Prison Program Transforms Lives of Rescue Dogs and Inmates

Tucumcari dog trainer and animal rescue group partner with Northeastern New Mexico Correctional Facility to train rescue dogs for adoption.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 12:00am

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a bright blue dog chew toy against a neon pink background, conceptually representing the joy and energy of the prison dog training program.A vibrant celebration of the unique dog training program that is transforming lives at a New Mexico correctional facility.Clayton Today

A dog training program at the Northeastern New Mexico Correctional Facility is giving rescue dogs a second chance and providing inmates with valuable life skills. Overseen by Tucumcari dog trainer Emily Priddy and Paws and Claws Animal Rescue founder Kathi McClelland, the program pairs rescue dogs with inmates who serve as trainers and handlers. Over several weeks, the dogs learn basic commands and good manners, making them more adoptable. In return, the dogs provide the inmates with constant companionship and attention, helping to teach patience, impulse control, and unconditional love.

Why it matters

The dog training program at the Northeastern New Mexico Correctional Facility is a unique partnership that benefits both the rescue dogs and the inmates. It helps prepare the dogs for adoption while also providing the inmates with important life skills and emotional support. In a region with limited animal rescue resources, the program is a creative solution to finding homes for rescue dogs while also positively impacting the lives of the incarcerated.

The details

Since August 2024, Priddy and McClelland have overseen the dog training program at the Northeastern New Mexico Correctional Facility. Inmates who apply and are accepted to the program work one-on-one with the rescue dogs, teaching them basic commands and good manners over several weeks. The dogs live with their inmate handlers 24/7, receiving constant attention and care. To graduate, the dogs must pass a rigorous test demonstrating their training. The program has faced challenges finding permanent homes for the 'prison-trained' dogs, but McClelland hopes that the training will make the dogs more appealing to potential adopters.

  • The program began in August 2024 with the first 10 dogs.
  • Priddy and McClelland originally made the 117-mile drive to the facility every weekend, but now only go twice a month as the inmates have become more experienced.

The players

Emily Priddy

A Tucumcari dog trainer who oversees the dog training program at the Northeastern New Mexico Correctional Facility.

Kathi McClelland

The founder and director of Paws and Claws Animal Rescue of Quay County, who partnered with Priddy to establish the dog training program at the correctional facility.

Jinnah Bates

A Tucumcari resident who adopted a 'prison-trained' dog named Lefty from the program.

Honey

A mixed-breed dog adopted by Priddy from the program, who is being trained as a therapy dog to help students with anxiety in Priddy's classroom.

Jenny

A 2-year-old border collie currently available for adoption after graduating from the dog training program.

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What they’re saying

“Prison is the perfect place.”

— Emily Priddy, Dog Trainer

“Those guys fell for the dogs hook, line, and sinker.”

— Kathi McClelland, Founder, Paws and Claws Animal Rescue

“It's been really fun to watch. The guys have to learn patience. It teaches impulse control, patience, unconditional love. They learn troubleshooting. They learn to observe ... to consider someone else's needs. They will go to hell and back for these dogs.”

— Emily Priddy, Dog Trainer

“Taking in a dog that was already trained 'makes all the difference.”

— Jinnah Bates, Adopter

“Every time we leave, we say it was another good day at prison.”

— Kathi McClelland, Founder, Paws and Claws Animal Rescue

What’s next

The program organizers hope to continue expanding the dog training program and finding more adopters for the 'prison-trained' rescue dogs.

The takeaway

The dog training program at the Northeastern New Mexico Correctional Facility is a unique and impactful partnership that transforms the lives of both rescue dogs and inmates, providing the dogs with a second chance at adoption and the inmates with valuable life skills and emotional support.