Canine CellMates

Canine CellMates We are a rehabilitative program, involving felony offenders, in and out of custody, and rescue dogs
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Canine CellMates is a program that we believe will have a large ripple effect on our community. For the dogs that are pulled from Fulton County Animal Control, they will be socialized, trained and adopted into loving homes, when they were facing almost certain euthanasia at the shelter. For the inmate handlers, they are given the opportunity to exhibit responsibility and accountability with measur

able goals to attain. They have the opportunity to experience positive physical contact and unconditional love. They learn skills that may enable them to more successfully re-enter the workplace, and a confidence to do so based on the successes they have experienced in this program. They have the opportunity to interact with people that are outside their normal circle of influence, and learn and grow socially. Through these people, both volunteers and speakers, they are able to expand their dreams to include possibilities they had not conceived of before. This program allows these men to grow into better people— less likely to re-offend, and more likely to become better citizens of our community, better children to their parents, and better parents to their children. Our involvement with the handlers doesn't stop when they get released. If they have given us 100% when they are in the program, we then assist them in their search for jobs and housing, help with furnishings, food and transportation, and continue to support them while they strive to become the men we know they can be.

************ 13 Years of Hope … and Unstoppable Progress ***********This week - June 3rd to be exact - marks 13 years...
06/01/2026

************ 13 Years of Hope … and Unstoppable Progress ***********

This week - June 3rd to be exact - marks 13 years of Canine CellMates!
13 years of of rescue dogs finding homes.

13 years of people discovering strengths they didn't know they had.

13 years of second chances, healing, growth, and transformation.

To celebrate, Loomis Charitable Foundation, a very generous donor who has supported Canine CellMates since 2013, has offered an incredible challenge:
If our supporters donate $13,000 during this campaign, they will contribute $26,000.

That means your gift doesn't just double.
It helps unlock a total impact of three times your donation.

Over the next week, we'll be sharing stories of lives changed—both canine and human—and inviting you to be par

Will you help us celebrate 13 years by making a gift today? Click here to donate: https://mtyc.co/z45pgg

We told you we had a graduation. We shared the smiles, the accomplishments, and the joy of these men and dogs — and you ...
05/29/2026

We told you we had a graduation. We shared the smiles, the accomplishments, and the joy of these men and dogs — and you celebrated right alongside us. ❤️🐶

And now . . . if you’ve been following us for awhile . . . you know what comes next.

A new class of men and dogs will be getting ready to begin their journey together.

But before new dogs can come in, we need room to welcome them. Which means that even in the middle of the happy tears and goodbyes, we need forever homes for the pups who are ready for their next chapter.

And ohhh, do we have some wonderful dogs ready for that chapter.

Dogs who would love a soft bed of their own. Toys that belong just to them. A couch to stretch out on. A person, or a family, to love them completely. Lots of snuggles. Lots of belonging.

These dogs started out in a shelter, carrying all the uncertainty that comes with that. They’ve worked hard, learned so much, and opened their hearts to trust again.

Can the next part of their story be with you? They are waiting.

If you’d like to meet one of these cuties, the process starts with an adoption application at caninecellmates.org

A couple of weeks ago, we had a big event here at Canine CellMates! We celebrated not one, but TWO graduations!Class 10 ...
05/28/2026

A couple of weeks ago, we had a big event here at Canine CellMates!

We celebrated not one, but TWO graduations!

Class 10 wrapped up Phase 1 with flying colors, and Class 8 completed the entire year-long program! What an incredible day it was. Lots of smiles, more than a few tears, and proud faces all around the room!

The dogs amazed us with their progress, and we couldn’t be prouder of the handlers and the dedication they brought to training every single day. A huge shoutout to our trainer Samuel, who helps make all of this possible, along with Rachel who helps us set the tone for the program at the beginning, and wrap it up and put a bow on it at the end.

Here’s a little glimpse of the joy, thanks to the amazing Blair of Pheauxtography for capturing these special moments! 📸

Busy week? Absolutely. Worth it? 100%. 🌟

We had a graduation last week, and we’re still soaking up all the joy that comes with it! We’ll be sharing photos and st...
05/19/2026

We had a graduation last week, and we’re still soaking up all the joy that comes with it! We’ll be sharing photos and stories soon, but first…

We had FOUR dogs graduate with their handlers — and not a single one went home with a new family on graduation day. Whaaattt?! We were just as surprised as you are!

From top left, moving clockwise:

Zazu – our young “pocket Mal.” All the smarts and focus of a Malinois… in a slightly more compact package!

Peppa – American Bulldog mix and possibly the cutest dog on the planet, with the sweetest bubbly personality to match.

Yogi – he may look a little worried in pictures, but he’s got a full-on “yabba dabba doo” spirit. He also wins the award for “most dramatic glow-up” in his class!

Tweety – our 1-year-old Cattle Dog mix, who started out with the attention span of a gnat and finished with an absolutely stellar graduation performance.

Every one of these dogs loves other dogs. Every one of them loves people. And every one of them has obedience training under their belt.

So what’s missing?
Their next chapter. The person or family who will take them home and give them the happy, loved life they deserve.

Could that be you? What are you waiting for?

Start the next chapter here: caninecellmates.org

“Hey, hey, hey! Watch me, I’m smarter than the average bear!” says OUR Yogi.This clever boy has clearly taken notes from...
04/29/2026

“Hey, hey, hey! Watch me, I’m smarter than the average bear!” says OUR Yogi.

This clever boy has clearly taken notes from his famous cartoon counterpart—because if there are snacks involved, Yogi is already three steps ahead of you. Treat bag crinkle? He heard it from across the building. Cookie jar opening? He’s on his way. Picnic basket? Don’t even think about leaving it unattended.

Yogi is equal parts charm, smarts, and snack enthusiast. He’s the kind of dog who will make you laugh daily with his antics, keep you on your toes with his curiosity, and absolutely win you over with those “I definitely deserve another treat” eyes.

The good news? All that food motivation makes him a DREAM to train. Want a dog who’s eager to learn, loves to engage, and thinks you’re the most interesting human on earth (especially if you’re holding snacks)? Yogi is your guy.

The only thing he’s missing is his forever picnic partner.

Adopt Yogi—and bring extra treats. Trust us.

If you think you’ve got enough treats… or a well-stocked picnic basket… to keep this boy satisfied, hop on over to our website, fill out an adoption application, and change both of your lives forever (in the best way).

caninecellmates.org

It’s National SuperHero Day… and we know how you can become one instantly!No cape required.No special powers needed.Just...
04/28/2026

It’s National SuperHero Day… and we know how you can become one instantly!

No cape required.
No special powers needed.
Just one life-changing decision: adopt a rescue dog.

And lucky for you—we’ve already found your sidekick. Meet Bama.

At just 18 months old, Bama had already lived a lifetime most dogs shouldn’t. Likely kept outside, under-socialized, heartworm positive, and after raising two litters… she landed in a shelter with every reason to shut down.

But she didn’t.

Instead, Bama showed up.

Through our Canine CellMates Beyond The Bars program (Class 6 ), and the help of handlers who adored her, she put in the work:
Learned to trust
Built confidence with new people
Mastered her obedience skills
Made friends—human and canine alike

And now? She’s the total package. Sweet, smart, resilient, and so ready for a life that finally matches what she deserves.

The only thing missing?

Her person. Her hero.

She’s been waiting. Longer than she should have. Watching other dogs get chosen. Wondering when it’s her turn.

But … What if it’s you?

Be the reason her story gets the ending it deserves.
Be the one who changes everything.

Because here’s the truth:
You won’t just feel like a hero…
You’ll be one—to her—every single day.

Apply to adopt Bama at caninecellmates.org
Questions? Message us!

Peppa is what happens when joy learns how to have legs.She’s an American Bulldog mix with big bounce energy, a happy hea...
04/27/2026

Peppa is what happens when joy learns how to have legs.

She’s an American Bulldog mix with big bounce energy, a happy heart, a smile that will definitely make you smile back, and just enough calm in her system to occasionally pause and say, “Oh wow… I love you already,” before immediately resuming being simply delightful.

This girl does not enter a room—she arrives. With wiggles. With enthusiasm. With the kind of tail that could probably generate its own wind power project with the big circle wags! She’s the “you looked at me so now I love you forever” type, and she takes that responsibility very seriously.

But here’s the twist: underneath all that happy bounce is a soft, steady sweetness. Once the excitement settles for a moment, she leans in. She melts into you. She reminds you she’s not just fun—she’s yours.

Peppa is 70% joy in motion, 20% affectionate leaner, and 10% calm, soulful eye contact that ruins you in the best way.

She’s looking for someone who doesn’t need quiet perfection—just a little space on the couch and a willingness to be enthusiastically adored.

Peppa likes new friends, with two legs or four.

Peppa, along with her classmates, is located in Atlanta, but available for out-of-state adoption to the right home. She graduates from the program in mid-May, and would love to see her forever family in the audience that day, watching her strut her stuff!

Message us to meet Peppa before someone else realizes they’ve been waiting for her all along — or just go straight to our website and fill out an adoption application - caninecellmates.org

Being a participant in Beyond The Bars is about a lot more than playing with puppies! Our curriculum is designed to help...
04/26/2026

Being a participant in Beyond The Bars is about a lot more than playing with puppies!

Our curriculum is designed to help these men see life differently… respond differently… and ultimately create different outcomes.

In Phase 1, one of the core topics is Conflict Resolution—and not the kind that stays on paper. The kind that shows up in real conversations, real emotions, and real-life moments where walking away, speaking up, or staying calm can feel nearly impossible. Because conflict is part of life. How we handle it? That’s where the real work begins.

During this week-long focus, our friend Kit Cummings joins us to share what he’s learned from years of working inside prisons and bringing rival gang members together. He also provides each participant with a copy of his book, 40 Days of Peace. We are deeply grateful for the time, wisdom, and consistency he pours into the men in our program.

Participants dig into what fuels conflict—triggers, past experiences, pride, fear—and how quickly things can escalate when those go unchecked. But more importantly, they practice something different: pausing, listening, communicating with intention, and choosing a response instead of reacting.

It’s not about avoiding conflict. It’s about learning how to move through it without causing harm—to yourself or others.

Growth doesn’t happen in perfect situations. It happens right in the middle of the hard ones.

Tweety — remember her?? — is a tiny, high-speed chaos sprite in a spotted fur suit.This young (under a year) cattle dog...
04/24/2026

Tweety — remember her?? — is a tiny, high-speed chaos sprite in a spotted fur suit.

This young (under a year) cattle dog mix wakes up ready to go, go, go—with the attention span of a lovable gnat and the energy of ten dogs packed into one. Thoughts? Fleeting. Fun? Tons of it!

She’s smart, curious, and onto the next thing before you’ve even processed the first. Win her over, and you’ve got a joyful, zoomie-fueled sidekick who guarantees life is never boring.

Hobbies: starting things with confidence, inventing her own games, keeping everyone on their toes, and catch-me-if-you-can games with her classmates.

Not focused. Not chill. 100% delightful.

Sound like your kind of chaos? An adoption application can get that first date on the calendar: caninecellmates.org

Tweety — and her Class 10 crew — are ready to meet you!

At Canine CellMates, we believe in the power of getting it right—and celebrating it when we do.Science backs it up, but ...
04/23/2026

At Canine CellMates, we believe in the power of getting it right—and celebrating it when we do.

Science backs it up, but honestly, so does real life: people (and pups) learn best when they’re encouraged, supported, and given room to grow.

That’s why there’s always something new on the chalkboard in our training room. Every day, a fresh quote. A new perspective. A small nudge in the right direction. Because real change isn’t one big moment—it’s a series of small, positive steps stacked over time.

Here are a few of the messages we’ve shared lately with the incredible men in Class 10, since they have been in Phase 1.

Which ones resonates with you the most?

Got a quote that sticks with you? Drop it in the comments or send it our way—we’d love to pass it along.

Address

981 Howell Mill Road, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA
30318

Telephone

+16785282200

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