Unleashed: Keith Erickson’s Journey from Life Sentence to Life of Service through the Healing Power of a Dog
- Daniel Ballesteros
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Keith Erickson’s story is one of radical transformation—an extraordinary journey from a life sentence behind bars to becoming a published author and a man living in service to others. His debut memoir, Unleashed: A Prisoner, A Dog, and the Road to Redemption (released March 9, 2025), offers a deeply moving account of his personal evolution—made possible through an unlikely teacher: a service dog named Delta.
Erickson grew up with a past steeped in trauma, neglect, and violence, leading to incarceration at the age of fourteen. By his early twenties, he was serving five consecutive life terms. But everything began to shift when he joined the New Life K9s prison program at Pleasant Valley State Prison—a nonprofit initiative that pairs incarcerated individuals with service dogs in training for veterans and first responders with PTSD.
In the program, Erickson met Delta, a young Labrador with a calm presence and a big mission. What followed was more than obedience training—it was soul work. Through caring for Delta, Erickson discovered patience, accountability, and above all, the healing power of unconditional love. As he trained Delta to serve someone else, he found himself transformed in the process.
Unleashed is not just a memoir—it’s a mission. Erickson’s story reveals the real, raw, and redemptive power of the human-canine connection. His partnership with Delta became the catalyst for a life devoted to giving back, and his advocacy work now supports prison dog programs across the country.
His story is living proof that it’s never too late for redemption—and that sometimes, the greatest teachers walk on four legs.
"Radical Life Transformation… A man and his dog and their life-changing bond. This is a unique look into the unconditional relationship and bonding of man and dog. Keith is open and vulnerable about his character and life. The healing that is experienced in the relationship is truly life-saving and life-changing. His decision to grow into a new life of service to others changes everything. Saving lives through the healing power of the human-K9 bond is the mission of New Life K9s—training service dogs for veterans and first responders. Keith’s life is also saved by his commitment to a new way of living and serving through training of his dog Delta. Redemption and Transformation at the deepest level is the well-deserved reward for Keith. Raw emotions and insights. WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT!"
- Jack Gould founder of New Life K9s
