Loosen The Leash

Our goal at Loosen the Leash is to reach kids “on the edge” and effect enough change to keep them OUT if of prison. Kids who are incarcerated, kids who are wards of the state, adolescents who are in rehab are all at risk for a life of crime. We pair these children with rescued shelter dogs and teach them how to train the dogs thereby learning many of the life skills, via the dog, they have not sufficiently learned so far. Then these children become the teachers and they mentor other kids who are in the same situation. Skills like goal setting, self control, persistence, clear communication, patience are but a few of the lessons learned.

According to Catherine Carey, a planner for DJJ (Maryland Department for Juvenile Justice), teaching compassion through humane education helps children break the patterns of abuse. Animals are nonjudgmental and can help the children work through their pent-up emotions.

St. Louis has no programs of this kind in place. We have been named the most dangerous city in the country. We need more prevention. We need to do something. Something that works. Who Benefits? Everybody – Taxpayers – Children – Adults – The Dogs.

The kids accepted in the Loosen the Leash program will be mentored by us. These teens, in turn, will mentor other teens as they become the leaders and teachers. First they teach and care for the dogs. Then they teach their peers all that they have learned. They become patient and caring mentors.

Benefits:
• Learn and practice leadership
• Learn and practice compassion and patience
• Change teen’s role from gangster to teacher and mentor
• Reduced infractions of rules
• More compliance in all program work
• Better grades

Those accepted into our Phase III program will apprentice in dog grooming, dog training or veterinary technician training. We will have an active job placement program and recruit as many of our students to work in the Loosen the Leash network as possible.

Benefits:
• Jobs for young adults that are well matched to their interest and ability
• Business and vocational training
• Many teens will be employed by the Loosen the Leash organization
• Teens are moved from gang environment to a supportive school site
• Active job placement efforts in a multi billion dollar industry

AS YOU REHABILITATE A DOG, YOU REHABILITATE YOURSELF