and I love to learn. But what I really want is someone to play with. Someone to throw my ball, someone to run around with, someone who will finally say, “You’re home.”

Is that you?

Come on, lab lovers! Bama, a 2 year old, 70 lb girl is sooo ready to be yours! An adoption application gets the process started. caninecellmates.org

06/23/2025

Pebbles is is a recent Beyond The Bars graduate, and is job-ready! Her desired position: family member, emotional support, and best friend. She is pretty sure that, despite her young age (under 18 months), she is qualified for all of those things, and more!

She is setting up interviews now for the best fit for her skill set.

More about this smart cookie:
Vizsla mix, with the softest floppy ears that beg to be rubbed
Large amber eyes that will melt even the hardest of hearts
A tongue that is dying to give kisses
Lots of enthusiasm for play, especially fetch
Loves the two legged friends, including the pint sized ones (kids 😁)
Would love another dog in the home, because she loves the four legged friends too

Ready to set up an interview to see if this girl is a fit for the opening in your home? An adoption application gets that process rolling! caninecellmates.org

06/22/2025

💋 Pucker up—it’s National Kissing Day! 💋
Who knew, right?

All around the world, kisses show affection—on the cheeks, the forehead, or right on the lips (looking at you, France 🇫🇷). But let’s be real… sometimes, the best kisses come from our dogs.

That said, not every pup is a fan of smooches. Many dogs feel uncomfortable with hugs or kisses—if your dog stiffens up, pulls their ears back, clamps their mouth shut, turns their head away, or even growls, they’re politely saying no thanks. And we always respect that. Just because you can kiss your dog doesn’t mean you should.

But some dogs love it—and Stormy is one of them!
She and Melvin shared a beautiful bond, and this photo captures a mutual moment of love. You can see it in her eyes—Stormy gives kisses and consent. 💕

So if your dog leans in for affection, go ahead and share a little love today in honor of . And if you’re looking for a dog who lives for human connection, Stormy might just be your girl. 🐾

She’s a 2-year-old Presa Canario who’s ready to bring big love into a forever home. Start the adoption process at caninecellmates.org 💌

06/20/2025

Today is National Take Your Dog to Work Day!
Dogs have been man’s best friend far back into pre-history when they became domesticated by choosing to live and work alongside mankind. From the very beginning, they worked alongside us, hunting and tracking and even keeping us safe at night by growling and barking when danger reared its ugly head.

In modern day, this relationship has been forgotten, and the poor pooch is now left to sit at home while we go about our daily business. Take Your Dog To Work Day is set to change this old policy back again, and bring the happy puppy back into our daily work lives.

This is our Director, and her Canine CellMates dog Sir Watson, formerly known as Mint. She takes Watson, a Beyond The Bars Class 6 graduate, to work every day, and he receives visitors in "their" office. Want you very own CCM dog to take to work with you, and make your work days brighter? We've got some - like Curry, Zuko, Zara, Pebbles, Icey, Rocky or Bama!!

If you're ready to bring a dog into your home - and your workplace - an application gets the process started! caninecellmates.org

06/19/2025

🌶️ Looking for the perfect companion with just the right amount of spice? Meet Curry!

This handsome Frenchie / pittie blend has been through the Canine CellMates / Beyond The Bars program, where he learned not just commands—but confidence, trust, and the power of connection.

Curry is loyal, affectionate, and ready to bring warmth and love into a forever home. He’s obedience & crate trained, a perfectly compact 52 pounds, loves his humans, and is ridiculously cute!

Life’s too bland without a little Curry. 🌟

🐾 Apply to adopt at caninecellmates.org
📍Atlanta area
💙 Trained. Loved. Ready.

06/16/2025

About 10 days ago, we celebrated a BIG milestone at our West Midtown Atlanta facility — graduation day! 🎓

Class 6 wrapped up the full year-long program (yes, a whole year!), and Class 8 completed Phase 1 — both huge achievements. The place was packed — standing room only — with some incredible guests, including a judge and her staff, folks from the Fulton Public Defender’s Office, supportive families, and many others who came to cheer on the graduates.

The dogs were on their best behavior, the men showed up with heart and grit, and the energy in the room was unforgettable.

We’re going to miss Class 6. We learned a lot from them, and we’re incredibly proud of the journeys they’re on now. As for Class 8, they’ll be back soon for Phase 2 after a short break — they’ve still got three more phases to go, and we’re excited to keep walking alongside them.

Help us celebrate their hard work — drop a 👏 or a ❤️ to say Congratulations, graduates! You’ve earned it.

06/03/2025

Can you believe it - Canine CellMates is 12!

Thirteen and a half years ago, we had a radical idea:
What if incarcerated men and rescue dogs could help each other heal, and cause positive change for both?

Twelve years ago, we launched this program inside Fulton County Jail, and what a journey it has been!!

Since then, Canine CellMates has saved about 200 dogs and helped hundreds of men take a new path — one built on purpose, accountability, and compassion. We’ve watched tough guys discover compassion through their bond with a dog, and forgotten shelter dogs turn into beloved family members. 💙

Today, we celebrate 12 years of second chances — and we’re asking you to help us keep going.

Instead of cake, please consider a gift with real impact:
$12 for 12 years — or whatever feels right.
Your donation helps us keep dogs out of shelters, and men out of prison. What a great gift that is!!

http://www.caninecellmates.org/donate.html

05/23/2025

BREAKING NEWS: Zuko has officially declared today National Ride Shotgun Day (aka National Road Trip Day, but whatever).

With his tongue out, harness on, and dreams of endless snacks at gas station pit stops, Zuko is ready to roll! He’s the ultimate road trip co-pilot—equal parts hype man, snuggle bug, and snack inspector.

🎶 His playlist? All bangers.
🍔 His snacks? Always shared (mostly).
💤 His vibe? Windows down, snoozing to the rhythm of the road.

Zuko is a 3-year-old Olde English Bulldogge who’s been patiently waiting for his forever person to throw it in drive and come scoop him up. He’s got 55 lbs of love, loyalty, and low-key backseat driving energy ready to go.

Ready to ride with Zuko?
Apply to adopt him at caninecellmates.org

Not in the market for a furry travel buddy? Help him out and hit that share button—his ride-or-die is out there somewhere! ❤

05/21/2025

At Beyond The Bars, our participants dive into a curriculum designed to challenge old habits, introduce new ways of thinking, and encourage deep self-reflection.

In Phase 1, the coursework is intensive—topics are explored over either one or two weeks, in four focused sessions.

Recently, we tackled a big one: Conflict Resolution.
Why is this so important? Because unresolved conflict, or conflict resolved badly, is one of the fastest routes back to incarceration.

We were honored to have our longtime friend Kit Cummings from Power of Peace Project join us on Day 1 to kick things off. Kit brought the energy, insight, and heart that only he can deliver—and the men were fully engaged from the start.

Having mentors and experts like Kit share their lived experience and wisdom makes a lasting impact.
Thank you, Kit—we’re always grateful, and we hope to see you again soon!

Here’s what members of Class 8 had to say after completing the Conflict Resolution topic:
"I learned a different approach to resolving a conflict, and that conflicts are a part of everyday life."
"I think Kit is a good man, and what he said about walk a mile in someone else's shoes makes sense."
"My experience with BTB makes me pump my brakes - think before reacting. It's helping me be aware and more conscious of every day life."

Hard to ask for more than that, right??

05/20/2025

Happy National Rescue Dog Day!!

There are so many ways to celebrate the amazing pups who’ve been given a second chance:

🩶 Share a photo of your rescue dog(s) in the comments — and tell us what makes them one-of-a-kind!
🩶 Adopt your next best friend at caninecellmates.org
🩶 Foster — even a short stay can mean the world to a dog in need.
🩶 Volunteer with a local rescue and be part of a life-changing journey.
🩶 Spay/neuter your pets to help fight the overpopulation crisis.

And now, meet Bama 💛 She’s hoping that by next National Rescue Dog Day, someone will be posting her adoption photo!

Bama is a 2-year-old Lab mix with a heart full of love. She’s sweet, affectionate, clean in her run, obedience trained, and adores playtime. She’s been waiting patiently for her forever family — maybe it’s you?

Adoption applications get the process started - for Bama, or any of her Canine CellMates friends. Head over there today!

05/14/2025

Ever thought about owning a German Shepherd? No - maybe it's time to think about it again!!

Here's 10 reasons why you might fall in love every day with a GSD:
1) You'll sleep better at night - with a GSD to listen to everything going on with those giant pointy ears, no reason to be personally on alert
2) You'll feel safer on walks - with a dog who would love to be your bestie — and your body guard — no one will be sneaking up on you
3) They will help you make friends - with their grace and beauty, everyone wants to have their picture taken with a GSD!
4) You will never be bored again - your GSD will remind you that it's time for another walk, or another romp in the yard, or another hike
5) You'll never be alone - like literally, never. GSDs bond pretty hard to their owners, and we are pretty sure that even bathroom breaks will come with a buddy
6) You will have the best adventure pal - GSDs love to explore, and sniff, and check out new thing, maybe even things you'd rather not investigate
7) Great new family member - well socialized GSDs like kids, other dogs, your neighbrs, and even the Fed Ex driver
8) Easy to train - well, the caveat here is that you need to be smarter than your GSD, which in Rocky's case, would definitely keep you on your toes
9) You can be a GSD breed ambassador - people that don't know them might be intimidated by them, and you can be the one to let them know how great a GSD can be, along with showing them the 994 pictures you have on your phone, of them being "extra cute"
10) Love and loyalty - GSDs can be hardly be matched for their love and adoration of their owners, even on their worst hair days, with coffee breath and pjs that should have been retired 5 years ago.

Not convinced yet? Come meet Rocky, this 10 month old boy that is a rockstar in class, and a favorite in the building! He would love to try to convince you that your next dog should be a GSD!

If you would like to meet this canine Einstein, who is smarter than many people we know, it starts with an adoption application - right on the Adopt page of our website - caninecellmates.org

Address

981 Howell Mill Road, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA
30318

Telephone

+16785282200

Website

http://www.caninecellmates.org/

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