Friday, April 17, 2026 |
Photo – 100th Graduate of Cage to Save Benny and his handler – Courtesy Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter
The Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter celebrated the 100th graduate of the Cage to Save program.
On Wednesday, April 15th, Benny, a young adult Labrador retriever mix, graduated from the Cage to Save program.
Created in 2023, the program is a partnership between the City of Rawlins and the Wyoming Department of Corrections. Under the initiative, inmates at the Wyoming State Penitentiary put shelter dogs through a nine‑week training course.
Rawlins Police Lieutenant Daria Hooper, who oversees the Rochelle Animal Shelter, explained that the dogs learn basic obedience, socialization, and manners to help them pass the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test, making them more likely to find new homes.
The dogs live in the prison housing units with their inmate handlers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ensuring constant socialization and a consistent routine. Inmates must be in medium‑security custody or lower, have exceptional behavioral records, and complete specialized training in dog behavior, positive‑reinforcement techniques, and the AKC Canine Good Citizen curriculum to participate in the program. Openings are in high demand among inmates hoping to become handlers.
Lieutenant Daria Hooper said the Cage to Save program’s 100th graduate, Benny, is ready to be adopted.
Along with Benny, the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter is home to six other dogs, including McLovin, another graduate of the Cage to Save Program. Lieutenant Hooper said the older dog is very affectionate.
The Rochelle Animal Shelter has partnered with the City of Cheyenne to move some of the shelter’s longer‑stay dogs to the capitol city in an effort to get them adopted. Black Dog Rescue, also based in Cheyenne, has taken in the Rawlins shelter’s cats.
To meet an animal, volunteer, or drop off donations, visit the Rawlins Rochelle Animal Shelter at 2711 East Murray Street Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m., or call 328‑4534 to schedule an appointment. All adoptable animals are posted on the shelter’s Facebook page and on Petfinder.com. Adoption fees are $35 for cats and $50 for dogs.
Lieutenant Hooper said both the Department of Corrections and the City of Rawlins are satisfied with the Cage to Save Program and intend to continue the partnership into the future.
