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Program Gives Delaware County Inmates, Canines a Second Chance

A group photo of the organizers and graduates, along with their dogs, of the 2025 New Leash on Life program at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Thornton.

It was a fresh start for some of those incarcerated at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility in Thornton, for the people, and for the shelter dogs they paired up with.

For the second year, Delaware County participated in the New Leash on Life program.

A 2025 graduation ceremony for participants and their canines took place Aug. 12.

The reentry program promotes second chances, reduces recidivism, and saves the lives of both people and dogs, according to a release from Delaware County.

It’s a six-month program that operates in partnership with the nonprofit New Leash on Life USA.

“This is rehabilitation in its truest form—changing lives, building futures, and giving both people and dogs a second chance,” said Warden Laura Williams. “It’s a testament to what’s possible when we combine compassion, structure, and opportunity.”

The program came to the Delaware County prison through Kelly Shaw, Programs and Reentry Administrator.

“Over the past six months, we’ve watched our participants grow in confidence, develop trust, and take real pride in their work,” Shaw said. “This program changes the trajectory of lives—human and canine alike.”

New Leash on Life USA pairs participants with shelter dogs rescued from euthanasia. They participate in 12 weeks of in-facility workshops that are focused on dog training, life skills, career readiness, and trauma-informed care.

The program utilizes both cognitive behavioral therapy and animal-assisted therapy.

For the second 12 weeks, the focus is on individualized reentry services and paid internships, helping participants transition into their communities.

Since New Leash on Life was launched in 2011, it has served more than 685 people, with a 75 percent graduation rate, and first-year recidivism is down to just 10.5 percent.

The program has also saved over 312 dogs and prepared them for permanent homes.

“We’re so proud of our graduates—both human and canine,” said Marian Marchese, founder and CEO of New Leash on Life USA, at the Aug. 12 ceremony

“Our participants and their rescue dogs created a powerful, transformative bond and put in a tremendous amount of work over the past 12 weeks, and now both are ready for their fresh start in the community.”