From Monterey County Probation and CPOC Staff.

SALINAS, Calif., – March 6, 2026 - Through a special partnership between the Monterey County Probation Department and UnChained, a new four-legged resident has joined the community at Juvenile Hall. Gigi, a lovable and eager-to-learn dog, now lives onsite where she is being cared for and trained by youth participating in the Canines Teaching Compassion Program.

This innovative partnership brings together rescue dogs and justice-involved youth in a structured, supportive environment designed to benefit both. While Gigi prepares for her eventual adoption into a loving home in the community, youth trainers live and work with her each day – helping to socialize her and teach the foundational skills she will need to thrive with a future family. Through daily routines that include feeding, grooming, exercise, and training using positive reinforcement, youth play a direct role in preparing Gigi for her own “re-entry” into a permanent home.

For the Monterey County Probation Department, programs like this reflect a broader commitment to rehabilitation, growth, and opportunity for the youth in its care.

The Canines Teaching Compassion Program provides hands-on experiences that foster responsibility, empathy, communication, and emotional regulation – skills that can help youth succeed both during their time in custody and beyond.

At the same time, Gigi benefits from a stable and nurturing environment where she can safely learn and grow. Surrounded by dedicated youth trainers and supportive staff, she receives consistent care and positive training that will help set her up for success when she is adopted into her forever home.

The impact of this partnership is especially meaningful for justice-involved youth, many of whom have experienced trauma, instability, or disrupted relationships. Interacting with a dog like Gigi, whose only goal is to offer companionship, acceptance, and affection, can provide comfort and connection in a challenging environment. Her presence helps reduce the stress and emotional toll often associated with detention, separation from family, and crisis.

Caring for Gigi also creates opportunities for youth to rebuild trust. By learning to care for another living being, they practice patience, consistency, and compassion. The program’s humane, positive training techniques model non-punitive approaches to problem-solving, reinforcing the idea that encouragement, understanding, and persistence can lead to positive outcomes.

As Gigi continues her training journey, she leaves a lasting impact on the youth who work with her each day. In return, those youth gain valuable life skills, meaningful connections, and a reminder that compassion and responsibility can help shape brighter futures.

Through partnerships like this, the Monterey County Probation Department continues to create innovative opportunities for youth to learn, heal, and grow. 

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