Staff, volunteers and – most importantly – dogs from Polmont Young Offenders Institution’s Paws for Progress initiative are taking part int the Edinburgh Kiltwalk later this month.

Paws for Progress runs the UK's first prison-based rescue dog training Polmont YOI Polmont, helping rescue dogs from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home to develop essential training skills, build confidence, and prepare for being successfully rehomed.

They also provide dog-assisted activities in schools and secure units across Scotland with their team of friendly "Ambassadogs”.

One of those dogs, Penny, will be joining colleagues and other members of Paws for Progress on Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday, September 13.

Paws for Progress ambassadog Penny will be pounding the pavements for this year's Edinburgh Kiltwalk (Picture: Submitted)

placeholder image — Paws for Progress ambassadog Penny will be pounding the pavements for this year's Edinburgh Kiltwalk (Picture: Submitted)

Penny, one of the rescue dogs from Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, took part in the rescue dog training programme at Polmont YOI earlier this year and after capturing the heart of one of the staff members at Paws for Progress, was quickly adopted.

Penny’s paws will soon be pounding the pavements of the Scottish capital for the Kiltwalk’s Wee Wander.

Linzi Tomasulo, Paws for Progress youth practitioner, said: “I fell in love with Penny the moment I met her, and I knew she was meant to come home with me. She is

such a sweet and friendly girl and she loves spending time with young people.

"She is living her best life as a Paws for Progress Ambassadog.”

Many of the young people taking part in the Paws for Progress programme are struggling with their mental health and are facing significant barriers to engaging

with traditional support.

It is hoped through their connection with the dogs, they gain real skills, qualifications, improved wellbeing, and stronger community ties, helping them reintegrate successfully after difficult periods in their lives.

Paws for Progress says the “ripple effect” can go ever further, as the responsible dog ownership skills they gain create lasting benefits long after the programme ends.

Suzanne Ruby, Operations Manager at Paws for Progress, said: “Every step taken and every pound raised on the Kiltwalk will help us continue our life-changing

work, changing lives at both ends of the lead."

Visit the website to donate or get more information.