TESTIMONIES
Discover the impact of UnChained through real-life experiences shared by our participants, including volunteers and community members. These personal accounts showcase the powerful connection between humans and dogs and demonstrate the transformative effect UnChained has on the lives of those we serve.
Our goal is to empower individuals through the bond of canine companionship, and we hope these inspiring stories will encourage you to join us in this mission.
From Gary S, - (UnChained Supporter)
"I love pups and I want to help my community. At Unchained I found an organization that does both, teaching kindness to canines and humans at the same time! Recently, I attended an Unchained graduation and was deeply moved as I watched young men, incarcerated and at-risk, skillfully working with at-risk dogs, who had been beautifully trained during Unchained’s eight-week co-learning program. Each dog’s self-control, agility, and bouncy happiness mirrored their human’s self-reported new skills: patience, persistence, and compassion. You could feel the love between the boys and their dogs. It was a joy to see, and I had the wonderful feeling that dogs and humans had rescued each other and taught each other life-saving lessons for a lifetime.”
Sean Rooney - San Jose Juvenile Hall (Probation Manager), Sept 2019
“Empathy clearly developed in our young people, who while they may have had dogs at home, really saw these canines as equals who faced difficultly and struggles but never wavered in their determination or enthusiasm. Time to spend with an animal companion and the great coaches became a little break from the uncertainty that their young lives hold. Clearly the dogs lit up when they saw their young trainers and I can say that the young faces always showed positive feelings each time the teams were reunited.”
Matt Huerta - Rancho Cielo Salinas Youth Campus (Fmr. Director), May 2018
“UnChained offers a deep connection with the dogs in a unique way that reaches the youth’s hearts. Once their hearts are softened because of the dogs’, their minds are ready to be broadened.”
Note from Sean Rooney, Santa Clara Juvenile Hall, May 2017
"Since Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall began the experiment with living unchained, we have noticed a calming effect on the youth who are involved. They look forward to their time with the canine companions and speak highly of the program with their peers. The dogs we had for our first cycle all had their own issues, while that may have posed some hurtles, it actually made our youth relate to their companions in a much stronger bond as they compared their plight to that of their partner.
Empathy clearly developed in our young people, who while they may have had dogs at home, really saw these canines as equals who faced difficultly and struggles but never wavered in their determination or enthusiasm. Time to spend with an animal companion and the great coaches became a little break from the uncertainty that their young lives hold. Clearly the dogs lit up when they saw their young trainers and I can say that the young faces always showed positive feelings each time the teams were reunited.
Our staff had a great time learning about the training and animal psychology involved in the positive reinforcement method used by living unchained. They always commented that the youth enjoyed their time and looked forward to the next session. All have volunteered to work the next cycle to see what our next group can accomplish.
For the future, I hope to be able to expand the numbers of dogs and youth served. Our Behavioral Health staff will begin to screen our young participants to measure the effect of the program on behavior and disposition and that should provide some interesting information. This partnership could help our Juvenile Hall get a companion dog, who would reside full time in our institution. Graduation connections with county leaders could open other options for us with proper planning and foresight. Hopefully the program can grow and begin to offer expanded services to more young people who are here at Juvenile Hall for an extended stay. I am confident that with the partnership between living unchained and our department, we will be able to save more lives. In this program, it seems as though all parties benefit and in time the lessons learned by both canine and youth will develop positive attributes that will help both to succeed in their respective futures.”
Volunteer from Santa Clara Graduation, May 2017
Program Dog: Lexi
Youth Trainer: David
"David walked up to the center of the gym to give his comments at graduation. He was nervous so he took his program dog, Lexi, with him. When he reached the center, in front of his peers, Juvenile Hall Staff, and visitors, he looked down at Lexi and his first words were “That’s my girl.” (Collective Awwwwww from the crowd)
The graduation was wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time.
I can't imagine how these sweet kids could end up in JH. They showed such love for the dogs and pride for what they had accomplished.
I'm so glad we could participate in your wonderful program, and I hope we can do it again.
Our foster dog Shelby made such progress in the class - most importantly becoming more comfortable with strangers. After getting over her fear the first class, she would be so excited once I put on her harness - she knew she was going to see her youth trainer! I really appreciate Christian's hard work."
Derrick Elder - Rancho Cielo Transitional Housing (Case Mgr.) May 2016
"Thank you, Melissa, for giving Raymond this unique and supportive opportunity! Pinky not only uplifted Raymond's spirit, but contributed to building an atmosphere of positivity, love, and comfort...don't want to forget humor as well! We hope to have another opportunity in the future to connect our program with the powerful, transformative experience Unchained and POMDR provides in the lives of youth in need."
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