UnChained

Mission

UnChained fosters empathy, respect, and responsibility in youth through the human-animal bond.

The Big Idea

Through its Canines Teaching Compassion program, UnChained teaches underserved youth to train homeless dogs in basic skills and good manners, helping place the dogs into adoptive homes. The youth develop values of patience, respect and responsibility for themselves and others, through the trust and relationship building with their dogs. Working with dogs who share similar experiences of neglect, abandonment, and abuse enables youth to experience compassion and respect for others, while building confidence and self-worth. As the dogs succeed, youth thrive knowing they have helped find a home for a dog who loves and accepts them unconditionally. UnChained will continue to offer and expand its services to youth and dogs around the Central Coast.

With seven years of youth trainer graduates, UnChained also reinvests in its youth, offering vocational training and community service opportunities. In 2019, UnChained will increase these opportunities and add scholarships for its youth graduates.

I never thought I could be patient or a leader but now, here I am, giving myself and the dogs a new opportunity.

- Nate