Lost Dog Restorative Justice Provides A Positive Vision
“Restorative justice is calling us to a higher level of functioning-as individuals and communities. Our experience indicates that many in our communities are ready to reach for a positive vision of our future-a vision in which safety is related more to harmony than to hardware. We are limited only by the scope of our vision and our belief in our own capacity to care about others” (Pranis, 2007).
In order to rescue more dogs from being put to sleep, we are in need of more foster homes. The Roxbury Correctional Institution (RCI) in Hagerstown, Maryland is working with the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation to implement a Restorative Justice Program. Utilizing the prison system and appropriate inmates to serve as foster caregivers can greatly increase our capacity to rescue dogs from the threat of euthanasia. Many of the inmates in our prison systems will be released back into the community and with this program; the inmates will learn valuable life and work skills by helping these dogs through self-sacrifice. In return, our dogs 
will be better suited for adoption into a loving home.
Some of our dogs come from circumstances where they are unfamiliar with living in a home or being around people while other dogs just need some manners. These types of dogs are harder to place for adoption or tend to be returned. Our dogs will receive basic social and obedience training such as house-training, socialization with people and other dogs, leash training, and crate training while in this program. Once these dogs pass through the program, they will be available (paroled) for adoption at one of the many adoption events in Northern Virginia or Maryland.
Reference:
Pranis, K. (2007, December 03). The minnesota restorative justice initiative: a model experience. Retrieved from http://nij.gov/nij/topics/courts/restorative-justice/perspectives/minnesota.htm
For more information contact restorative.justice@lostdogrescue.org
Gallery of dogs in the program
YOU can help us save lives. A few hours of your time could mean a happy ending for a homeless animal. Please join us in our efforts to turn “lost” dogs and cats into beloved family members.
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