Recognize Good is a nonprofit organization that provides an opportunity to nominate "volunteer legends" who are examples of doing good works in our communities as positive role models. In December our very own Executive Director and Inmate Trainer Catherine Laria was selected by Recognize Good and given a check for $1,000 to Paws in Prison! You can help us win $10,000 and it won't cost you a penny.

In 2020 nine volunteer legends were selected and one of them will win $10,000 for their favorite nonprofit in 2021. Please help Friends of Paws in Prison win by saying THANKS to LARIA every day, 7 different ways from January 4-29, 2021.

Of course, if you can't vote all 7 ways, just do what you can. Starting January 4 - 29 here is how you can vote 7 ways every day:

1.  CLICK HERE and vote for Catherine Laria by scrolling down to Catherine's picture (it's the last one) on the Recognize Good "VOTE SAY THANKS, AUSTIN" page by clicking on the VOTE button.

2. TEXT LARIA to (512) 456-9244

3 & 4. Send a MESSAGE saying LARIA to the Recognize Good Facebook Page AND to the @RecognizeGood Instagram Page.

5. TWEET LARIA to @recognizegood with the hashtag

6. EMAIL saythanks@recognizegood.org and put LARIA in the subject line and email body.

7. WRITE IN your name on THIS FORM (scroll down the page to see the form) by printing then signing all 26 spots on the form. Write in Forms must be submitted by 5pm on January 29 (you can send it in anytime from Jan 4-29) to:

​saythanks@recognizegood.org​ (attached as a pdf)

You can also go on our webpage for instructions at, www.pawsinprison.com

It certainly was exciting every day to watch donations come rolling in last month. We had a total of $27,376 donated in the month of December from online donations, mailed in checks, merchandise sales, and 2 Foundation grants. We know that generosity happens when hearts are moved by our incredible mission, along with the hard work of our Board, Staff, and supporters to get our name and mission out there. It takes volunteers, prayers, and continued financial support to save the lives of shelter dogs and incarcerated women. We're off to a great start financially in 2021, however, the needs never stop - some we know about and others crop up unexpectantly, just like in your own personal finances. That's why we keep applying for grants, attending events, hosting fundraisers, and reminding each of you that we need your help to meet our ongoing needs and to fulfill our future goals.

In 2020 none of us dreamed a microscopic virus would bring the world to its knees and keep us out of the prison, limiting the number of dogs we could rescue, and finding creative ways to work with the Lockhart Ladies and the dogs. Many of our 2020 goals were put on hold, but we are ready to launch them in 2021.

With your help we plan to work towards the following goals:

Meet the New Crew of the New Year on our website. Are any of you looking for a new furry friend? Are any of your friends or family members ready for a new companion? The first step is to read our adoption Guidelines to make certain you are in a position to properly care for a dog, then fill out an Adoption Application.

Jill is a true success story but she is quick to qualify that it took lots of hard work and prayer. Jill works long hours and she and Joey regularly attend recovery meetings. When asked what advice she has for others trying to make their way out of prison and back into civilian life, she said, "Transformation is uncomfortable. Feelings are not fact. Don't say everything you are thinking. I don't always have to be right or have the last word. I did not wait until I got out to live differently. I made a decision not to use any mind-altering chemicals, nor would I pick up cigarettes again. I also decided not to be in a relationship. Those were some of the best decisions that I would make. Without Christ, I would not have the power to stay sober. Without a church, I would not have fellowship. It is only by God's grace that we have a daily reprieve."

Here are some other photos of Jill and Elite Pet Resort so you can see the incredible things Jill has done with her life. And she always qualifies her success with, "To God be the glory. In my own strength, I can't do anything." She is a true inspiration to us all.