Muddy Paws Gives Women With Criminal Backgrounds New Skills

A dog grooming nonprofit in Tulsa is taking care of more than just your furry friends.

It also has a program that helps women with criminal backgrounds learn new skills and get jobs.

Groomers at Muddy Paws say this program has helped them get their lives back. 

These groomers spend their days giving dogs a fresh new look. But what you don't see is the dogs helping the groomers get their own fresh start.

"We train ladies with a criminal background how to do dog grooming," said Debbie Davis.

Davis is the Executive Director of Muddy Paws. She says the program has helped more than 300 women graduate and get jobs in the community.

“We started doing that because so many women were going back into prison, and they didn't have a livable wage," Davis said.

One of their graduates is Kristen Suarez.

She used to be a drug addict and was in prison for five years, but now she's helping other women get a new chance at life.

"The saying is 'where you get to where you're going, turn around and help her too. There was once a time not long ago where she was you,' and that really resonates with me because I've been in their shoes," said Suarez.

Suarez is the grooming instructor and works side by side with these women, not just with the dogs but in life, too.

"I just want to see them succeed and guide them along the way. Teach them everything I can and cheer them on and watch them be blessed because they bless me every day," she said.

Another graduate, Shelby Moses, has worked at the salon for four years. She's thankful for the opportunity because it's changed her life.

"It helped me get my driver's license back,” she said. “It's helped me establish stability for my family."

"It's the best feeling in the world to just be a part of somebody's life being changed and watching them go out and live their best life because they've worked so hard for it," Suarez said.