May 2018 Charity Spotlight: Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan
Abandoned dogs in Michigan are being sent to jail for three months - but not because they committed any crimes. In 2008, Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan (RPSM) began a partnership with the Coldwater Prison Complex by creating a training program to help prepare previously homeless dogs for adoption into good homes.
Dogs selected for the RPSM Correctional Companion Program are rescues who have been screened for temperament, trainability, and adaptability. They are assigned to security-screened inmates who take responsibility for the day-to-day care and training of their canine companions. During this time, dogs are housebroken, socialized, obedience-trained, and most of all, loved! Upon the successful completion of the program, dogs are presented with a canine good citizen certificate and are made available for adoption into approved homes.
RPSM’s vision is not to predict the future but to help create it. The RPSM Correctional Companion Program not only helps prepare dogs for their new homes, it also enriches the lives of the inmates who care for them. This highly successful program serves as a form of rehabilitation for inmates and dogs alike... allowing both to reenter society as valued and productive members.
Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan is guided by a passionate and ethical commitment to save and restore animals to a state of well-being. By taking active measures to prevent animal suffering and needless euthanasia, RPSM is making a positive impact in their community. In addition to the Correctional Companion Program, RPSM volunteers also work to educate their communities about rescue programs, responsible dog ownership, and pet overpopulation.
The cost of each dog’s “prison sentence” is approximately $285. The RPSM Correctional Companion Program is entirely donation-driven, and they need your help! Please join 4Knines in supporting the important work of this award-winning non-profit organization. You can make a monetary donation and/or purchase a variety of items from their Amazon wish list. If you happen to live in the Coldwater, MI area, RPSM is always in need of volunteers.
By partnering with Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan, you will help to help restore a dog's life, restore a prisoner’s life, and enrich families with a trained dog!
