Our Day at Animal Care of Davis County
At our program, we believe that healing comes in many forms—sometimes it’s a difficult conversation, and sometimes it’s a leash in hand and a trail ahead. This week, a group of our students and staff visited Animal Care of Davis County to deliver donations and spend time with their resident dogs. What began as a simple service project evolved into a profound experience for everyone involved.
Meeting the Need: Donations and Service
Our arrival was met with wagging tails and warm welcomes. We started the day by dropping off essential supplies, including blankets and various pet supplies
that the shelter relies on to keep their animals comfortable. After checking in at the front desk, the excitement built as the guys were invited to pick out dogs to take for a walk.
The selection process was a highlight for the students. Isidore, one of our students, specifically had his heart set on a large dog and was thrilled when he was matched with a perfect hiking partner. With the shelter located near a beautiful trailhead, we were able to take the dogs on a short hike in the fresh air.
The Therapeutic Power of Nature and Animals
There is a unique, grounding energy that comes from walking a dog in nature. The simple act of caring for another living being provides a sense of purpose and calm that is hard to replicate in a classroom or clinical setting. The feedback from our students was immediate and moving:
- “It was exactly what I needed,” one student shared afterward. “I didn’t realize how much I needed that, but getting out in nature with those dogs grounded me and calmed me.”
- Isidore was so impacted by the experience that he expressed a desire to return as a regular volunteer after he graduates from our program.
A Shared Mission: Doing the Right Thing
We found a deep sense of alignment between our mission and that of Animal Care of Davis County. As a leading adoption organization and a “no-suffer” facility, they are fundamentally committed to doing the right thing for every animal in their care. This mirrors our own philosophy: as an organization that helps men struggling in life, we are dedicated to always acting in the best interests of our students, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve as they heal.
The shelter operates on a model of prevention and collaboration. They focus on crucial medical needs—providing microchips, spay/neuter services, and essential vaccines—to ensure long-term health and safety. We see a direct parallel here in how we help our guys with “life preventative” measures. Many of the men in our program have neglected their own needs during past destructive chapters of their lives. We step in to help them secure driver’s licenses and identity documents, and we facilitate medical and dental care that has often been ignored for years. Just as the shelter collaborates with other organizations to provide the best services for their animals, we partner with local organizations to ensure our people have a comprehensive, expert support network as they rebuild their lives.
JVA SERVICE PROJECTS
Looking Forward
This service project was more than just a day away from the facility; it was a reminder of the empathy and strength our students possess. We are incredibly grateful to Animal Care of Davis County for the work they do and for allowing us to be a small part of it. This experience was such a hit that we are already looking forward to our next visit!
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