In a show of neighborhood assist and compassion, the Los Angeles Chargers just lately joined forces with Paws For Life K9 Rescue to introduce River, the latest member of the Chargers household.
Paws for Life is a nonprofit organization devoted to rescuing and coaching dogs, together with service animals for veterans.
River is at the moment present process coaching at CMF to be licensed as a PTSD service canine. He’s set to finish his coaching in November 2023. Then he will likely be able to be paired with a veteran in want. The Chargers launched River to the world in the course of the Chargers-Raiders recreation October 2 at Sofi Stadium. Followers had the prospect to be taught extra about River, CDCR, and the life-changing work of Paws For Life.
The kickoff of Paws For Life
Paws For Life initiated the primary canine rehabilitation program in a males’s maximum-security jail in April 2014. This groundbreaking program started on the California State Jail-Los Angeles County (LAC) “Honor Yard” in Lancaster. There, incarcerated individuals devoted 10 weeks to caring for, coaching, and socializing dogs from high-kill Los Angeles shelters.
They labored in collaboration with skilled trainers who shared their expertise and experience. The primary iteration of this system led to all 15 dogs incomes their “Canine Good Citizen” (CGC) certification by the American Kennel Club. Then the incarcerated trainers launched the dogs to their new households.
Paws for Life’s mission extends to saving shelter animals. The dogs are skilled inside California’s jail system to turn into adoptable household pets. They’re additionally skilled as service animals for navy veterans affected by PTSD. As of 2023, the organization has expanded to California Medical Facility in Vacaville.
CDCR performs a pivotal function in supporting the Paws For Life Program. CDCR’s involvement consists of grant funding and collaborative efforts to make sure correct coaching, with a major contribution from the incarcerated inhabitants. Staff and different incarcerated individuals get the good thing about seeing these pups in coaching, brightening everybody’s day.
Visiting California Medical Facility
The Chargers’ assist for Paws For Life extends past monetary contributions. They actively elevate consciousness by their platforms, guaranteeing the organization’s mission reaches a broader viewers and generates substantial assist.
The Chargers’ involvement on this heartwarming story started when representatives from the group, together with Co-Owner Alexis Spanos Ruhl, visited the CMF canine program.
“I just lately visited California Medical Facility to look at River’s coaching and meet with the jail directors and Paws for Life trainers,” mentioned Alexis Spanos Ruhl. “I’m amazed by the work of this system and the care and experience that goes into the coaching of every animal. We’re grateful that applications like Paws for Life exist to avoid wasting native animals and provides alternatives for incarcerated individuals to make a profound distinction for navy veterans and our communities.”
She met with incarcerated trainers and witnessed firsthand the impression this system has on dogs and people.
Chargers representatives have been so moved they determined to assist unfold the message of Paws for Life’s mission, taking a particular curiosity in River, who is known as after former Chargers participant Philip Rivers.
Landing of assist
The Chargers’ resolution to characteristic Paws For Life and River throughout a home recreation was a game-changer for the organization. Paws For Life’s Chief Working Officer Jon Grobman attended the occasion and was welcomed by enthusiastic followers who acknowledged River from the Chargers’ social media websites.
This has been an ideal expertise,” Grobman shared. “The quantity of assist we have been in a position to obtain with the Chargers sharing our trigger on their platform is superb.”
The impression
Past the thrill of a soccer recreation, this collaboration reveals the constructive affect sports activities groups can have inside their communities. Shining a highlight on Paws For Life and River’s journey, the Chargers are elevating consciousness and highlighting the ability of compassion and teamwork.
Learn extra concerning the partnership between the Chargers and Paws for Life on their web site.
Story by David Maldonado, (A) Chief, Strategic Communications & Exterior Affairs
Workplace of Public and Worker Communications
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