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From Jail to Joy: Vanessa’s Healing Journey with Warrior Paws
- Nicole Ferry
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
By Nicole Ferry
When you meet Vanessa, you’d never guess the road she’s walked. Her story is one of struggle, redemption, and the deep, healing bond between humans and dogs. She radiates both warmth and grit. And every Wednesday, she volunteers at Rucker Dog Training—not because she has to, but because something in her refuses to stay away.
The Lowest Point
Vanessa first discovered service dogs while incarcerated at Forsyth County Jail. She entered the Pups with a Purpose program, part of the jail’s Residential Substance Abuse Treatment initiative.
That’s where she met Cash (my own service dog) and Joe (the now-famous bat dog) when they were still clumsy puppies just beginning their training.
What began as a court-mandated program turned into something life-changing.
“When I first looked into Tyr’s eyes, I knew, in that moment, God loved me and I wasn’t alone. A dog gave me purpose to wake up every day while I was at the lowest point of my life.”
Training Twelve Dogs—and Herself
Over her time in the program, Vanessa helped raise and train more than twelve service dogs. She remembers each one by name. She even recalls the day Joe made his grand entrance into the jail as a puppy, trotting in front of the Sheriff and officials like he owned the place.
The days were long—full of feeding, grooming, and training—but the bonds she built with those dogs would outlast bars and courtrooms.
The Leash That Changed Everything
The moment that shifted her life forever?
The day she walked out of jail with a leash in her hand.
One of the dogs she had trained—Winnie—couldn’t be adopted out. To Vanessa’s surprise, Winnie was released alongside her.
“Winnie walked out of jail with me. I needed that leash in my hand. I knew it was going to be okay.”
Wednesdays at Warrior Paws
Today, Vanessa still shows up every Wednesday to help train Joe and other service dogs for Warrior Paws. She greets veterans, encourages new handlers, and supports the dogs she once helped raise.
Her bond with Joe is unshakable. Each week, he greets her like an old friend—tail wagging, eyes bright.
“Being in that room every Wednesday—it’s like AA but with dogs. It’s community, accountability, and healing.”
Before jail, she’d never volunteered. Now, she can’t imagine her life without it.
Why She Keeps Coming Back
Even on her lunch breaks from work, she runs to the training center just to see Joe.
“I don’t know who he’s going to end up with, but I know he’s going to bring joy to the person who needs him.”
Her advice for anyone considering volunteering?
“Bring hand sanitizer—and know that you’ll be back. You can’t walk away from this. It stays with you.”
More Than a Program
Vanessa’s journey is living proof of what Warrior Paws is all about—helping people find purpose, healing, and community through service dogs. She’s not just giving back—she’s proof that transformation is possible. That healing happens in connection. That every dog trained here carries the weight of a thousand stories—and sometimes, one powerful second chance.
💙 Want to Support More Stories Like Vanessa’s?
Volunteer: Join Us in Training & Events
📸 Stay tuned for photos of Vanessa, Joe, and the rest of the Warrior Paws crew.
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