COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A local program that assists abandoned, homeless or unwanted animals by placing them in qualified, suitable, and approved foster or permanent homes got a wonderful Christmas gift this week.
Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan received a $50,000 check from the Petco Foundation’s “Holiday Wish Grant” program.
In 2008, the RPSM Correctional Companion Program began. In a partnership with the Coldwater Prison Complex, RPSM endeavors to find homes for dogs in shelters that would otherwise be euthanized.
Dogs selected for the Companion Program are carefully screened for temperament, trainability, and adoptability. They are fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered prior to enrollment in the program.Once the dogs arrive at the complex, they are assigned to specially trained inmates who are responsible for their training and day to day care. Upon completion of the program, the dogs are ready to receive a canine good citizen certificate (CGC) and available for adoption into an approved home.
RPSM says it is in desperate need of short-term Foster Homes. Saving the lives of rescued dogs depends on their available housing. All cost of the dogs while they are housed in Foster Homes is paid for by RPSM. More information and an application for Foster Homes is available on their website.


