Once abandoned and malnourished, a puppy named Scrappy is now among the dozens of dogs being given a second chance thanks to a partnership between Jenkins County K 9-1-1 Rescue and CoreCivic's Jenkins Correctional Center in Millen, Georgia.

When rescue teams brought Scrappy to Jenkins, he was placed with a resident who was asked to provide the neglected pup with food, care, training, and love. After just a few weeks, Scrappy was rehabilitated and ready for his second chance at life.

But this partnership hasn't just helped Scrappy. The K 9-1-1 Rescue Program has been in place at Jenkins since October 2021 through the help of Marie Taylor, administrative supervisor at Jenkins.

"My heart has always been in rescue, so I went to my warden, and he approved my pitch to partner with the local shelter to foster and train rescue puppies and dogs," Taylor said. "I saw where a program like this would benefit our community, [residents], and the neglected dogs."

Residents who participate in the program teach dogs basic training, such as learning how to walk on a leash, obedience, crate training and more. This partnership with Jenkins has helped double the adoption rate for the Jenkins County K 9-1-1 Rescue. Additionally, residents who participate in the program are given new perspective and purpose: Dogs require accountability, compassion, responsibility, and unconditional love.

Tyler Underwood, a program participant, shared the impact the dogs have made on him.

"Having an opportunity to work with these dogs that are in desperate need of care opens your eyes to the changes you need to make in your life," Underwood said. "When I think about the impact I've made, I'm reminded of where I was when I came here and how much I've grown since then. I started out thinking I could change the lives of every dog I encountered. As I reflect now, I realize they were the ones changing me."

Jenkins County K 9-1-1 Rescue reports the more than 200 dogs that have graduated from the Jenkins dog program have been adopted locally or sent to rescues across the country where shelters need adoptable dogs, including Scrappy.