Joan Dalton – Second Chances: The Transformative Relationship Between Incarcerated Youth and Shelter Dogs

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New Book Recounts How Incarcerated Boys and Shelter Dogs Changed One Another

Second Chances: The Transformative Relationship Between Incarcerated Youth and Shelter Dogs is a powerful and heartfelt exploration of the deep, healing bond that forms between incarcerated youth and shelter dogs. The book delves into the emotional and psychological transformations that occur when troubled young people are given the responsibility and opportunity to care for, train, and form connections with abandoned or neglected dogs.

Through real-life stories, the book sheds light on the impact of these relationships, highlighting the positive changes that occur in the lives of both the youth and the dogs. It demonstrates how this unique program offers a second chance for both, providing the youth with an opportunity for redemption, personal growth, and responsibility, while restoring the dogs’ sense of trust and hope for a better future.

The narrative also explores the broader themes of empathy, healing, and the importance of second chances in life. Second Chances not only demonstrates the incredible potential for transformation that can happen when individuals and animals form a connection, but it also emphasizes the importance of rehabilitation, compassion, and the power of mutual support in overcoming adversity.

My Story

Is there a teacher to whom you owe a debt of gratitude for their belief in you and your capabilities?That one teacher for me was Miss Lillian Biard when I attended school at the Navy base in the Panama Canal Zone. She discovered I liked reading, and her love of teaching her students to read brought her and her students tremendous satisfaction. It was then that I decided to be a teacher like Miss Biard.

A Dog Named Sasha

I never had a dog of my own until Sasha, a Project POOCH dog. She was a German shepherd mix turned into the Humane Society by her family. She sat in her kennel with her back to visitors, but I wanted to look at her anyway.

Youth Named Marcel

I learned so much; one of the things I took from the program is, and that I definitely use every day, is work ethic and putting in 100% effort daily and being honest. Since I’ve left, I’ve seen on so many occasions the lack of pride and work ethic in people.

KOIN 6 catches up with Joan Dalton, our 2020 Remarkable Woman:

https://www.koin.com/video/koin-6-catches-up-with-joan-dalton-our-2020-remarkable-woman/10221330

KOIN Channel 6 of Portland, Oregon covers story on Project POOCH, and nominates Joan Dalton as which has reached the Final Four of Rachael Ray’s Mutt Madness online competition (2009)