05/31/2026
🐶💡 Sunday Spotlight! 🐶💡
This week, we wanted to shine a spotlight on one of our Paws on the Block handlers and trainers, Aaron!
For those unfamiliar with the program, Paws on the Block is a collaborative foster and training program between Foothill Dog Rescue and Folsom State Prison. Dogs selected for the program live alongside a dedicated team of incarcerated handlers who provide daily care, training, socialization, enrichment, and structure while helping prepare them for successful lives in adoptive homes.
Aaron shared that one of the things he appreciates most about the program is that it helps dogs build trust, confidence, and self-control without breaking their spirit or changing who they are at their core.
He also believes the impact extends far beyond the dogs themselves.
“Regardless of who we are, we all bond over the dogs.”
Aaron explained that the dogs have a unique ability to bring people together. Staff, administration, and the incarcerated population all become invested in the dogs’ journeys, celebrate their successes, and rally around them during challenges. In many ways, the dogs help build community and create connections that might not otherwise exist.
Aaron has been part of the program since August 2024 and previously participated in Paws for Life K9 Rescue’s program at California State Prison, Lancaster. He shared that he has been able to take what he learned there and apply it here at Paws on the Block (POB), continuing his passion for helping dogs learn, grow, and find loving forever homes.
When asked what inspired him to join the program, Aaron’s answer was simple: the opportunity to help save the lives of shelter dogs, provide them with love, care, and training, and help them find happy and loving forever homes.
For Aaron, Paws on the Block is about more than dog training. It’s about purpose, growth, teamwork, and second chances.
One lesson life has taught him is to treat others the way you want to be treated and never burn bridges. He says what motivates him each day is his desire to make amends, show up for the dogs, support his teammates, and make his mom proud. The impact he hopes to leave on others is one rooted in kindness, fairness, and setting a good example.
Aaron believes deeply in second chances.
“Nobody is perfect. We all make mistakes. People can change, and many of us strive every day to be better people and give back to our communities.”
One of his favorite parts of the program is getting to know each dog’s unique personality and watching the moment training begins to click.
“We really get to know our dogs and pick up on their cues. I love seeing those huge breakthroughs when something finally clicks for them.”
And it’s safe to say each one of the POB dogs has touched his heart.
When asked if there were any dogs he particularly missed, Aaron immediately thought of Maggie and Freeya.
“I loved, and miss, cuddling with Maggie and Freeya.”
Moments like these serve as a reminder that the relationships formed within the program extend far beyond training plans and obedience cues. These dogs become companions, teachers, sources of comfort, and often leave pawprints on hearts long after they’ve moved on to their forever homes.
Paws on the Block isn’t rooted in perfection, it’s rooted in real life. It’s built on showing up, doing the work, supporting one another, and continuing to grow, one day at a time.
When asked what Paws on the Block means to him in one word, his answer was simple:
“Love and/or Te Amo.”
One of Aaron’s favorite memories from the program happened during a huge rainstorm when Max had an accident in his kennel. The handlers sprang into action, affectionately dubbing themselves “The Pit Crew.” While some cleaned the tier, others scrubbed the kennel in the rain and gave Max a bath. By the end, everyone was soaked, cold, and exhausted, but Aaron says the teamwork, pride, and appreciation they felt for one another made it one of the most memorable moments he’s experienced in the program.
Outside of the dogs, Aaron enjoys animals, music, movies, astronomy, sports, history, and culinary arts. He earned his Eagle Scout Award, played basketball on the Navy and Marine Corps basketball team in college, and hopes to one day attend law school, become a lawyer, travel internationally, help make the world a better place, and someday become a girl dad.
🐾 A Few Fun Facts About Aaron:
⚡ If he could have any movie sidekick, he’d choose Harry Potter!
🦃 If he could invent a dog treat flavor, it would be Thanksgiving Dinner, complete with layers of green bean casserole, candied yams, mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
🎸 If the Paws on the Block dogs formed a band, Aaron says Winter would be the lead singer, Rusty would play bass, Logan would be on guitar, and Banjo would be behind the drums. Their sound? Somewhere between Paramore, No Doubt, and The Pretenders.
💬 If the dogs had a group chat, Aaron thinks it would be called “Paws and Reflect,” “Unleashed and Unsupervised,” or “The Snuggle Squad.”
And perhaps the quote that best captures Aaron’s connection to the program:
“The difference that the dogs have made in my life is immense. Honestly, the dogs love me more than I love myself most of the time.”
Thank you, Aaron, for your dedication, compassion, humor, and commitment to both the dogs and your fellow handlers. We are grateful to have you as part of Paws on the Block and proud of the impact you’re making on both ends of the leash! ❤️🐾
