Prison paws

Today is the national Work like a dog day!

So in honor of this day, we decided to start a discussion about the fantastic programs for inmates working with dogs.

For example, at the Montana Women’s prison, inmates have an opportunity to train adoptable dogs from local animal rescues and shelters so they will be better pets. The program is called Prison Paws. You can read more about this, and similar programs for inmates in Montana: http://billingsgazette.com/news/opinion/editorial/gazette-opinion/gazette-opinion-community-must-connect-with-prison-inmates/article_f94161fb-5d73-56c5-b137-98a98a50ccd0.html#ixzz39EVL84KB

Another example is in Florida – the DAWGS (Developing Adoptable Dogs With Good Sociability) in Prison program, which is a partnership between the Florida Department of Corrections, the Board of County Commissioners and the St. Joseph Bay Humane Society. It provides inmates the opportunity to work as trainers for the rescued dogs, teaching the animals basic obedience skills and making them adoptable, while learning the skills of compassion, patience, tolerance and teamwork, all of which will aid them in securing employment upon release. You can read more about this: http://www.starfl.com/news/local-news/dawgs-in-prison-graduates-class-34-1.352801

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Photo courtesy: http://www.glavo.net/images-quotes/i-love-my-dog-quotes

Similarly, in Connecticut, at the York Correctional Institution, the Red Dog Project is a program that gets rescue dogs ready for adoption. As many of the dogs rescued from shelters have been abused or neglected, the inmates not only train them, but give them the love they deserve – and as one inmate put it the dogs and inmates “save each other.” The training is therapeutic for both, and for the inmates it’s rewarding to know they are saving a life. You can read more: http://www.correctionsone.com/connecticut/articles/7411371-Conn-rehabilitation-project-saves-dogs-inmates/

Photo courtesy: http://quotes-lover.com/picture-quote/the-best-therapist-has-fur-and-four-legs/

The Department of Corrections also has other animal rescue programs, including the Second Chance Large Animal Rehabilitation Facility, a collaborative effort between the state Department of Agriculture and the DOC that rescues farm animals that have been taken from their owners.

Meanwhile, thanks to North Carolina inmates in Greene County homeless dogs in Lenoir County are given a second chance. The “New Leash on Life” program has been at the Eastern Correctional Institution for nearly a decade; it’s a statewide program where inmates train dogs from local shelters to make them more adoptable. One of the participating inmates echoed what others who participate in similar programs feel – the dog’s success is their own success. And it helps them change – their hope, and their outlook.

Through programs like New Leash on Life, many inmates complete enough work hours to get certificates, and get a chance for employment when released.

And the dogs – they don’t care what inmates are in for, and they don’t judge – they just give love and companionship. Which is what inmates need most!