Joys of Living Assistance Dogs (JLAD) is hosting a graduation and passing of the leash at the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI). 

Eight assistance dogs will be graduating from the JLAD program at EOCI and given to veterans with disabilities to assist them in their daily lives. 

Adults in custody provide the training to the service dogs at the prison.

The event will include a demonstration of the dogs training and abilities. 

The graduation will be held at the Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution 2500 Westgate Pendleton, OR 97801 on October 2, 2023. Check in time: 11:00 AM. Graduation ceremony 12:00 – 2:45 PM.

RSVP to Christopher Scarr at Christopher.A.Scarr@doc.oregon.gov by September 26, 2023. A background check is required for access into the facility. A list of equipment, tripods, batteries, microphone, cameras, etc. is required.

The Joys of Living Assistance Dogs is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to raising and training assistance dogs and placing them in positions of service.

JLAD’s mission is to provide skilled, devoted service dogs to support and assist persons living with disabilities - creating cohesive teams focused on building a life of greater freedom and independence.

Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution (EOCI) was authorized in 1983 by the 62nd Legislative Assembly as the first medium-security adult male correctional facility established outside Marion County. Until its conversion to a prison, EOCI had been a state mental hospital, with most of the buildings originally constructed in 1912-13. The first adults in custody were received on June 24, 1985. The 1682-bed facility is Pendleton´s fourth largest employer. Department of Corrections: Welcome Page: State of Oregon.  

For more information on the Joys of Living Assistance Dogs program visit www.joydogs.org