A NEW LIFE KOS Publication Saving Lives Through The Healing Power of The Human-Canine Bond

ww.newlifek9s.org Soledad, CA July-August 2018 Edition 1

By Editor For love and Country On a late May morning, a Soledad Gets Its First Golden Retriever community in waiting gathered in the visiting room. The entire handler group, a puppy raiser, and Captain CTF North Celebrates The Class of 2018 Selby were all here in our weekly meeting room to welcome an unnamed Over 200 men receive Golden Retriever. All we knew is that Degrees or GED he would be arriving soon in the arms of our chief educators, Nicole and Courtney. This day was underwritten by the belief that each New Life K-9 represents a potential life saved. In the sweetness of puppy breath are the beginnings of a life reclaimed from the Profiling Team Toby devastating interruptions of post- traumatic stress. This little guy could Our standard Poodle is graduating, here is his story help someone reengage with life and relationships on new terms, reducing loneliness and anxiety. But before , could this New Life K9s first Golden Retriever, Country, arrives at CTF eight-week 'old puppy withstand two years of teaching in the care of a team ment high on stimuli, making it Time will tell. First, he'll have to of incarcerated men, which means through graduation and placement, arrive in the North visiting room. enduring morning learning sessions, and finding a service purpose in the Already, the procession was forty-five Thank You Ms. Vee first responder? living weekdays in a social environ- arms of a veteran or (See Country on page 2) Officer goes above and beyond

Aviwww, Is there a dog training program at CTF? ti 4r • By Greg N. Faulk Editor If you have spent any amount of 5 time on B Yard, then you have Display Your Art probably seen one or more dogs bounding across the yard with his Coffee Shop Displays Art handler close behind. You may have 100% of the proceeds even met one of the dogs. To most go to NLK9s inmates and staff here, it may come as a surprise that CTF does not have a dog "training" program. That's Also Inside because we are one of only two prisons in the entire country that The Team 5 employ a revolutionary approach to educating — not training — service NewLife K9s Team dogs. Jennifer Arnold, founder and Executive Director of Canine Curious About K9s 5 Assistance, created Bond-Based Choice Teaching® to reframe the Frequently Asked Questions human-canine relationship in love rather than domination. Behavioral Thank you 6 scientists and animal advocates praise Recognizing all those who Handler, David Hanley, educates Roofus using Bond Based techniques. (See No Training on Page 4) support us in our mission ww.newlifek9s.org Soledad, CA July-August 2018 Edition 1

limiting messages. his speech was CTF North celebrates By Aaron Carter very well received by the audience of Editor graduates. families, education staff. and administrators. the Class of 2018 No dogs were included in this College graduates. who had particular graduating class, and yet chosen Alfonso Figueroa to represent New Life K9s representatives sat at a them as the college commencement table just a few feet from the speaker. joined GED graduates. Mr. speakers" podium. We were there Figueroa gave a thoughtful speech on with our dogs in tow to contribute our how the learning process is a fight own encouraging words to the against ignorance. Ultimately. he was ceremony's chorus of inspirational able to "gain a persevering spirit speeches. Dr. Lusk. GED instructor through education," he says. He and master of ceremonies, gracefully hopes this tenacity will serve him as a reminded us why she wanted NLK9s change agent in his community, voice on such a big day for graduates. perhaps as a substance abuse and/or She reminded us - we're all different family counselor. Whatever his facets of education.- Our goals may vocation, he considers it his purpose be different, but our trials and and privilege to "speak a message of tribulations are certainly shared. hope.- The struggles of incarcerated Mr. White. a GED instructor, has long been on the side of the underdog Above: Alfonso Figueroa encouraging fellow who struggles through difficult graduates with Warden Koenig looking on circumstances. In his thirty-four years of experience in adult education, he "Warden Koenig Below: NLK9s Team supporting The Class of 2018 lets his students inspire him by how shared his vision they overcome. He motivates his students by transforming their for CTF as an negative educational experiences into positive ones. "On the first day. I ask institution them 'Who has ever felt they're not dedicated to the good enough?' And most hands go up." he says. However, he refuses to fulfillment of all let those negative messages have the last say. people." Our warden, Mr. Koenig. gave a rousing keynote speech brimming with positive, yet challenging. education taught Mr. Figueroa to messages. He shared his vision for treasure his relationships as a source CTF as an institution "dedicated to of constant support and motivation. the fulfillment of all people.- In a room full of men, challenged by the failure of traditional teaching and its (See Class of 2018 on page 3)

mere forty-five minutes of waiting to get into further increased the handlers' anxiety and Country the visiting room had transformed the group excitement. This puppy would be the first from cynics into christmas-morning children. assignment for JP as secondary handler. and Countinuedfrom page 1 Finally, the puppy transporters pulled into Greg would be reassigned as a primary the parking lot and Capt. Selby and Cindy took handler, having gained valuable experience minutes late. Sonny's puppy raiser. Cindy. turns peeking out of the visiting room to see with Roofus, our beloved Dudley Lab. They passed the electric moments updating his laughed nervously and traded sometimes witty handlers. Tony and Rob, on his last successful repartee like two expectant fathers in the outing and his improving behavior in public. hospital waiting room. hope he has my With their collective eye on his eventual "This little guy could help eye's and your hair." - Lets just hope he graduation, any observer could see the joy someone reengage with life doesn't look like your mom.- shared by Sonny's three caretakers. Eventually Jo, Roofus' primary handler, The handler group knew for three months and relationships on new took over recon duties and spotted Peanut, that spring would bring more puppies. terms" Nicole's beloved Boston Terrier, leading the Anticipation had been waxing and waning for procession like a grand marshal on a parade some time. Still, beginning that morning and route. Bringing up the rear was Courtney, and slowly leaking into the afternoon, the finally Sgt. Gregory carrying the most incarcerated eyes have prospective handlers. JP and Greg. had grown how close we were to witnessing awesome adorable armful of fur deeper tired of fake news. - Look! Here comes the cuteness. This puppy would be a first for us: ever seen. As the two made their way alike could puppy!- someone would suddenly shriek. Like we've had Chocolate Labs, Yellow Labs. even into the room. canines and handlers UFO reports. new puppy sightings had reduced a Standard Poodle -- but no Golden Retriever. barely contain their collective glee. us all to eye rolls and grumbles. And yet. a Minute by minute. each reconnaissance Our pup had arrived.

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KB: I spent lots of time with Toby, that I haven't seen since I had young took him on walks, played fetch, and kids. Me and my kids always had a Profile Team Toby of course, you can't go wrong with good time. Having to teach Toby food sharing. Today, I would say our meant I had to be playful, exciting, and Everyone's favorite Poodle bond is stronger than the one Toby caring in order to keep his attention formed with his first handler. and have a strong bond. I hope he'll prepares to graduate TR: Give the readers a sense of the draw his person out of their shell, too. obstacles involved in teaching a KB: We're not professionals in this future service dog. area, but we can use our imagination. KB: Toby was 7 months old when he Toby is very loyal and wants nothing came to the program, so he had a more than to be wherever you are, previous life where he learned some doing whatever you're doing. He's things that didn't translate well into great at making people feel calm and being a service dog. For example, he comfortable, so I think he can help had been told not to chew on shoes someone suffering from anxiety or when he was a puppy. loneliness. TR: Well yeah, nobody wants their TR: It sounds like Toby's already nice Adidas sandals chewed on, done for you guys what you hope he right? does for his person. KB: Of course not. But, I was trying DR: Absolutely. Toby has a - happy- to teach Toby how to untie my go-lucky" personality and he can shoelaces and he didn't want to pull spread smiles wherever he goes. on them and in order to do that I had KB: Toby has been my constant Handlers: Dennis Rock & Kevin Brom with Toby to help him overcome his former conditioning. I did that by By Aaron Carter strengthening our bond every day so "Toby is very loyal and Editor he could trust me. TR: And now he's awesome at that wants nothing more than As we near October, three of our dogs will be moving a step skill. Does he have any other habits to be wherever you are, closer to placement with a veteran or first responder suffering from that made teaching a challenge? doing whatever you're PTSD. The Retriever sat down with Team Toby to get an idea of DR: He came to us very ball- their challenges and victories in building a bond, their problems focused. And he's a social dog who doing." and solutions in teaching, and how they envision Toby's loves other dogs. So any combination personality helping a veteran or first responder. Edited for clarity of those two and that's where his and length. focus will be. But he's a dog. It's my companion for the past year. He's job to set him up for success. One given me a voice in social settings The Retriever: What were some challenges in building a bond minute he may seem aloof, and the because he's kind and loving and with Toby? next minute he'll be working with everybody sees that. He lights up the Kevin Brom: When I was first assigned to Toby he was already enthusiasm. You learn to sense his room and I have no doubt he'll bring bonded with his primary handler, so his attention was split mood to know if he's into learning or joy as a service dog. between us. I wasn't part of the first wave of hires to the program not. TR: I don't want to make you cry or which meant I was the new guy. TR: We've all witnessed Toby have anything, but how will you feel when Dennis Rock: Oddly enough, I was in the same position as multiple primary and secondary Toby leaves? Kevin. I became Toby's secondary handler after the primary handlers, which meant he had to get KB: Oh, I'll handler transition had been made to Kevin. Their bond was pretty definitely cry. I'll be real used to different personalities. What depressed for a while. well formed when I came along. But I lived near Toby when I kind of veteran or first responder do TR: Until you get a new puppy? began in the program, so we had already built an easy bond. He's a you think Toby would be good for? KB: Until we get a new puppy. But natural at making friends. DR: I know what Toby has done for probably a little while after that. TR: How do you work through being the new guy? me. He's brought out a side of me Although a puppy will help.

experiences with education, representative of the love, It was clear by the standing ovation Class of 2018 Robert highlighted how he gentleness, and joy we've shared and the bouquet of flowers that a teaches Sonny "using with them." Without the fear or passion for education can touch (Continuedfr om page 2) encouragement, praise, and love anxiety present in most learning many lives. As she stood smiling at which allows him to learn situations, the bond between the podium, the audience offered a Into this community, where ...much easier than trained dogs.- human and canine is a solid long applause not knowing this lives are changing through the hard Of equal importance is the foundation on which to build a would be her seventh and final work of learning, NLK9s brought personal impact on the handlers. life of service. Both speakers took graduation ceremony at CTF. message of a teaching based on the As canine teachers, Tony laid this opportunity to push the Adorning the podium was the John the bond of love. With the warden, emphasis on how the bond-based graduates to embrace their Ruskin quote that defines the heart Koenig, and many other Mr. philosophy - help[s] prisoners like successes and build on them. of education — of every facet — distinguished guests in attendance, me get back in touch with our The ceremony ended with a behind bars: -The highest reward Sonny's handlers, Robert Kube and our humanity." In cultivating that touching tribute to Dr. Lusk, the for a man's toil is not what he gets Tony Leyba, gave speeches with bond, "The dogs that graduate engine that powers the education for it, but what he becomes by it." identical themes. In contrast to from New Life K9s become department. many graduates' formative Page 3 ww.newlifek9s.org Soledad, CA July-August 2018 lion 1 C/O Villasefior goes above and beyond for New Life K9s

able moment. She smiles at the approaching By Jovanie Prado dogs. and asks them for patience Contributing Writer before treating, doing her best not to reward problem behaviors like leash Mornings in Toro Dorm are happy pulling or jumping for food. But, she and filled with planning and sharing admits, enjoy spoiling the dogs." ideas: What will our educational goals The untrained eye would just call be for the day? How will we instill her "the treat lady", but her support good behavior in our dogs? for the program goes much deeper The walk to the dining hall is filled than that. She is always willing to with challenges and opportunities for help by furnishing supplies such as teaching our dogs: distracting strangers dog bowls, towels, and even taking Officer Villasenor shows love to canine students that can lead to leash pulling, bread on our dogs to the vet. the ground meant for the birds. and "I love the mission of the Facility B. Most would agree that puppies in the workplace bring always the temptation of playing on program.- she says. when asked joy and variety to the monotony of daily activities. leash with the other dogs. But. why she is so invested in our K9's She does not leave us out of the mix. For handlers, "this something even more powerful awaits success. "I've seen service dogs in program is great preparation for release.- Her consistent dedication them during our morning ritual. public and they are so well behaved deserves recognition. so we promise to smile as she fattens our Her official title is Correctional and make a big difference for pups. Officer Villasetior, but those are three veterans and first responders." Her Each morning encounter with Ms. Vee is an exercise in very long words. We just call her Ms. passion shows. But the dogs do patience for all involved, but it is also a chance for us to see our Vec. Our dogs see her in front of the something for her as well. love dogs show affection to someone else. It's what they were meant to dining hall and think, - Yum!" We see animals and they make a bad day do. and it is a preview of their life to come. her and think. "Oh, boy." That means better.- Ms. Vee's sentiments echo Much like success. love is a community affair. it's time to use the situation as a teach- the opinion of many officers on

he only knows that you are mad at dogs treats and praise them new dimension and they can learn No Training him. This experience can be because we love them and not without the fear of getting terrifying to a dog that loves you because we ask them to perform. something wrong. Countinuedfr om page 1 and sees you as benevolent. Just Our relationship has no strings For example. we teach our dogs like a child, you must teach the attached. We teach our dogs to to "settle-, or to be at rest for a her proprietary approach, and dog without injuring his well- think and make decisions short period, by asking them to increasingly they are adopting this being or your bond. depending on the context. and "like me- while we are sitting new philosophy. The problem with training comfortably and sighing in an Before we can understand why through conditioning is the 11111•1111111111111111•1111111111=111111.M111.11.1111 overly exaggerated manner. Since Bond-Based is superior to training, hundreds of repetitions it takes for "The Bond-Based they have learned to imitate their let us first review the flaws inherent a dog to learn a skill and the philosophy moves away handlers, they lie down and relax in traditional training methods. limitations on what he learns. knowing they are not leaving any Most dog trainers use conditioning Training is inefficient and does from domination, time soon. Settling is very helpful techniques by means of not build his capacity for further manipulation, and in restaurants where a dog should reinforcement and punishment. If learning. He is merely responding conditioning and know he is not going anywhere for you have ever raised a dog then you to a cue in hopes of a tasty treat or replaces it with a bond a while. A - trained" service dog that enters a restaurant or any are probably familiar with these even for your love and praise. He forged in love and methods. Your dog does what you is not learning a skill or eating establishment would need a ask, so you give him a treat or you understanding the context in trust." command from his person to praise him. If he does not, then you which he could use it: instead, he position himself under the table and "stay": all the while, the dog would withhold the treat or scold him until is relying on his person to make these lessons give them the be anxiously awaiting his next he is conditioned to respond the the decisions for him. confidence they need to make the command. Our bond-based dogs way you desire. Furthermore. you could be right choices on their own. Bond- learn the social protocol of being in Housebreaking is perhaps the contributing to the trend of trained Based dogs learn to navigate a a restaurant, and they understand most common punishment dogs who develop anxiety human world without a human the appropriate social expectation technique familiar to dog owners. disorders because of the constant making every decision for them. without a command. On the extreme end, when the dog fear of getting something wrong Our dogs learn quickly If anyone asks if there is a dog eliminates in the house some and displeasing his person. through an imitation exercise program at CTF, the owners will rub their dog's nose in The Bond-Based Choice called "like me". This playful training answer is "no- . We educate service his own excrement. On the less Teaching philosophy moves away teaching tool depends on our dogs. We love our dogs for the severe end of the spectrum. other from the domination. loving bond and not on our individuals that they are. and we pet owners will tell him he is a "bad manipulation. and conditioning authority. Once our dogs treat them with the respect they dog- and exile him outside. In both characteristic of training methods understand the - like me- concept. deserve. examples, your dog has no way of and replaces it with a bond forged their capacity for learning gains a knowing what he has done wrong: in love and trust. We give our Page 4 1

ww. newlifek9s.org Soledad, CA July-August 2018 Edition 1 Curious about our Canines? Ask a handler

By Aaron Carter Editor

These are real questions from real Q: What are the dogs being people, curious about our canines. trained for? Are they seeing-eye dogs or what? Q: Why are you guys neutering Jett? He was an adorable puppy, We appreciate our service so shouldn't he be allowed to dog brothers in all fields, but make more adorable puppies? seeing-eye dogs are for the blind and visually impaired. Sonny. Pencil on vellum donated by B Yard's Edgar Cardelas. This piece is Jett was — and still is — an Toby, and Nolan will soon be being considered for display at Top Dog Coffee Co. adorable little guy. But, he's service dogs for a veteran or first willing to give up his modeling responder suffering from post- career to save the life of a veteran traumatic stress disorder, or or first responder. An intact dog PTSD. Our canines are part of a Top Dog Coffee Co. would have issues focusing on his two-year teaching — not training person out in the community, — program that eventually will displays donated art especially around other intact put them into life-long service enriching relationships, dogs. Let's just say this: Jett and Calling all Artists!! New Life K9s is excited to announce a joint his fellow service dogs are preventing suicides, and venture with Top Dog Coffee Co. Top Dog Coffee Co. sells and distributes making a heroic sacrifice because decreasing the need for coffee and operates multiple Coffee Shops located in and around the Central they believe in their mission. medications. This is important Coast. Top Dog has agreed to display selected pieces of art donated by work they're doing. CTF inmates, at their Moro Bay location. The art will be available for for your concern We thank you purchase and 100% of the proceeds will go to New Life K9s. for Jett, but his sister canines We understand that most folks actually have it worse. Unlike the see dogs as pets or play pals, but TO SUBMIT ART: simple surgery for neutering our dogs have a higher purpose males, spaying female dogs is a they're trying to reach. We hope • Send a Multipurpose Request to Sgt. R. Gregory, include your Name. full removal of the uterus — also everyone here at CTF who CDC#, and the title of your piece. known, rather insensitively, as a watch them playing on the yard hysterectomy — and it is a much can see them the same way you • Art that is donated should be of a quality and suject matter appropriate more involved and potentially would a future doctor in medical for a public venue. complicated procedure. We'll talk school or a future attorney in more about spaying and neutering law school: they play hard • Artists whose art is selected for display will receive a chrono in in our next issue. because they work harder. recocognition of their donation The NLK9s Team at CTF - Soledad

Left to Right: Team Nolan Ronnie Starbird & Felix Rodriguez Team Jett Sergio Zarazua & Tim Galvan Team Country Greg Faulk & Jose (J.P.) Solorio Team Roofus Jovanie Prado & David Hanley Team Toby Kevin Brom & Dennis Rock Team Sonny Antonio Leyba & Robert Kube Volunteer Aaron Carter

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WE COULD NOT DO IT WITHOUT IOU The New Life K9s Family at CTF Thanks you

The only way that New Life K9s is able to continue in its mission of "Saving Lives Through The Healing Power of The Human-Canine Bond- is because of its dedicated volunteers and puppy raisers, and the generous grants and donations we receive from those who support us.

NLK9s at CTF would like to extend our most heartfelt The daily grind would be impossible without the support and appreciation to these FRIENDS AND FAMILY members for generosity of the following ADMINISTRATION AND your continued love and support. You motivate us. OFFICERS at CTF:

• Paul Leyba, Dorothy Leyba, and Stephanie Leyba • Warden Koenig For all of the toys. treats. and supplies • AW Santiago • Capt. Metcalf • Neil & Liza Faulk • PIO Lt. Ramon For the toys. supplies, and teaching tools • Norma. for the countless color copies • Sergeant's Gracey, Hicks, and Diaz • Miriam Prado • C/O's Saavedra. Rivera. Martinez. IIerrera, Lopez. Topete, For your tireless dedication. countless hours. and and Rogers in Toro Dorm for all the little big things generously donating your talents to our team • C/O Lisk for thinking of our dogs" comfort • C/O Villasenor for our dogs' a.m. treats • C/O Oropeza Jr. for making sure we do things right Hats Off? To all the guys who spent hours designing and • C/O's Mac and Carnero in Shasta for pep talks creating cra:y hats to help desensitize our dogs: • North Facility MAC — Sharing is caring!

• C. Jackson. J. Hernandez. A. Lind. R. Flores. S. Conde. V. Tomas. E. Skinner. T. Hawley Program Director Captain T. Selby Special Thanks to Los Coches Animal Hospital Program Liaison For keeping all of our dogs healthy CORREA 110\ 11.1111\1\G Sergeant R. Gregory 11CILID

New Life K9s provides service dogs, at no cost, to veterans andfi rst responders suffering from NEW L FE Ii9S Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD). Staff: Puppy Raisers: Founder Dr. Bright Jack Gould Cindy Founder & Director of Ed. Amber Nicole Hemn C/O Lavelle Canine Educator Aurora Rosa Mendoza Captain Selby Sergeant Gregory Canine Educator Courtney McNeil

For more information and other Or visit us on the web or ways you can help, contact us at: follow us on facebook at:

P.O. Box 4412 www.newlifek9s.org San Luis Obispo, CA 93403 facebook.cominewlifek9s WANT TO HELP? JOIN 22 FOR LIFE Phone: 805.554.LIFE (5433) Page 6