Pawsitive Change

Pawsitive Change Our goal is to reduce inmate recidivism by providing them a viable skill, while at the same time saving dogs lives.
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Marley's Mutts Pawsitive Change Program is a progressive and intensive rehabilitation program which matches death row dogs with inmates inside California State Prisons. Marley’s Mutts Pawsitive Change Program is a progressive and intensive rehabilitation program which matches death row dogs with inmates inside California State Prisons.

Let’s do this! Let’s change the narrative surrounding those who are incarcerated. Let’s give them the tools they need to...
12/10/2024

Let’s do this! Let’s change the narrative surrounding those who are incarcerated. Let’s give them the tools they need to make their incarceration a thing of the past. Let’s alter the societal norms and focus on futures rather than previous actions. Let’s make a difference one life at a time!

We’re doing our part with Pawsitive Change but we need good forever homes for the dogs who participate. Dogs these men and women have invested a lot of time and energy into training. Looking to adopt? Check out our Pawsitive Change pups by going to the linktree in our bio.

Scout and Linus showing how placework is done! These dogs are getting a solid foundation in the fundamentals of training...
12/09/2024

Scout and Linus showing how placework is done! These dogs are getting a solid foundation in the fundamentals of training. They’re going to complete their three month long stay as better versions of the dogs who went in and will hopefully have the skills they need to attract adopters. Who doesn’t want a trained dog?

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect pup please check out our Pawsitive Change dogs. They’re putting in the work to hopefully win your heart ❤️

Happy dogs are made in Pawsitive Change! Our program gives them the structure they need and the training they didn’t hav...
12/08/2024

Happy dogs are made in Pawsitive Change! Our program gives them the structure they need and the training they didn’t have to be amazing adoptable dogs. They thrive and so do the men who train them. It’s win-win giving both the ability to achieve goals that weren’t previously possible.

Kite (pictured) is currently completing his three month long program at North Kern State prison. This handsome dude has learned a lot and gained a ton of confidence. He’s still looking for an adoptive home once he’s finished the program and is hoping his happy face will convince you to give him a chance.

12/06/2024

These dogs have got skills and it’s all thanks to their dedicated trainers! This is Linus’ 2nd round of Pawsitive Change and his trainers are determined to improve and add to the skills he learned his last round. We think they definitely understood the assignment! As Linus continues to learn more things to add to his adoption toolbelt we’re hopeful that perfect family will take notice. He’s a super smart and fun boy who just wants to please his people and would love an active home to call his own. If you’ve been looking for a fantastic dog Linus just might be the one for you! Apply in the linktree in our bio.

A little more about the big beautiful Jensen who will be starting Tehachapi State prison on the 10th:Believe it or not f...
12/05/2024

A little more about the big beautiful Jensen who will be starting Tehachapi State prison on the 10th:

Believe it or not friendly good dogs aren’t hard to find in our shelter system. There are so many just waiting for their 2nd chance. Jensen was one of those dogs. Happy, kind, playful, fun, incredibly handsome and very dog friendly. Still he lingered…..so we got this sweet boy out and he’ll be joining our Pawsitive Change program at Tehachapi State prison! 

Jensen sat for over 30 days in our county shelter. He lingered not because he isn’t good but rather because there are so many good dogs he just didn’t stand out. So many great dogs and just not enough people willing to adopt. We are so thankful we could give him his chance and we know with the training he receives in prison and a little luck the right family will see just how amazing this sweet boy is!

Jensen is dog friendly, loves all human affection and really wants to please. He’ll be working on his basic obedience skills while in the program. He’s a super happy and fun boy and we hope to find an equally fun family to give him his forever home. Interested? Just fill out his application and we’ll get you scheduled to meet and fall in love with Jensen once he completes his 3 month program in Pawsitive Change! 

Yesterday was the day and you absolutely all gave in the biggest of ways! The amount of gratitude we feel cannot ever tr...
12/04/2024

Yesterday was the day and you absolutely all gave in the biggest of ways! The amount of gratitude we feel cannot ever truly be put into words. With so many impacted by our current economic issues you still found a way to giveback.

Giving from the heart so that those who never had a chance will get their opportunity at life. How can we ever thank you adequately for that? Because of what you chose to give so many more will get their opportunity for the 2nd chance they deserve ❤️

12/03/2024

Today’s the day are you ready to give? Giving Tuesday is the biggest fundraising day of the year for nonprofits across the nation. It’s a day when humanity is at its best and thousands of good people choose to give to the nonprofits who inspire them. We of course are hoping that many of you will choose to give to us…..Why? We have hundreds of living reasons you should donate. Hundreds of lives given a 2nd chance. Hundreds of lives so grateful for their chance at change. Maybe you’re inspired by our shelter saves. Maybe you love our huge shelter transports to other states. Maybe the life changing mission that is Pawsitive Change inspires you. Maybe the joy our Miracle Mutts bring gives you the bright spot you needed for your day. Or maybe you’re super excited to see our veterans program finally take off. Whatever moves you the most we can promise if you choose to give your financial gift will transform so many more lives. We couldn’t think of a better reason to give than the gift of life ❤️ To donate go to our live Giving Tuesday link in our bio or click the donate button on this post.

Could you imagine having no chance to live your life? No chance at a future, a home or even to be wanted and feel love? ...
12/02/2024

Could you imagine having no chance to live your life? No chance at a future, a home or even to be wanted and feel love? Thousands of shelter dogs every year experience that exact future. A future that ends in death. They die not because shelters want to euthanize or even because there’s anything wrong with them. They die simply because of a lack of space and a lack of dedicated adopters. These dogs become the disposable commodity of a society that refuses to take responsibility…..

We’re doing our part to change that! We give these dogs the lifeline they need and their chance at a full life with a bright future. Hundreds of dogs walk through our rescue doors and become whole. They find families and maybe for the 1st time ever feel what love is really suppose to be all about. We would never be able to do any of the things we do without generous humans like you.

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, the biggest fundraising day of the year, let’s show them that good does exist and each and every one of their lives should have the chance to live ❤️. To donate go to our live Giving Tuesday link in our bio or click the donate button on this post.

As a bit of a timid boy Pawsitive Change offered Tucker lots of confidence building opportunities. Exactly what he neede...
12/01/2024

As a bit of a timid boy Pawsitive Change offered Tucker lots of confidence building opportunities. Exactly what he needed to come out of his shell and be the dog we knew he could be. Tucker completed his training and is still waiting for his perfect home. Here are Tuckers stats to help potential families decide if he’s the right fit for them:

-Dog friendly with intros
-Sweet but just a touch shy
-11 months old
-on the small side of medium (he’s not very big)
-playful and fun

If you’d like to be considered for Tucker please head to the linktree in our bio, click “Adopt Dogs”, find his website bio and apply!

Family is everything even for those currently residing in our prison system. We hope your Thanksgiving holidays are fill...
11/29/2024

Family is everything even for those currently residing in our prison system. We hope your Thanksgiving holidays are filled with family, love, joy and the possibility of 2nd Chances ❤️

If you’re looking to add a furry family member to your home please consider one of the many Pawsitive Change pups looking for that perfect family of their own.

11/28/2024

One of the hardest years our rescue community has ever faced but we can still find so many reasons to be thankful. The lives changed the relationships we’ve grown. We choose to focus on what keeps us going and that will make us stronger in years to come. With every save and individual triumph. Each loss and heartbreaking setback. We will always find the reason to be thankful and move forward to save more lives. They are the entire reason we exist and we know how very thankful they must be ❤️.From the entire crew at Marley’s Mutts ~Happy Thanksgiving~

11/27/2024

With Thanksgiving almost here we’re going to take a moment to be thankful. Thankful for for the hardworking men and women who participate in Pawsitive Change working alongside our dogs. Thankful for the trainers who spend their time teaching them. Thankful for the lives we are able to save both human and canine and thankful for each of you who support and make Pawsitive Change a reality.

If you’re feeling just as thankful as we are please take a minute to show your gratitude in words or with action by making a donation towards our Giving Tuesday fundraiser. Your kind words will help us keep our heads up towards our future goals and your donations keep this program running. However you are able to give we are incredibly thankful for you!

Connections aren’t just about the humans our dogs make connections too. They learn to work together and a mix of energie...
11/26/2024

Connections aren’t just about the humans our dogs make connections too. They learn to work together and a mix of energies ensures each dog learns something new. This keeps or prison trainers challenged and grows each individual’s training skills so they are better prepared to help the next dog in need.

We GIVE and hope you’ll GIVE too. It’s the start of the giving season and Giving Tuesday is a few short weeks away. Givi...
11/25/2024

We GIVE and hope you’ll GIVE too. It’s the start of the giving season and Giving Tuesday is a few short weeks away. Giving Tuesday is the biggest national giving day of year when thousands of kind humans give back to the nonprofits they support. Those donations help these nonprofits stay afloat into the next year and ensures all the good each nonprofit does will continue into 2025

We, along with so many other deserving groups, are hopeful to receive your monetary gift. We know how difficult this economy has become. Many struggle to just pay the bills let alone give to someone else no matter how worthy the cause. We’ve also felt the economic strain. We struggle to raise the needed funds and it’s getting harder and harder to find good adopters for our dogs or even dedicated volunteers to give their time.

We’ve decided to start our Giving Tuesday fundraising early. Our hope is it will give people more time to give and hopefully improve our chances of raising the funds needed to finish out this year and start the next. We hope if you’re someone with a little extra you’ll consider making that financial gift to those most in need ❤️

As handsome as he is smart Jimmy is leaving his mark in prison. He’s learning the skills he needs to find adoption and i...
11/24/2024

As handsome as he is smart Jimmy is leaving his mark in prison. He’s learning the skills he needs to find adoption and in turn giving his trainers invaluable training they can use outside of prison walls. Pawsitive Change is life changing for both man and dog and will impact their futures for years to come.

Jimmy is working towards a future that includes adoption. If you’d like to be his adoptive home please apply in the linktree in our bio!

Marley’s Mutts’ Pawsitive Change Program has been transforming lives for nine incredible years, and with your help, we’r...
11/23/2024

Marley’s Mutts’ Pawsitive Change Program has been transforming lives for nine incredible years, and with your help, we’re ready to take the next step. Our mission to bring hope, healing, and second chances to people and rescue dogs is expanding, and we need our community’s support more than ever to make these big plans a reality.

Here’s what’s on the horizon:

🌟 Expanding to Arizona: Beginning in Phoenix, we’ll be launching Pawsitive Change in Arizona during the first quarter of next year. This will mark a huge milestone as we take our transformative program beyond California to help more incarcerated individuals and rescue dogs than ever before.

🌟 Reinstating Our Boys Juvenile Program: We’re thrilled to announce the return of our youth program, this time in partnership with Kern County Probation in the Bakersfield area. If we secure enough community support, we could establish up to three juvenile programs, giving at-risk youth the tools to turn their lives around while rehabilitating rescue dogs.

🌟 Expanding at Tehachapi State Prison: We’ve added a second program at the level 4 Alpha yard in Tehachapi State Prison, reaching even more incarcerated students and dogs who need our help.

These projects are only possible because of you—our community of supporters, adopters, donors, and advocates. Your contributions have fueled nine years of life-changing work, helping us prove that second chances can transform even the most broken spirits.

To keep these programs running—and to bring them to new places—we rely on your support. Whether it’s spreading the word, volunteering, or donating, you make all the difference.

Thank you for believing in our mission, for standing by us, and for helping us grow the Pawsitive Change Program into something that continues to save lives, one dog and one person at a time. Let’s keep this movement going strong together.

We’ve had a few more Pawsitive Change adoptions over the last couple of months. Please send a big round of congratulatio...
11/22/2024

We’ve had a few more Pawsitive Change adoptions over the last couple of months. Please send a big round of congratulations to Raff, Pebbles and Pippa! These dogs have amazing new homes thanks to all of their trainers hard work. Training is the key and we are so thankful for everything this program accomplishes!

As we gear up to open a 2nd yard at North Kern State prison we thought it would be the perfect time to share some of the...
11/21/2024

As we gear up to open a 2nd yard at North Kern State prison we thought it would be the perfect time to share some of the dogs we’re considering. This will be an inexperienced yard with all new trainers so we have to start small and work our way into larger numbers of dogs. Here are few of the Pawsitive Change hopefuls we’re considering for the 1st round. In order pictured: Blanche, Tina, Peter and Jensen. Can’t wait to see who gets chosen!

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These dogs have got skills and it’s all thanks to their dedicated trainers! This is Linus’ 2nd round of Pawsitive Change and his trainers are determined to improve and add to the skills he learned his last round. We think they definitely understood the assignment! As Linus continues to learn more things to add to his adoption toolbelt we’re hopeful that perfect family will take notice. He’s a super smart and fun boy who just wants to please his people and would love an active home to call his own. If you’ve been looking for a fantastic dog Linus just might be the one for you! Apply in the linktree in our bio. #marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adoption #foreverhome #spayandneuter #rescuedog #rescue #adoptdontshop #adoptme #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dontshopadopt

Giving Tuesday!
Giving Tuesday!

Today’s the day are you ready to give? Giving Tuesday is the biggest fundraising day of the year for nonprofits across the nation. It’s a day when humanity is at its best and thousands of good people choose to give to the nonprofits who inspire them. We of course are hoping that many of you will choose to give to us…..Why? We have hundreds of living reasons you should donate. Hundreds of lives given a 2nd chance. Hundreds of lives so grateful for their chance at change. Maybe you’re inspired by our shelter saves. Maybe you love our huge shelter transports to other states. Maybe the life changing mission that is Pawsitive Change inspires you. Maybe the joy our Miracle Mutts bring gives you the bright spot you needed for your day. Or maybe you’re super excited to see our veterans program finally take off. Whatever moves you the most we can promise if you choose to give your financial gift will transform so many more lives. We couldn’t think of a better reason to give than the gift of life ❤️ To donate go to our live Giving Tuesday link in our bio or click the donate button on this post. #marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adoption #foreverhome #spayandneuter #rescuedog #rescue #adoptdontshop #adoptme #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dontshopadopt

One of the hardest years our rescue community has ever faced but we can still find so many reasons to be thankful. The lives changed the relationships we’ve grown. We choose to focus on what keeps us going and that will make us stronger in years to come. With every save and individual triumph. Each loss and heartbreaking setback. We will always find the reason to be thankful and move forward to save more lives. They are the entire reason we exist and we know how very thankful they must be ❤️.From the entire crew at Marley’s Mutts ~Happy Thanksgiving~#marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adoption #foreverhome #spayandneuter #rescuedog #rescue #adoptdontshop #adoptme #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dontshopadopt

With Thanksgiving almost here we’re going to take a moment to be thankful. Thankful for for the hardworking men and women who participate in Pawsitive Change working alongside our dogs. Thankful for the trainers who spend their time teaching them. Thankful for the lives we are able to save both human and canine and thankful for each of you who support and make Pawsitive Change a reality. If you’re feeling just as thankful as we are please take a minute to show your gratitude in words or with action by making a donation towards our Giving Tuesday fundraiser. Your kind words will help us keep our heads up towards our future goals and your donations keep this program running. However you are able to give we are incredibly thankful for you! #marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adoption #foreverhome #spayandneuter #rescuedog #rescue #adoptdontshop #adoptme #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dontshopadopt

Crate Training
Crate Training

Are you working on crate training your dog? Crate training is one of the many skills our Pawsitive Change trainers work towards with the dogs in their care. Pawsitive Change grad Isaac Delarosa has a few helpful tips for those of you working on mastering this skill with your dogs. #marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adoption #foreverhome #spayandneuter #rescuedog #rescue #adoptdontshop #adoptme #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dontshopadopt

Lots of great Pawsitive Change dogs still waiting to find their homes. Give them the chance they’ve been working towards! #marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adoption #foreverhome #spayandneuter #rescuedog #rescue #adoptdontshop #adoptme #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dontshopadopt

They fought for our freedom and now we fight to give them theirs! Each day 22 veterans commit suicide. Each day 20 more veteran deaths occur from overdose. 42 preventable deaths each and every day! With over 45,000 veterans in Kern County the need for mental health services in our area is staggering but we are in a position to help. With the power of the human/canine connection our goal is to provide these veterans an alternative form of therapy and break the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Freedom means healing and rescued dogs help heal people. Canine assisted therapy pairs veterans with at risk dogs and licensed therapists to address common issues such as: improving communication skills, problem solving, learning to cope with anxiety and depression, building trust, improving confidence and working through trauma. Our team will partner veterans with dogs appropriate to their individual needs and work in both group and individual sessions. Giving them the freedom to live! Our veterans have altered their lives in service to our country. With canine assisted therapy we can help them regain the life they once had with the support they need to thrive. This Veterans Day we officially launch our newest Marleys Mutts program Troops N Tails! To learn more or get involved please reach out directly to our Operations Manager Connor Long [email protected]#marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adoption #foreverhome #spayandneuter #rescuedog #rescue #adoptdontshop #adoptme #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dontshopadopt

Be the Change!
Be the Change!

Our classroom may not look like other classrooms but we can guarantee what these humans and dogs learn will be life changing! Want to support our mission and vision for lives bettered with 2nd chances? There are so many ways you can help! -Share our social media pages to get the word out.-Donate so we can keep our current programs running and expand to new prisons. -Adopt one of our many Pawsitive Change dogs opening space for new shelter dogs to receive much needed training. Together we can make change possible and a reality!#marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adoption #foreverhome #spayandneuter #rescuedog #rescue #adoptdontshop #adoptme #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dontshopadopt

Bailey
Bailey

Bailey our gentle senior Pitbull with a heart full of love. At 10 years old and a Pawsitive Change alumni, she’s a resilient old girl living with lupus, but that doesn’t stop her from playing with her toys like a young pup. Bailey is searching for a forever home, with a toy basket, and a nice bed to lay on. She would like to be the one and only pet in the home, due to her unfortunate past, causing her to become untrusting of other dogs. She loves leisurely walks, belly rubs, and sun bathing. As winter approaches, we are desperately searching for an adopter or foster for Bailey. Our ranch is no place for an old girl with lupus, in the colder months. She needs a warm and loving environment to thrive. If you’re looking to help give a senior dog a second chance, Bailey is ready to fill your home with joy. To become Bailey’s foster or forever home head to the linktree in our bio and apply! #adoptadog #pitbullawarenessmonth #adoptdontshop #rescuedogsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #seniordog #senioradoptabledog #marleysmutts #tehachapi #cadogrescue #dogrescue #adoptapitbull #adoptaseniordog

Celebrating their wins even the small ones! These guys learn that hard work and dedication pays off. Dogs come into the program knowing nothing and they give them the skills most adopters want. Those skills will find these dogs homes the biggest win of them all! Looking to adopt a trained dog? Then please consider the dogs of Pawsitive Change. Dogs like Zander working hard to find his forever home. #marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adoption #foreverhome #spayandneuter #rescuedog #rescue #adoptdontshop #adoptme #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dontshopadopt

Kite!
Kite!

Some stories are meant to be told and we hope that by telling them they’ll end with the happy ending we’re all wishing for! This is the story of Kite and Chipi two dogs in the sea of neglected and unwanted dogs who are beating the odds. They are the faces of perseverance and proof that if enough good humans come together lives can not only be saved they can be forever changed!Part of a cruelty case back in July, Kite and Chipi were two of six dogs living in deplorable conditions. Starved and neglected the only life they knew was one of abuse. Humans were not kind and the humans responsible for them could care less if they lived or died. All dogs were seized by animal control and the owners now have 7 counts of animal cruelty filed against them. This was just the very beginning of Kite and Chipi’s story. In the shelter they learned to trust and they started to grow. But sadly our public shelters are short on both time and space and eventually with no adoption interest Kite and Chipi were euthanasia listed. After overcoming so much there was no way anyone was letting their story end at the shelter! With the quick yes of an amazing foster home Kite and Chipi got their 2nd chance and they’ve never looked back. Chipi is hanging out in foster care and Kite is getting his chance in our Pawsitive Change program at North Kern State prison. He’ll spend the next 3 months learning the basic obedience skills we hope will help him get adopted. He’s a sweet, active and playful boy and we know this training will help him thrive! #marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adoption #foreverhome #spayandneuter #rescuedog #rescue #adoptdontshop #adoptme #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dontshopadopt

Finding Happy!
Finding Happy!

Marley's Mutts' very own Zach Skow and Cora Rose are proud to be featured in the upcoming documentary Finding Happy! Finding Happy is screening at the 25 year anniversary of the Newport Beach Film festival on Sunday October 20th at 1pm. 50% of proceeds from the sale of this film goes directly to charities and organizations involved in the making of this film, including Marley's Mutts. Getting people to see this heartfelt and wonderful documentary is the first step in generating some buzz for distribution. Please join us if you can! TICKETS: https://nbff2024.eventive.org/schedule/66cf60593a31930087b70491 (https://nbff2024.eventive.org/schedule/66cf60593a31930087b70491) Finding Happy is an uplifting feature-length documentary that focuses on the deep and unique bonds between humans and animals, exploring themes of survival, compassion, hope, and connection. It tells stories of unlikely human-animal relationships that inspire a journey toward discovering the heart of true connection that lead to profound change. We hope to see you there#marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adoption #foreverhome #spayandneuter #rescuedog #rescue #adoptdontshop #adoptme #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #dontshopadopt

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