By Sarah Roebuck
Corrections1
KITTANNING, Pa. — Luna, a cheerful 3-year-old beagle mix, wagged her way into Armstrong County Jail as the first participant in the facility’s PAWSitive Changes program.
The program, a collaboration between Armstrong County Jail and the animal shelter Orphans of the Storm (OOTS), pairs inmates with shelter dogs to train them for adoption, according to a news release from the jail. The initiative focuses on dogs that have spent a significant time in the shelter or require extra care. For Luna, who has been waiting over a year for a forever home, the opportunity marks a fresh start.
Luna’s journey began in March 2023 when she was found wandering alone. After her owners surrendered her, she became one of the many animals cared for by OOTS, according to the news release.
On her first day on Nov. 18, Luna met her handlers, Ryan Crissman and Jamie Cathers, inmates who will train her under the guidance of Sara Burk, a professional dog trainer and program volunteer, the news release said. Burk, who adopted her first dog from OOTS 11 years ago, has turned her passion for rescue dogs into a career and is excited to mentor the new team.
After introductions, Luna explored her new accommodations: a spacious kennel in the gymnasium, complete with a custom-built outdoor play area. Outfitted with jumps and weave poles, the space is ideal for agility training and suits Luna’s energetic personality, the news release said.
No intake process is complete without paperwork — Luna’s came with a special twist. She was officially “booked” and pawprinted as “Inmate 102435,” earning kisses and tail wags from the welcoming staff along the way.
Warden Jessica Hicks expressed her pride in the new initiative.
“Being the first county jail in Pennsylvania to implement this initiative has been rewarding and exciting. It has been my pleasure putting together this pilot program that we can all be proud of and benefit from in Armstrong County,” Hicks said. “The entire jail staff has been remarkable in showing their efforts for this program to succeed. I thank everyone for their support and patience during this new journey in unmarked territory for county jails in our Commonwealth.”
The PAWSitive Changes program not only gives shelter dogs a second chance but also offers inmates a unique opportunity to learn new skills, build responsibility, and experience the joy of making a difference.
“This program has already shown a PAWSitive impact on our inmates involved and our first dog, Luna. I look forward to seeing the difference we can make with future inmates and dogs with our partnership with OOTS,” said Hicks.
For those interested in adopting Luna or other animals, visit Orphans of the Storm to learn more.
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