As the Field Instructor for a national non-profit agency that trains Assistance Dogs, I received a call from CCA-Davis Correctional Facility in Holdenville, Oklahoma.  They requested help setting up an Assistance Dog training program. After meeting with them, we decided a better service to the community would be taking dogs from shelters and rescue groups that were passed over by adopters, give basic manners training to help them be more adoptable.  This program was started in October, 2004.  I gathered donated equipment and supplies, selected dogs from Pets & People rescue group and began teaching weekly classes to the prisoners and dogs in December, 2004.

Since the prison does not provide any funding for programs, we realized the need to form a 501(c)3 non-profit for donations. Michelle Traw and Carol Brown were recruited to complete a Board of Directors and “A New Leash On Life, Inc.” was born.  In June, 2005, the national agency decided to change their contract with Field Instructors and I made the decision to not sign.  Their policy is to not be active in a state without a Field Instructor, so until they can recruit another one, they will not be active in Oklahoma.  The volunteers and Puppy Raisers were anxious to continue their contribution to the Assistance Dog area so we expanded “A New Leash On Life, Inc.” to include Assistance Dogs.

Michelle Traw’s experience and passion is a high level of Therapy Dog work; working with therapists on goal-oriented therapy, using dogs for motivation.  In 2008, we added the Therapy Dog program.

These three programs all focus on helping people.  Through dog training, helping people live more independently, develop confidence in themselves and increasing their abilities.

Barbara Lewis
President and CEO