Chattooga County Animal Control Director Charlie Long is thanking Hays State Prison and Acting Warden Gabriel Illa for continuing a dog training program that benefits animals from the Chattooga County Animal Shelter.

Long said the program gives selected shelter dogs an opportunity to spend time at Hays State Prison, where they are taught basic commands, work on house training and receive valuable socialization.

The program also allows the dogs time away from the shelter environment, helping them decompress while building confidence and learning skills that can make the transition into a permanent home easier.

According to Long, the partnership has also helped several dogs find adoptive homes. Family visitation events and connections with Hays State Prison employees have given some of the dogs opportunities to meet potential adopters.

Long said the program has been successful in giving shelter dogs a stronger foundation for life in a home while increasing their chances of adoption.

He expressed appreciation to Acting Warden Gabriel Illa for supporting the continuation of the program under new leadership, as well as to Hays State Prison staff, program leaders and everyone involved.

Long said the goal is to continue helping more dogs receive training, build confidence and ultimately find loving homes.