I am a graduate of the FREEDOM TAILS Board & Train Program in partnership with Stafford Creek Corrections Center. This popular program pairs a duo of incarcerated individuals up with a PAWS of Grays Harbor pooch for 12 weeks. Each dog has a primary and secondary handler assigned to the same cell, giving the dog 24-hour care and attention to meet its needs. During their stay at SCCC, these dogs receive specialized training to prepare them for adoption to the public. At the end of their 12-week stay, they enjoy a special adoption ceremony with their new families to show off their skills as they start a new journey. Find out more at pawsgh.org/freedomtails.
8/3/24
Hello world!
This is Molly’s Handler, my name is, well…. It doesn’t matter. It isn’t about me, it's about Molly. She is an awesome dog. Her exact history is unknown but her traumas still at times show themselves. She flinches if you have something in your hand and go over the top of her. She guards her tail and butt. Doesn’t like her feet being touched. When you first meet her if you lean over her or look her in the eyes she will hackle and bark and may even lunge… but she’s never bitten. Why would I say awesome? Let me tell you.
I live in a prison. I know fear. I know anger. I know anxiety and desperation. I know that 32 years ago when I came to the pound I was always barking. Always at the end of my leash. Like a number of these dogs I did a lot of kennel time, isolated, watching the world go by. Years of it. I needed structure, I needed help. I needed to find someone patient enough to teach me to see past my own mess. Then I was asked, “Do you like dogs?”
To find my reflection in another species was somewhat unsettling at first. My mentor kept reinforcing the mantra, “make it about the dog.” Little did I realize that as I focused on all the ways to help these four-legged brothers and sisters figure out their issues and find a better way, I was healing myself.
My own issues were slowly dissipating. I now also know courage, love, redemption and freedom. The best way to teach is to be what you are teaching. Calm, confident, focused, happy and free.
I know today I am a better human being because I made it about the dog. I made it about something other than self, and somehow that is when self became whole. Almost like that is how we are meant to live…
When I zoom in and focus on all the imperfections, mine as well as other people, I become locked up. Back in the kennel. So I zoom out, Let it get a little fuzzy…. You know, like the dog. These rescues that work with us prisoners don't just rescue the four-legged. They rescue us two-legged also.
Back to dear Molly. She has yet to have anyone try to adopt her. And maybe someone is saying, “yeah, but she has all those issues…” And maybe I’m saying, “yeah, but don't you need help working through yours?”
I did. Thank you to PAWS of Grays Harbor and all the other rescues working with prisons across the nation.
7/8/24
Hello World,
It is Molly again. I am sort of struggling to be honest. I am watching all of my classmates prepare to go home and I have yet to have one of my own.
I know my cues better than most of my pack and I am definitely cuter than most of them! But, here I sit …Like a good girl. Yes, I do have a few “issues”....but what a good girl doesn’t. I don’t like people I don’t know staring at me and I will tell them all about themselves if they do. Just sayin….
I have become way more tolerant of most of the boys in my class. The other girls not so much. I have heard that if I show up to a play-date to share the toys and refreshments that are there. However, if I buy my own stuff I don’t want anyone else touching it! I do love my blankie! My person even said they should call me Linus. How dumb….I’m Molly Mahogany!
Well, I don’t really know what else to say. In am working hard on my social etiquette and I’ve been told my house manners are superb! Holla at me, I’ll bark back!
Lonely,
Molly Mahogany
5/23/24
Hope your last two weeks have been as pawsome as mine! I am really learning to live with humans better! According to my roommate my manners have gotten really good. I am also learning to play with other dogs better...as long as they aren't to pushy with my back end. I am just not into that!
I am still working on calming down and not barking when I am startled or really excited about things. It's so hard!!! I am an excitable girl! Once I get over my nervousness with new people I am pretty barking adorable...just sayin!
So, if you are patient with me, you need someone to bark at strangers, and cuddle with you when you cry, then howla at ya girl!! I'll howl back!
Molly Mahogany
5/13/24
Hello World!
It’s me Molly Mahogany again. Not to brag, but oh my golden have I learned sooo much! I’ve pretty much been the star of the class every week, if you ask me.
Anyhow, my “trainer” finally learned that if he rolls my blanket up I will carry it to where ever we are going. Turns out it helps me stay centered-all girl needed was a job! I am a working dog after all, Humans are so slow sometimes and not just their feet.
I am a little sad right now because I just heard I may not get to go to the graduation party since I don’t have anyone to come watch me, then take me home. I will keep practicing and learning stuff though so that whenever someone does……Jackpot!!
Until next time keep your paws dry and your fur fabulous! -Molly Mahogany
5/09/24
Hi!
It’s Molly Mahogany again! My friends call me M&M for short cuz I’m mmm mmm good! I know I like blended two different things but give a girl a barkin break will ya?!
I've been sooo busy over the past two weeks! I have learned to be nicer to other dogs… well, most of them I do like the boy dogs more.
I am doing my best to learn manners in my room and while on a leash. I’m “slowly starting to get it”... according to my handler. Yeah, like I’m the slow one!!
I am still not a fan of new people looming over me or staring into my eyes. And believe you me, I will set my boundaries! I will tell you all about your rude self!
I am also learning to play nicer with my person. I guess I am “too vocal” when we play and they touch my belly, tail or feet. I am trying though… I haven't told them about my past but they noticed I sometimes will flinch , sulk or even yip when they reach for me too quickly.
I am really trying to love and trust again. And I really really hope whoever chooses me doesn’t growl in their sleep as bad as this guys does! A girl needs her beauty sleep! He is cute when he plays though…
Bark at ya later,
Molly Mahogany
4/25/24
My name is Molly Whop. I am a Kelpie mix. No, that doesn’t mean I am a mermaid! I’m an Aussie… Oy-Oy-Oy! I am four years old and looking for a place to call home with some people who understand me. When greeting me please don't stare at me. I have a few confidence issues I'm working on. So until I’m comfortable I'm keen on everything going on around me. I am somewhat vocal when I'm unsure of things. And when I'm playing. I’m learning to share my toys with people better. I do like to give hugs as long as you aren't all handsy! My backside is kind of ticklish and it takes a while to build trust. 7I was just enrolled in the Freedom Tails Dog Program and am excited about all I’ll learn. I’m just two weeks in and I’ve been adjusting like a champ. I’ve already learned so much. For example, my handlers growls in his sleep! Crazy right?! But he isn’t mad… just weird.
Well, I will keep you updated as to how I progress about every two weeks. Back at you later!
Molly Whop
Q: What do you call a trainer’s pants with holes in the legs?
A: PekingesePlease apply to adopt at: http://www.pawsgh.org
