A unique program in San Juan County is using rescued dogs to turn around the lives of young people on the wrong path. The program was recently recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties.
But does it work? Juvenile services employee Bowen Belt says it does. He says program participants are far less likely to return to prison than the general population. “One, we can train that animal to be adopted. And two, teaching, the kids we have here along the way some things about themselves and some life lessons,” he said.