Joan K. Dalton

Despite a thriving teaching career, Joan felt compelled to make an even more profound difference — one that would reach boys in juvenile corrections. This calling led her to the role of school administrator at Oregon's strictest juvenile corrections facility. The author faced daily challenges that would test any educator's resolve: a student body composed of boys who had often faced trauma, neglect, and trouble with the law; a staff balancing security with compassion; and an institution under scrutiny from policymakers and advocates.

It was in this challenging environment that the author began to explore an idea: the transformative power of the human-animal bond. Intrigued by emerging research on the psychological and behavioral effects of animal-assisted interventions, the author sought out experts and scholars in the field. Through these connections, the author realized that animals, especially dogs, could play a critical role in helping troubled boys develop responsibility, patience, and compassion for all life.

The author launched an on-site program pairing boys in the corrections facility with hard-to-place shelter dogs awaiting adoption.

The author continues to speak and write about the human-animal bond, advocating for policies and practices that recognize the healing potential of animals.

In 2020, the author was honored as Oregon's Remarkable Woman by Nexstar Media Group, Inc.

Second Chances should be required reading for criminologists, legislators, the judiciary, and custodial staff.