SANTA ANA, CA- (April 18th, 2025)- OC Probation celebrates the successful graduation of three remarkable dogs—Sandy, Noodle, and Chewie/Oliver —who have been under the training of youth at OC Probation’s Juvenile Hall. For the past 15 years, Cell Dogs, Inc. (Cell Dogs), has worked in partnership with the OC Probation to make a positive impact in the lives of youth at OC Probation’s Juvenile Hall.
The partnership gives system-impacted youth the opportunity to train a dog in obedience and discipline over a period of 12 weeks. In the first four weeks, the youth learn how to train the dogs, and for the next eight weeks, they put their knowledge into practice, working closely with the animals on a variety of commands and tricks. Many of these dogs have come from backgrounds of abuse or neglect. Some dogs have demonstrated exceptional growth in their skills and training and could even be selected for service dog training to continue their journey of helping others.
Deputy Probation Correctional Officer (DPCO) Kari Willardson, who works directly in unit with the youth and the dogs, remarked, “our youth assume full responsibility for the care and well-being of these dogs and in doing so they have grown in their confidence, their ability to work together. Most importantly, I believe, is the youth’s growth in becoming more compassionate and patient individuals”.
Youth end the graduation with the "leash exchange," a symbolic and deeply emotional moment where the youth pass the leash to the new adoptive families. It is a poignant moment of self-reflection, as youth come to understand one of the key lessons of life: the importance of letting go. Although it may be the end of training cycle, it signifies a new beginning in the life of both the youth and dog alike.
