New Leash on Life USA

New Leash on Life USA facilitates fresh starts in Delco for justice-impacted individuals and at-risk dogs like Stevie.

At just five months old, Stevie arrived at the shelter as a stray puppy already carrying the weight of trauma in her young life. A cigarette burn on her head told part of the story; her mistrust of people, tendency to keep her distance, and instinct to make herself small told the rest.

Stevie entered our SCI Chester Foster Program, where she was deeply cared for by her incarcerated handlers. She mastered commands like sit, stay, shake, lay down, and leave it, and she loved nothing more than running freely in the yard or playing with other dogs. But trust came slowly, as loud noises and new faces startled her.

With consistency and compassion, small but meaningful changes began to take root. Her handlers noticed both sides of Stevie: the delicate, tender dog and the athletic, joyful pup. "She can steal your heart," one handler shared. "She's loyal once she commits to you."

We knew she needed quiet, stability, and a home where she could finally let her guard down. And then, wonderfully, she got it.

Stevie entered a foster-to-adopt home with a loving family and a gentle giant of a resident dog. Slow introductions, thoughtful routines, and respectful boundaries helped Stevie settle in at her own pace. Gradually, she began exploring her neighborhood, building confidence, and even making new canine friends.

Today, Stevie is exactly where she belongs: surrounded by humans who love her, dogs who respect her boundaries, and a routine that helps her feel safe enough to shine. Her journey is a powerful reminder that healing takes time - and that with patience, advocacy, and the right environment, a fresh start is possible.

Interested in giving at-risk dog a fresh start? See our available dogs and fill out the adoption application here: https://www.newleashonlife.org/adoptable-dogs/

PA Kennel License #12682

About New Leash Programs in Delaware County:
New Leash has two Prison Reentry Program locations in Delaware County: George W. Hill Correctional Facility and SCI Chester. These intensive programs leverage the human-animal bond to facilitate fresh starts for both the incarcerated participants and the rescue dogs. During the pre-release phase, participants attend numerous workshops to prepare for reentry while training and taking care of their rescue dogs 24/7, who are then adopted out in the community. During the post-release phase, participants complete paid internships at community employers; receive individualized case management, transportation, and referrals to other services; and work to secure permanent employment by the end of the program.

The Foster Program at SCI Chester includes incarcerated individuals with extensive experience who can provide 24/7 care and training for the most at-risk dogs. Because of this special program, New Leash is able to act quickly to rescue those dogs in immediate danger of euthanasia, to care for significant medical needs, and to foster our canine graduates until they find the right home. Our staff support these participants with workshops and additional coaching as they make these life-saving opportunities possible.

Across our programs, we work with local shelters to rescue the dogs at highest risk because of medical challenges, minor behavioral issues, breed prejudice, and overcrowding. Our rescue dogs have often experienced abandonment, abuse, neglect, and trauma – and our justice-impacted participants can often relate to that from their own life experiences. Participants have the opportunity to not only create a therapeutic relationship with a dog but also have the confidence-building experience of saving and training an at-risk dog, which translates into additional success with other life and career goals.

About New Leash:

Based in the greater Philadelphia region, New Leash on Life USA is an innovative organization that facilitates fresh starts for justice-impacted individuals and shelter dogs at high risk of euthanasia. Our unique programs are based on animal-assisted therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma-informed practices. Since 2011, New Leash has served 756 justice-impacted individuals and rescued 336 at-risk dogs, and New Leash sees an extremely low one-year recidivism rate of 6.3%.

Learn more and get connected with us! https://newleashonlife.org/