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Williamson County recognizes jail‑shelter 'Leashing Hope' program after state volunteer award
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Summary
Commissioners honored the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter for winning a governor's Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award for its 'Leashing Hope' program, which pairs incarcerated veterans with shelter dogs; staff described the program, its benefits and current scale (about nine dogs, 18 handlers).
The Williamson County Commissioners Court recognized the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter for receiving the Governor's Criminal Justice Volunteer Service Award for the 'Leashing Hope' program, an initiative that pairs incarcerated veterans with shelter dogs for training and reentry support.
Misty Valenta, the shelter's behavioral services director, described the program's model: veterans act as handlers to train dogs using positive reinforcement while building life skills that support reentry. Program participants and shelter staff described benefits for both people and animals; one participant said the program offered a second chance and improved his patience and responsibility. County staff noted the shelter was an early adopter of the program and that other jurisdictions are seeking to replicate the model.
Commissioners praised the partnership between the shelter and correctional partners, asked logistics questions (current caseload reported as nine dogs with 18 handlers), and approved recognition of the program and award by voice vote, 5‑0.
