Knowing our weaknesses and working to improve the faults we see in ourselves. Powerful insight we can all learn from. Pawsitive Change is more than just a dog training program. Our goal is to change both human and canine for the better. Lasting change only starts when you can recognize the improvements you can make in yourself! #marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adopt
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Knowing our weaknesses and working to improve the faults we see in ourselves. Powerful insight we can all learn from. Pawsitive Change is more than just a dog training program. Our goal is to change both human and canine for the better. Lasting change only starts when you can recognize the improvements you can make in yourself! #marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adopt
296 viewsMay 1, 2024
FacebookPawsitive Change
Pawsitive Change program rehabs dogs, inmates
Pawsitive Change program rehabs dogs, inmates
Aug 15, 2017
turnto23.com
Oscar Rodriguez was a standout student in @pawsitivechangeprogram who credits the program with giving him the opportunities he’s able to acheive in the pet industry as a trainer! I couldn’t be more proud of @underdogsk9training for his friendship, dedication and all he’s accomplishing on the outside! 🙌 🐾 | Pawsitive Change
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Oscar Rodriguez was a standout student in @pawsitivechangeprogram who credits the program with giving him the opportunities he’s able to acheive in the pet industry as a trainer! I couldn’t be more proud of @underdogsk9training for his friendship, dedication and all he’s accomplishing on the outside! 🙌 🐾 | Pawsitive Change
222 viewsJul 16, 2024
FacebookPawsitive Change
Today’s a special day 🐾 Our Pawsitive Change dogs are heading into Tehachapi State Prison, C-Yard. Big energy, big hearts, and a powerful journey ahead. Stay tuned for updates 💥🐺 | Pawsitive Change
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Today’s a special day 🐾 Our Pawsitive Change dogs are heading into Tehachapi State Prison, C-Yard. Big energy, big hearts, and a powerful journey ahead. Stay tuned for updates 💥🐺 | Pawsitive Change
593 views9 months ago
FacebookPawsitive Change
At Pawsitive Change, we believe in our students and their potential to transform their lives. Every day, we’re committed to supplementing their experience by providing the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed once they return to the outside world. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and be part of this journey together. We’ve built a strong, supportive community that thrives on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. Moving forward as a pack, we continue to learn
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At Pawsitive Change, we believe in our students and their potential to transform their lives. Every day, we’re committed to supplementing their experience by providing the tools, support, and opportunities they need to succeed once they return to the outside world. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness their growth and be part of this journey together. We’ve built a strong, supportive community that thrives on trust, mutual respect, and shared goals. Moving forward as a pack, we continue to learn
129 viewsSep 3, 2024
FacebookPawsitive Change
Zach Skow, Co-Founder of Marley Mutts & Pawsitive Change program, explains how society often sees the incarcerated as irredeemable — but these dogs are changing that. By training and caring for rescue dogs, participants gain purpose, responsibility, and life skills that help them rebuild their lives after release. | California Insider News
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Zach Skow, Co-Founder of Marley Mutts & Pawsitive Change program, explains how society often sees the incarcerated as irredeemable — but these dogs are changing that. By training and caring for rescue dogs, participants gain purpose, responsibility, and life skills that help them rebuild their lives after release. | California Insider News
108 views4 months ago
FacebookCalifornia Insider News
The impact Pawsitive Change has on these men, women and dogs is limitless. We change them for the better and they are able to live life beyond the bars with a sense of purpose. No life should be determined by the mistakes that were made but rather by the ability to learn and grow from those mistakes. #marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adoption #foreverhome #spayandneu
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The impact Pawsitive Change has on these men, women and dogs is limitless. We change them for the better and they are able to live life beyond the bars with a sense of purpose. No life should be determined by the mistakes that were made but rather by the ability to learn and grow from those mistakes. #marleysmutts #muttmilitia #dogrescue #foster #adopt #rescuedog #secondchance #fostering #animaladvocate #adopt #dogrescue #fosteringsaveslives #savealife #shelter #adoption #foreverhome #spayandneu
495 viewsFeb 19, 2024
FacebookPawsitive Change
How does a Pawsitive Change graduate who hasn’t been adopted increase their chances of finding a home and also show off all those brand new skills they just learned? By going on a doggie day out of course! Phoenix did AMAZING!!!! Not only did he ace hanging out in public and in a home but he did fantastic with the families 3 year old and recently adopted puppy. This beautiful boy seriously is a gem and shouldn’t be waiting to find his own home. Not every dog is perfection but Phoenix is pretty d
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How does a Pawsitive Change graduate who hasn’t been adopted increase their chances of finding a home and also show off all those brand new skills they just learned? By going on a doggie day out of course! Phoenix did AMAZING!!!! Not only did he ace hanging out in public and in a home but he did fantastic with the families 3 year old and recently adopted puppy. This beautiful boy seriously is a gem and shouldn’t be waiting to find his own home. Not every dog is perfection but Phoenix is pretty d
504 views9 months ago
FacebookPawsitive Change
Meet Robert! He's the head trainer for the Pawsitive Change Program at North Kern State Prison. Listen as he talks about how dogs have helped him be aware of his own energy. | Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue
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Meet Robert! He's the head trainer for the Pawsitive Change Program at North Kern State Prison. Listen as he talks about how dogs have helped him be aware of his own energy. | Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue
9.4K viewsAug 20, 2019
FacebookMarley's Mutts Dog Rescue
Meet Neptune – A Pawsitive Change Graduate Looking for His Forever Home!Neptune isn’t just a pretty face—though, let’s be honest, he’s incredibly handsome. This Australian Shepherd/Cattle Dog mix is the total package: smart, loyal, loving, and ready to find a family that matches his energy and heart.As a Pawsitive Change graduate, Neptune has spent months training with his incarcerated handler, learning obedience, structure, and how to be the best version of himself. Like any good working dog, h
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Meet Neptune – A Pawsitive Change Graduate Looking for His Forever Home!Neptune isn’t just a pretty face—though, let’s be honest, he’s incredibly handsome. This Australian Shepherd/Cattle Dog mix is the total package: smart, loyal, loving, and ready to find a family that matches his energy and heart.As a Pawsitive Change graduate, Neptune has spent months training with his incarcerated handler, learning obedience, structure, and how to be the best version of himself. Like any good working dog, h
341 viewsFeb 18, 2025
FacebookPawsitive Change
Dotti is a graduate of our Pawsitive Change program and one heck of a girl! I’ve spent a lot of time with her up in Sacramento and at the ranch. Fill out your app at marleysmutts.org | Zach Skow
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Dotti is a graduate of our Pawsitive Change program and one heck of a girl! I’ve spent a lot of time with her up in Sacramento and at the ranch. Fill out your app at marleysmutts.org | Zach Skow
1.2K viewsFeb 5, 2024
FacebookZach Skow
This month, we celebrated a momentous occasion—another Pawsitive Change graduation at Tehachapi State Prison. I couldn’t be more proud of the men who participated in this round of the program. They pushed themselves far beyond their comfort zones, standing up to speak at graduation and share the incredible progress they’ve made over the past several months. It takes courage to open up and speak about the changes they’ve experienced, and witnessing their growth has been truly inspiring.Our progra
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This month, we celebrated a momentous occasion—another Pawsitive Change graduation at Tehachapi State Prison. I couldn’t be more proud of the men who participated in this round of the program. They pushed themselves far beyond their comfort zones, standing up to speak at graduation and share the incredible progress they’ve made over the past several months. It takes courage to open up and speak about the changes they’ve experienced, and witnessing their growth has been truly inspiring.Our progra
451 viewsAug 24, 2024
FacebookPawsitive Change
Dedicated to Our Pawsitive Change Students and Trainers Running a program inside a maximum-security prison isn’t easy. It’s a constant battle against red tape, shifting policies, and the weight of the environment itself. But every week, our trainers walk through those gates with unwavering commitment, ready to teach, guide, and inspire. And every week, our students—men and women who have spent years, even decades, locked away—show up eager to learn, to grow, and to give back instead of take away
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Dedicated to Our Pawsitive Change Students and Trainers Running a program inside a maximum-security prison isn’t easy. It’s a constant battle against red tape, shifting policies, and the weight of the environment itself. But every week, our trainers walk through those gates with unwavering commitment, ready to teach, guide, and inspire. And every week, our students—men and women who have spent years, even decades, locked away—show up eager to learn, to grow, and to give back instead of take away
1.5K viewsMar 15, 2025
FacebookZach Skow
Marley's Mutts Pawsitive Change Program recognized at the White House
Marley's Mutts Pawsitive Change Program recognized at the White House
Jun 14, 2019
turnto23.com
Over the years, the men in the Pawsitive Change program have come to feel like little brothers to me. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to believe in them, to watch them grow, and to see them root themselves into the program with the intention of becoming the best versions of who they are. Time and again, I’ve had the opportunity to remind them that they can do it—that they carry the same skills, empathy, and intellect as anyone else, and that the world desperately needs what
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Over the years, the men in the Pawsitive Change program have come to feel like little brothers to me. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to believe in them, to watch them grow, and to see them root themselves into the program with the intention of becoming the best versions of who they are. Time and again, I’ve had the opportunity to remind them that they can do it—that they carry the same skills, empathy, and intellect as anyone else, and that the world desperately needs what
1.3K views7 months ago
FacebookZach Skow
On my way to the Pawsitive Change program at North Kern State Prison, I spotted a big black lab wandering the road—alone, but not lost in spirit. He’s a big boy, tipping the scale near 80 pounds, with a few embedded foxtails but otherwise in really great shape. As soon as I approached, he greeted me like an old friend.Luckily, he was microchipped. We got in touch with his family, and they shared something that broke my heart—they love him, but said he had become “too much” for them to handle. Th
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On my way to the Pawsitive Change program at North Kern State Prison, I spotted a big black lab wandering the road—alone, but not lost in spirit. He’s a big boy, tipping the scale near 80 pounds, with a few embedded foxtails but otherwise in really great shape. As soon as I approached, he greeted me like an old friend.Luckily, he was microchipped. We got in touch with his family, and they shared something that broke my heart—they love him, but said he had become “too much” for them to handle. Th
220.2K views11 months ago
FacebookZach Skow
Every time we kick off a new round of the Pawsitive Change program, I share my story with our students. It’s not always easy—but it’s always worth it. I tell them about how dogs saved my life. About the pain I carried, the mistakes I made, the hopelessness I felt—and how one paw at a time, that darkness began to lift. I share my experience, strength, and hope not because I have all the answers, but because I know the power of connection, of being seen, of being believed in—especially when you fe
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Every time we kick off a new round of the Pawsitive Change program, I share my story with our students. It’s not always easy—but it’s always worth it. I tell them about how dogs saved my life. About the pain I carried, the mistakes I made, the hopelessness I felt—and how one paw at a time, that darkness began to lift. I share my experience, strength, and hope not because I have all the answers, but because I know the power of connection, of being seen, of being believed in—especially when you fe
4.5K views11 months ago
FacebookZach Skow
Learn about the program making 'pawsitive' changes for California inmates
Learn about the program making 'pawsitive' changes for California inmates
May 4, 2021
foxla.com
PAWsitive Recovery, SPCA International’s newest program, gives people in recovery and animals in shelters a new “leash” on life, helping them heal from the wounds of addiction, trauma, and domestic violence. To learn more about PAWsitive Recovery, please visit www.spcai.org/our-work/pawsitive-recovery. | SPCA International
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PAWsitive Recovery, SPCA International’s newest program, gives people in recovery and animals in shelters a new “leash” on life, helping them heal from the wounds of addiction, trauma, and domestic violence. To learn more about PAWsitive Recovery, please visit www.spcai.org/our-work/pawsitive-recovery. | SPCA International
629 viewsApr 17, 2024
FacebookSPCA International
If there is one person responsible for the integrity and capability of @pawsitivechangeprogram at North Kern State Prison, it’s Mr Alvarez! He was expertly guided by @robertvillaneda and mentored inside by @brotherjones81. He helped keep us going through COVID, and dedicated 6 years of his term to the success of the program and of himself. We couldn’t be more proud to have had him as a lead and mentor inside this program! | Pawsitive Change
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If there is one person responsible for the integrity and capability of @pawsitivechangeprogram at North Kern State Prison, it’s Mr Alvarez! He was expertly guided by @robertvillaneda and mentored inside by @brotherjones81. He helped keep us going through COVID, and dedicated 6 years of his term to the success of the program and of himself. We couldn’t be more proud to have had him as a lead and mentor inside this program! | Pawsitive Change
387 viewsJul 3, 2023
FacebookPawsitive Change
Ajax Joins Pawsitive Change: A New Journey Begins This month, Ajax starts a new chapter as he enters the Pawsitive Change Program at Tehachapi State Prison. Over the next three months, he’ll be working closely with his student handler, learning skills, building trust, and forming a bond that will shape both of their futures. The first meeting is always a moment of adjustment—both dog and handler feeling each other out, unsure of what to expect. But through daily training, consistency, and patien
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Ajax Joins Pawsitive Change: A New Journey Begins This month, Ajax starts a new chapter as he enters the Pawsitive Change Program at Tehachapi State Prison. Over the next three months, he’ll be working closely with his student handler, learning skills, building trust, and forming a bond that will shape both of their futures. The first meeting is always a moment of adjustment—both dog and handler feeling each other out, unsure of what to expect. But through daily training, consistency, and patien
3K viewsApr 1, 2025
FacebookZach Skow
Pawsitive Change was designed to help provide hope and opportunity to incarcerated people and pets. We have graduated over 1000 students and 500 dogs whose lives are forever changed. Our program helps shift the culture of prison towards wellness and provides an atmosphere for growth and improvement. Canine participants come from the euthanasia list and are trained on the canine good citizen certification, which gives them the slillls they need to get adopted and stay adopted! Many of our student
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Pawsitive Change was designed to help provide hope and opportunity to incarcerated people and pets. We have graduated over 1000 students and 500 dogs whose lives are forever changed. Our program helps shift the culture of prison towards wellness and provides an atmosphere for growth and improvement. Canine participants come from the euthanasia list and are trained on the canine good citizen certification, which gives them the slillls they need to get adopted and stay adopted! Many of our student
60 viewsFeb 26, 2024
FacebookSchools Not Prisons
Pawsitive Change began as a rehabilitative dog training program inside California prisons—a way to bring healing to incarcerated individuals and rescue dogs who had been discarded or overlooked. We believed in the power of connection, responsibility, and compassion. And it worked. The bond between humans and dogs became a bridge to trust, confidence, and hope.But something else happened.We quickly realized this wasn’t just rehabilitation—it was workforce development. We were training professiona
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Pawsitive Change began as a rehabilitative dog training program inside California prisons—a way to bring healing to incarcerated individuals and rescue dogs who had been discarded or overlooked. We believed in the power of connection, responsibility, and compassion. And it worked. The bond between humans and dogs became a bridge to trust, confidence, and hope.But something else happened.We quickly realized this wasn’t just rehabilitation—it was workforce development. We were training professiona
4.3K views10 months ago
FacebookZach Skow
This weekend, we celebrated and raised money for Pawsitive Change! Nhut, Oscar and I traveled to San Diego and attended an event hosted by Jill Bergen. It was a great success punctuated by incredible shares from Oscar and Vo. Sharing our program, and dreams for our future, alongside graduates of our program, gives me a great sense of fulfillment and purpose! Thank you, Jill! | Zach Skow
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This weekend, we celebrated and raised money for Pawsitive Change! Nhut, Oscar and I traveled to San Diego and attended an event hosted by Jill Bergen. It was a great success punctuated by incredible shares from Oscar and Vo. Sharing our program, and dreams for our future, alongside graduates of our program, gives me a great sense of fulfillment and purpose! Thank you, Jill! | Zach Skow
999 viewsSep 23, 2024
FacebookZach Skow
Meet Shania, a beautiful rescue Shepherd who’s been thriving in our Pawsitive Change program with her dedicated handler, Student trainer Hernandez. Watching their bond has been inspiring—Hernandez has built his daily routine around Shania’s care, showing just how much these students invest in their dogs. From training sessions to playtime to quiet moments of connection, it’s clear how deeply he cares for her.Shania is now ready to find her forever home! She’s up for adoption and waiting for a fa
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Meet Shania, a beautiful rescue Shepherd who’s been thriving in our Pawsitive Change program with her dedicated handler, Student trainer Hernandez. Watching their bond has been inspiring—Hernandez has built his daily routine around Shania’s care, showing just how much these students invest in their dogs. From training sessions to playtime to quiet moments of connection, it’s clear how deeply he cares for her.Shania is now ready to find her forever home! She’s up for adoption and waiting for a fa
200 viewsFeb 1, 2025
FacebookPawsitive Change
In the pursuit of rehabilitation and second chances, Pawsitive Change has emerged as a beacon of hope within correctional systems. Our program pairs incarcerated men, women and children with at-risk shelter dogs to produce a multitude of benefits. Along with infusing new skills and a sense of purpose, we help contribute to safer environments both inside and outside prison walls. 1. Skill Development: Inmates learn valuable skills such as dog training, grooming, and behavior management. 22 of our
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In the pursuit of rehabilitation and second chances, Pawsitive Change has emerged as a beacon of hope within correctional systems. Our program pairs incarcerated men, women and children with at-risk shelter dogs to produce a multitude of benefits. Along with infusing new skills and a sense of purpose, we help contribute to safer environments both inside and outside prison walls. 1. Skill Development: Inmates learn valuable skills such as dog training, grooming, and behavior management. 22 of our
1.3K viewsSep 3, 2023
FacebookMarley's Mutts Dog Rescue
Pawsitive Change Graduates Still Looking for Homes!We still have several incredible dogs who have graduated from the Pawsitive Change program at North Kern State Prison and are waiting for their forever homes! These dogs aren’t just trained—they’re truly transformed. Rescued from the euthanasia list in Kern County, they’ve spent months working with their student inmate teams, learning not just the basics of obedience but how to trust, connect, and thrive alongside humans.Large dogs often face a
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Pawsitive Change Graduates Still Looking for Homes!We still have several incredible dogs who have graduated from the Pawsitive Change program at North Kern State Prison and are waiting for their forever homes! These dogs aren’t just trained—they’re truly transformed. Rescued from the euthanasia list in Kern County, they’ve spent months working with their student inmate teams, learning not just the basics of obedience but how to trust, connect, and thrive alongside humans.Large dogs often face a
5.2K viewsMar 22, 2025
FacebookMarley's Mutts Dog Rescue
Healing Through Purpose: The Power of Rescue Dogs in Pawsitive Change The Pawsitive Change Program isn’t just about training dogs—it’s about healing people. When you spend every day with a dog, something inside you shifts. Your focus moves from what’s broken to what’s possible. You develop patience, purpose, and gratitude. And in return, the dog learns to trust, to thrive, and to love. Take Jensen, for example. This Rottweiler mix might look like a rough-around-the-edges tough guy, but don’t let
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Healing Through Purpose: The Power of Rescue Dogs in Pawsitive Change The Pawsitive Change Program isn’t just about training dogs—it’s about healing people. When you spend every day with a dog, something inside you shifts. Your focus moves from what’s broken to what’s possible. You develop patience, purpose, and gratitude. And in return, the dog learns to trust, to thrive, and to love. Take Jensen, for example. This Rottweiler mix might look like a rough-around-the-edges tough guy, but don’t let
2K viewsMar 8, 2025
FacebookZach Skow
The Dogs of Pawsitive Change: Representing Home and HopeIn every wag of a tail, in every trusting glance, the rescue dogs of our Pawsitive Change program embody something deeply profound: home.For the men in our program, home is more than a place—it’s a feeling of belonging, love, and redemption. These dogs, many of whom have faced unimaginable hardships, remind us all that no matter how rough the journey has been, there’s always the hope of finding safety and solace again.Each rescue dog teache
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The Dogs of Pawsitive Change: Representing Home and HopeIn every wag of a tail, in every trusting glance, the rescue dogs of our Pawsitive Change program embody something deeply profound: home.For the men in our program, home is more than a place—it’s a feeling of belonging, love, and redemption. These dogs, many of whom have faced unimaginable hardships, remind us all that no matter how rough the journey has been, there’s always the hope of finding safety and solace again.Each rescue dog teache
922 viewsJan 24, 2025
FacebookZach Skow
Nine years ago, we created Pawsitive Change to provide hope and opportunity to incarcerated people and pets whom our society has abandoned.2 million Americans are currently incarcerated every year, and a similar number of dogs/ pets are euthanized. Both crises exist in the shadows of our society, where it’s difficult to affect change. Our goal was to tackle these issues head-on, and we’re proud to say that our recidivism rate is virtually 0% while having graduated nearly 1,500 students from our
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Nine years ago, we created Pawsitive Change to provide hope and opportunity to incarcerated people and pets whom our society has abandoned.2 million Americans are currently incarcerated every year, and a similar number of dogs/ pets are euthanized. Both crises exist in the shadows of our society, where it’s difficult to affect change. Our goal was to tackle these issues head-on, and we’re proud to say that our recidivism rate is virtually 0% while having graduated nearly 1,500 students from our
801 viewsSep 5, 2024
FacebookZach Skow
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