A Unique, Inspirational Prison Dog
Training Program
SAVING MORE THAN DOGS SINCE 2007

Issue 25 - AUGUST 2022
IN THIS ISSUE
  1. Adoptions in June and July
  2. Urgent Request for Braidee!
  3. 2022 Great Nonprofit Award
  4. Save the Dates!
  5. Testimonial - Adopter Heather W.
  6. The Dangers of Xylitol for Dogs
  7. We Give You Thanks
  1. 1- ADOPTION UPDATE
In the June newsletter we told you about the additional dogs brought into the prison to help the shelters with overcrowding and dog euthanasia rates. We are happy to report since then we had 9 dog adoptions! Every dog adopted from us opens up space for us to rescue another dog.

Congratulations to the families of these very blessed dogs - Taz, Molly, Biscuit, Jerzy, Fancy, Ally, Bitty, AJ and Beanie!!!! We are so grateful to their human parents for helping them make parole!

We would love to find homes for our longest prison residents
who are so ready for parole: Lucy Belle, Braidee and Dixie!

2 - URGENT REQUEST FOR BRAIDEE
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION
OR A GOOD FOSTER HOME!​​​
​
BRAIDEE: Well hello!! I just celebrated my one year anniversary at the prison. I'm Braidee, and I think I've been here long enough! It's been great, but now I'm ready for my forever family! PLEASE BUST
ME OUT AND RESCUE ME! I just need YOU and a place to run and play. I would be an amazing companion for someone who wants to go running, hiking, or swimming, and I know I would LOVE dog sports! BUT, don't get me wrong, I love a good snuggle and want to chill out with YOU too. I've had tons of training and know cute tricks. I'm already housetrained and crate trained; what more could you want? If you're looking for love in a fun filled furry body, COME AND GET ME! 

I WANT A FOREVER HOME, PLEASE RESCUE ME!

Braidee is a strong 61 lb. young female dog who would probably do best with an experienced dog owner or family.


Adoptions@pawsinprison.com
Braidee and Lucy Belle on a furlough walk with our awesome volunteer Micah

Thanks to all of you who rated Friends of Paws in Prison with a 5-star review on the Great Nonprofits website. Each year, if we get a minimum of at least ten new 5-star reviews, we receive the Top-Rated Great Nonprofit Seal shown here. These reviews can be from anyone who knows who we are and love what we do. The Great Nonprofits website is like Yelp or TripAdvisor in the nonprofit world. Hopefully your ratings will encourage corporations, foundations and donors to help us continue Saving More than Dogs as they search the Great Nonprofits website.
4: SAVE THESE DATES

2022 Cutest Critter Online Photo Contest is coming back this September. Submit a photo of your pet (it doesn't have to be a dog), living or deceased, during the month of September on the dedicated Cutest Critter website that will be live on September 1. The photo entry fee is $5 then go crazy getting all your family and friends to vote for your cutest critter! Each vote costs $1 and the top 12 winners receive a 2023 calendar with each month featuring one of the top 12 winners. There is a running total of the votes, so get your folks to keep voting as much or as often as they want for $1 per vote to help you be one of the top 12 winners - yes it is a fundraiser for Friends of Paws in Prison! Each dollar goes towards helping save dogs and incarcerated women in the Colman Unit (formally called the Lockhart Correctional Facility) in Lockhart, Tx. More details on additional prizes will be available on the Paws in Prison website and the September newsletter as we finalize them.

Pet Fest is an annual event that helps support Prevent a Litter (PALS) of Central Texas. This non-profit organization helps end pet overpopulation and pet homelessness by providing spay/neuter services. Come by our Paws in Prison booth and say hello at Pet Fest in San Marcos!

Friends of Paws in Prison will have a booth to help spread the word about who we are and what we do at this fun event to be held at the Mueller Lake Park. You can bring up to 2 leashed dogs and have a blast enjoying all the fun exhibitions, vendors, and even a SPAW where your dog can get a "peticure" and "pawssage." Come visit our booth! Do you want to do a volunteer shift at our Puptopia booth? If so, please fill out a Volunteer Application.

Buy Puptopia tickets and get more information HERE.
5 - Testimonial from Adopter Heather W.
In 2008, Todd and I (Heather) adopted Jackson from Paws in Prison. At about 10 months old, he was a high-energy Lab/Golden Retriever mix. I grew up with Labs and wanted a dog who would play fetch. We would take him for long walks before and after work nearly every day. We played countless hours of fetch. We had a standing dinner date with friends and their Paws in Prison dog, Elvis, so our dogs could play and wear one another out. He brought so much energy and life into our lives! He’s mellowed as he aged, but he’s still the sweet, loving dog he’s always been. He was here when we brought our babies home and he’s helped us to raise them. My son’s very first laugh was a result of Jackson’s antics. He would leap after bubbles when the kids played with them. He would readily adapt his play according to who was on the other end of the tug toy: gentle tugs for our daughter, a little stronger for our son, or wild pulls for an adult. One day he escaped our yard when someone left the gate ajar. We found him sitting on the front porch waiting for us to come look for him! Such a good boy.

Jackson has been getting older (he’s 15) and it’s harder for him to play with the kids or go for long walks. (He does enjoy a good nap near us whenever we are sitting still, though).
When we decided to add a new dog to our family, there was no question that we would return to Paws in Prison. We adopted Biscuit (now named Charlie) in May and she has fit right in with our family. Most importantly, she and Jackson get along well. But she’s such a little charmer that everyone is smitten with her. Tammy is the Lockhart Lady who trained Charlie and it is evident she loved this dog. Tammy’s training gave us all the starting point we needed so Charlie could make a smooth transition to life with our family. Charlie is just right - she’s eager to play whenever one of the kids tries to engage her, but she’s happy to rest by the sofa when we’re all curled up with a book or a movie. We had hoped bringing Charlie home would give Jackson a bit more energy and it has worked – he’s more engaged and energetic than he was.
Once again, a Paws in Prison dog has brought more energy and life into our lives! We are so happy to have found this program. Twice we have found the perfect dogs for our family and we recommend Paws in Prison to everyone looking for a dog.
UPDATE: Jackson went over the rainbow bridge a few days after this article was written. Please send prayers of comfort to his family.

JACKSON: 2008-2022
We look forward to stories about your PIP dog(s). Please send them to Jeri.pawsinprison@gmail.com.
6 - THE DANGERS OF XYLITOL FOR DOGS!
Chances are, you know that xylitol, an artificial sweetener, is toxic to dogs. But you may be surprised by what types of products can contain xylitol, including items that are not even edible. While we know you’d never intentionally feed this stuff to your beloved fur baby, we also know that accidents happen. If one day your pup decides to get into something that they’re not supposed to, try to determine what they consumed and if it may contain toxic ingredients like xylitol. The sooner you know, the better chance you have to prevent poisoning.

For your awareness, check out these unexpected items that may contain xylitol.

1. Packaged Goods & Baking Mixes
Pet parents that commonly purchase sugar-free items need to be especially aware of foods containing xylitol in their pantry. These items can include Jell-o, pudding mixes, cake, and cookie mixes, ice cream, and even yogurt.

2. Candies, Gum, & Mints
Sugar-free gum, mints, and candy are commonly scattered around households. Whether there’s a pack of gum in your purse or a candy bowl on the counter, your dog could get creative to reach it. If your pup ever gets into any of these items, be sure to enlist emergency help.

3. Jams, Syrups, Condiments, Honey, & Raw Xylitol
Even your fridge and pantry staples may contain this sugar substitute. Jams, honey, and other sweet products in jars and bottles could include xylitol. Also, those who bake sugar-free confections using this sweetener should refrain from giving their pup a taste.

4. Protein Bars & Powders
Some high-protein health foods use xylitol as a replacement for calorie-filled sugar. They might seem healthier for humans, but they can be more dangerous for our furry friends.

5. Flavored Waters & Drink Powders
While it’s a good idea to check ingredients, be extra careful with drinks that promote health, weight loss, or energy. Beverages that are labeled “diet” or “sugar-free” are especially risky for using xilitol. Despite their appealing names for humans, they have underlying dangers for dogs.

6. Chocolate
It’s commonly known that if your canine consumes chocolate, you need to seek emergency medical care. But if that chocolate contains xylitol, it’s even more urgent. Dark chocolate is the most likely to use xylitol as an ingredient.

7. Peanut Butter & Nut Butters
Some nut butter brands have xylitol snuck in as a lighter sugar replacement. Many dogs love to snack on peanut butter, which is normally okay if it’s all-natural and given in small amounts. Just make sure that your pup’s favorite Kong stuffer doesn’t contain this toxic ingredient!

8. Dental Products
Sugar is bad for your teeth, yet dental hygiene products usually have a sweet, minty taste. That’s why xylitol is a common ingredient in toothpaste, mouth wash, mouth sprays, whitening products, and even nasal sprays. So, this is one of the many reasons that human toothpaste should never be used to brush your dog’s teeth. Make sure to keep these products inaccessible to curious canines!

9. Medicines, Vitamins, & Supplements
Your dog should NEVER consume any of these items without consultation from your vet. But many dog parents don’t realize that one of the many harmful ingredients these products contain is xylitol.

10. Cosmetics, Body, Face, & Hair Products
Sometimes, there is no rhyme or reason as to why our pups choose to chew (and swallow) certain non-edible items. For this reason, check your makeup, body, face, and hair products for mentions of xylitol and keep them out of snout’s reach. Even if the products you buy don’t contain this ingredient, consumption is certainly a cause to seek emergency help.

11. Miscellaneous
There are a couple of even more surprising products that can contain this ingredient. Parents of pups who love stealing laundry should know that certain brands of athletic clothing have pieces that contain xylitol. And for those with little ones, some pacifier wipes and bottle wipes can also have the ingredient in them.

As products on the market are constantly changing, it’s always safest to scan the ingredient lists of the products in your home and make sure that toxic items are safely out of your dog’s reach. Knowledge is power, and the best way to handle an emergency is to be prepared!

What should I do if my dog eats something containing xylitol?
If you suspect that your dog has eaten a xylitol-containing product, please contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center immediately. Do not induce vomiting or give anything orally to your dog unless specifically directed to do so by your veterinarian. It is important to get treatment for your dog as quickly as possible. As some dogs may already be hypoglycemic, inducing vomiting can worsen clinical signs.

How can I prevent this problem?
If you use products containing xylitol, make sure they are stored safely out of reach of your dogs. Do not share any food that may contain xylitol with your dogs. When brushing your dogs’ teeth, only use toothpaste intended for dogs, never one made for human use. Keep in mind that there are some veterinary products that contain small amounts of xylitol (e.g., gabapentin medication, mouthwashes). At prescribed doses, these should not result in xylitol poisoning; however, if ingested in large amounts, they can potentially result in poisoning.
7 - WE GIVE YOU THANKS
We're sorry if we omitted any names from those of you who have helped us in any capacity in the months of JUNE AND JULY but we do not always know the names of our Paws in Prison angels! Please let us know who you are if we missed thanking you by sending an email to: Donations@pawsinprison.com so we can personally let you know how grateful we are for your help.

The June newsletter explained our situation in maintaining our dog food supply. We are deeply grateful for those of you who so quickly responded! And of course there are always vet bills, the need for heartworm preventative for various sized dogs, training treats, poop bags, etc. We most especially would like to thank the following people for helping us in June and July:

Marlene A, Tony T, Justin F, David L, Carole S, Pagan J, Jane H, Dixie B, Emma A, Christina P, Jeri M, Christina S, The Lighter Side of Life, LLC, Myra G, Penny L, Lily E, Cynthia C, Louise E, Stephanie L, Christine F, Rebecca P, Mueguelita S, Steven S, Emily S, Laurie S, Deana P & Tom G, Don and Margaret A, Ann and John W, Benevity Giving Fund, Cynthia A, Misty C, Heather W., Susie W, Carrie M, Gilleland, MHJElsass, Vicky W, Jean M, Rosie L, Micah H, Sylvia G

Monthly donations, no matter the size, help us know what we can count on each month. Thanks to the following folks who give recurring monthly donations:

Shelly R, Heather W, Marcus L, Diana S, Debbie B, Jennifer K, Debbie M

Because of YOU, we are SAVING MORE THAN DOGS!
Mailing Address:
1711 S Colorado ST., Suite E-204,
Lockhart, Texas 78644
Phone: (833) 341-3523