DOGS HELPING WOUNDED VETS

Broward ~ Palm Beach MAY 23, 2007
NEW TIMES
Edmund Newton

When Sister Pauline Quinn heard that Central Bark Doggy Day Care, the upscale doggy “daycare” and grooming outfit, was offering a summer program for dogs and their owners at its Wisconsin location, she asked to come check it out. Sitting around a campfire, she explained how she had been abused as a child; now she ran away only to get caught and bounced among various juvenile institutions; how she stopped talking to people entirely and lived as a mute. It wasn’t until she adopted a German Shepherd named Joni that she felt safe; the dog helped her heal and, eventually, conversed with people again.
“I learned unconditional love from her,” Quinn said. “She became the bridge to meet other people and start to talk. People would come up and say, “Oh, what a beautiful dog!” Not to mention an intimidating dog. “She gave me more power,” Quinn says. “People are a little afraid of German Shepherds. Everyone would treat me with respect. It was really interesting how that worked and how the dog could help build self-esteem.”
Many years and a few dogs later, Quinn became a nun. In 1981, she developed the prison Pet Partnership Program. She rescues animals from shelters, brings them to prisons, helps prisoners train them, and then matches each dog with handicapped person who needs assistance.
“I want to give inmates an opportunity to give back to society,” Quinn says. (For more about Quinn, get the movie Within These Walls, in which Laura Dern plays the now-64-year old sister. So “people know me as a tall, blond, thin lady,” Quinn quips. “I was happy about that!”)
Now, Chris Gaba, co-founder of Central Bark and proprietor of its Fort Lauderdale location, is implementing Quinn’s program – with a twist. Influenced by Central Bark volunteer Lt. Col Connie Christensen, a retired Army nurse who told him how dogs have helped serve in every major military conflict since the Civil War, Gaba launched Dog Bless America – a campaign to buy bulletproof vets and cooling blankets for 300 military dogs working with American forces in the Middle East.
As an extension of that, Gaba’s now helping the Prison Pet program match dogs with veterans coming back from Iraq. Monetary donations for the dog food and equipment are the biggest need – it takes 15 months and $12,000 to house and train each animal. Other than that, Gaba says, they’re just trying to find Iraq vets who would best benefit from the program. “we have two dogs ready to go.” For more about Dog Bless America, see www.centralbarkusa.com

CELL MATES

Cell Mates

A Ray of Hope in a World of Regret
the win-win nature of prison-pet partnerships

November 2007 issue

By Katie Marsico

For inmates in America’s prison system, it’s easy to regard time served as a punishment instead of a porthole for positive and productive change. Hardened criminals can become even harsher and more hopeless as they struggle to adapt to an environment that is often devoid of empathy and healthy interactions. Men and women who prove exceptions to this rule typically undergo a life-changing experience while behind bars, and for some, such an episode may involve a four-legged catalyst. Prison-pet partnerships are gaining recognition as opportunities for incarcerated people to practice constructive, compassionate behavior while aiding creatures who are similarly in need of a second chance.

An Inspiration for Inmates

“Like it or not,” says Sarah Stevens, “many prisoners will one day re-enter the general populace. What they learn about themselves and the skills they develop in a program like ours can ultimately translate into more caring and productive people.” Stevens is the president of Mixed Up Mutts, Inc., a nonprofit animal-welfare organization based out of LaPorte, Indiana. She is also one of the founders of Prison Tails, which operates in conjunction with a correctional facility in nearby Westville. This program partners dogs that would otherwise face euthanasia in shelters with inmates who instruct them in basic obedience through repetition and positive reinforcement. Two prescreened prisoners are matched with a single animal 24 hours a day for eight weeks, at which point the dogs are, ideally, considered improved candidates for adoption.Similar programs exist throughout the country, though several involve inmates preparing dogs for careers as service animals to the disabled or even working on agility training. While the majority of prison-pet partnerships feature canines, a handful deal with cats and horses, and nearly all include animals that were previously homeless, unwanted, or part of the shelter system. According to Stevens, the powerful influence such creatures have on prisoners is remarkable.“The program works because offenders can identify with the plight of the shelter dog that has been discarded and warehoused for his mistakes. Feeling love for and from the animals is also often a surprising and emotional experience for the [inmates], who shed tears when their ‘bunky’ for the last eight weeks leaves for his new home. By caring for the dog’s every need, prisoners discover their capacity for responsible, patient, and affectionate behavior.” Gayle Woods, executive director of the Second Chance Prison Canine Program (SCPCP), concurs. Based out of Tucson, the SCPCP connects inmates at two correctional facilities in Florence, Arizona, with shelter dogs. These teams then tackle curriculums ranging from puppy training to basic obedience to cultivating specialized skills related to serving the disabled. As Woods explains, the fact that prisoners are effectively aiding both the animals and society is inevitably linked to their personal transformation. “We worked with one inmate who essentially said to us, ‘I am at a point…where I feel like I need to give back to society because I took someone’s life. I can’t undo what I have done, but maybe if I can give back, something good can come out of it.’”

Improving the Lives of People and Animals

Sister Pauline Quinn’s extensive experience with prison-pet programs dates back to 1981 and has given her reason to attest to the enormous good that does indeed result from their existence. She operates the Pathways to Hope Prison Dog Project, which has started prison-pet partnerships that stretch from Maine to California and in between. Program regimens vary, depending in part on what the dogs are being specifically instructed to do. On the whole, however, inmates are encouraged to interact with animals as much as possible, from feeding to potty walks to belly rubs. Quinn emphasizes that the canines in question receive exceptional care.“All the dogs are socialized and loved. They have regular checkups, are fed well, and are given the opportunity to play. They sense that they’re regarded as special, and I believe that adds to their lives.” In many prison-pet partnerships, dogs spend the duration of training—which typically lasts anywhere from six weeks to a year—residing within the prison system, frequently sharing living space with inmates in their cells. Other correctional facilities feature a special dormitory area set aside for participants, while some prisons house animals in kennels or cooperate with animal-welfare groups to routinely transport dogs from off-site locations. Volunteers generally take future service dogs for trips outside prison grounds regularly to familiarize them with everyday settings where they’ll eventually be expected to assist disabled people. Apart from saving the lives of unwanted animals, the majority of prison-pet partnerships aim to provide training that primes dogs for a fulfilling existence once they complete instruction. “A dog leaves the program more mature and better able to understand the expectations of his human housemates,” Stevens says. “This in turn allows a pet to more easily adapt to a new adoptive family.” But as win-win as the aforesaid scenario sounds, prison-pet partnerships aren’t for just anyone. Most programs include careful selection and subsequent supervision by both prison staff and animal-welfare volunteers. Dogs that are overly aggressive often don’t qualify for involvement, as is also sometimes the case for offenders convicted of animal abuse or inmates who demonstrate unsatisfactory behavior behind bars. Those prisoners deemed eligible are usually expected to undergo a rigorous screening and interview process, followed by subsequent training sessions that prepare them for their roles as temporary guardians. Such measures are necessary to ensure that prison-pet partnerships provide the greatest possible benefit to both participants and the larger communities that incarcerated men and women will eventually rejoin.

Contributing to the Community

“It’s critical to keep in mind that society also reaps several rewards from these programs,” Woods says. “In some cases, the disabled receive highly trained service dogs at no cost, allowing them greater independence at home and within the workplace. In other scenarios, the general public has the opportunity to adopt well-mannered pets. And the overall community is positively influenced by a pre-release program that helps prepare prisoners to function as productive citizens.” Some inmates who serve their time are so motivated by their experiences with pet-prison partnerships that they sign on as volunteers even after they re-enter mainstream society. Yet for those men and women who remain behind bars after their canine companions venture forth to new guardians, it goes without saying that their efforts nonetheless leave indelible marks on people’s lives. Woods cites the sentiments expressed by the disabled recipient of an SCPCP dog named Chance: “Chance provides unconditional love, laughter, and a sense of security. He gives me so much more than assistance—having him by my side at work is like getting paid to hang out with my best friend. I’m extremely grateful for…the volunteers and the devoted inmates who have worked and continue to work so hard with these special dogs.” More Information:

Pathways to Hope Prison Dog Project PathwaysToHope.org

TWO MILLION PEOPLE IN PRISON

OVER TWO MILLION PEOPLE IN THE US PRISONS IN 2005 WITH THE NUMBERS GOING UP. HOW CAN WE STOP THIS? WILL YOUR CHILD END UP IN PRISON? IF YOU DON'T TRY AND DO SOMETHING, THEY COULD. TEACH BY EXAMPLE. THE WELL-BEING OF A CHILD IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN ALL THE THINGS IN THE WORLD YOU COULD HAVE. CLICK HERE

On December 31, 2005 --
-- 2,193,798 prisoners were held in Federal or State prisons or in local jails -- an increase of 2.7% from yearend 2004, less than the average annual growth of 3.3% since yearend 1995.
-- there were an estimated 491 prison inmates per 100,000 U.S. residents -- up from 411 at yearend 1995.
-- the number of women under the jurisdiction of State or Federal prison authorities increased 2.6% from yearend 2004, reaching 107,518 and the number of men rose 1.9%, totaling 1,418,406.

At yearend 2005 there were 3,145 black male sentenced prison inmates per 100,000 black males in the United States, compared to 1,244 Hispanic male inmates per 100,000 Hispanic males and 471 white male inmates per 100,000 white males.In 2003 there were an estimated 650,400 State prisoners serving time for a violent offense. State prisons also held an estimated 262,000 property offenders and 250,900 drug offenders.

OUR THROW AWAY SOCIETY ~ START A PRISON DOG PROGRAM AND SAVE UNWANTED DOGS

WHEN WE DON'T HAVE USE FOR SOMETHING ANY MORE, WE JUST THROW IT AWAY ~
http://www.recyclenow.com/what_more_can_i_do/the_bigger_picture/throw_away_the.html
http://www.dailybruin.ucla.edu/archives/id/14496/

http://alexandriadailyphoto.wordpress.com/2006/09/22/throw-away-society/

The sad facts are, each and every year people just throw their dogs away like last seasons fashions. We see hundreds of thousands of dogs arrive at animal rescue shelters, because their owners are no longer able or prepared to take the necessary steps to take care of them.
Statistics say that approximately 25 percent are unwanted presents, another 25 percent have behavioral problems and the rest are given up for domestic or other reasons.
Here's the top 10 reasons why pooches end up in the dog house.
1. The breed was that year's MUST HAVE accessory, a little bit of Paris Hilton syndrome or the 101 Dalmatians fad.
2. I just couldn't resist him in the shop window, so little, cute and fluffy - but he didn't stay that way for long.
3. Due to lack of training, the dog became aggressive, destructive and totally uncontrollable.
4. Dog was purchased on impulse. Buy first think later, usually being pressured by children then realising the level of COMMITMENT required.
5. The dog was left alone for long periods consequently barking and upsetting the neighbours and becoming aggressive, destructive and uncontrollable.
6. Old age and no longer being able to physically cope with the demands of dog ownership.
7. Let's face it owning a dog is not cheap nowadays - feeding, veterinary treatments, worming, boarding cost when your on holidays can really stretch the purse strings.
8. Seperations of couples and no one wants the dog.
9. When young families have a new arrival and the responsibility and expense become too much. 10. Owners move to a new apartment with a no pet rule.
In all fairness there are valid reasons that people have when having to part with their dogs but the trend that seems to be shining through is that people have to realise when purchasing a dog is a responibility thats on going. Its not like buying lip gloss, if you don't like it you can change it or throw it away.
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DOG RECOVERING AFTER BEING DOUND IN GARBAGE BAG ALONGSIDE HIGHWAY

The Associated Press

CAMPBELLSPORT — A poodle mix named Benji is recovering after being found tied in a garbage bag and dumped in a roadside ditch.

Capt. Dean Will of the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department said Thursday that a bicyclist riding in the Lake Bernice area Monday night noticed the bag and saw it was moving, so he stopped, opened it up and found the little white dog.Jean North, a receptionist at Wright Veterinary Service, said Benji was malnourished when he was brought in, and he couldn’t see.“His eyes were matted shut,” she said.But he was given food and a haircut and has been doing well, except that he still has trouble walking, she said.If the dog isn’t adopted out, it could become an office dog, North said.The sheriff’s department so far has no leads on who dumped the dog, Will said Friday.“We’re just glad it’s alive,” he said. “How an individual could do that to an animal is really hard to accept.”

PRISON DOGS ~ THE ODD COUPLE

Reni, the Doberman who was donated by the Mikadobe Kennels to be a service dog, is a beautiful female whose father is an international champion in Argentina. Reni's mother is also a champion.

Nicky, the black and white Papillon was also donated to Pathways To Hope by a kennel in New York and also comes from show dogs.

Nicky spent six months at the Indiana State Prison for Woman and Reni has visited a number of prisons. Being a champion is not about how they look, or gait around the ring... but they are champions because of their friendly, fun spirit, giving something to help others.

FINDING HOPE IN UNEXPECTED PLACES

Finding hope in unexpected places
My cellmate and I are helping others


By Charles Huckelbury For the Monitor
June 17. 2007 10:00AM

Living in a prison cell is always a battle with clutter, but my cell is a bit more crowded than usual these days since Joey moved in. No, Joey isn't your typical slug who doesn't know how to do time. He's a Labrador retriever, just shy of two years old, smarter than most of the guys I hang around with, and still full of puppy mischief in ways I would love to describe if I could be sure his trainers weren't reading this.
But there's much more to Joey than cute, something I discovered when I was fortunate enough to be among the men selected to participate in Pathways to Hope, a national program conceived by Sister Pauline Quinn and implemented here at the state prison to train service dogs for people with specific disabilities.
After careful vetting by the administration, those of us who made the cut as handlers underwent an introduction to Dog Training 101, courtesy of Gail Fisher and her staff at All Dogs Gym and Inn in Manchester. Dogs had been my constant companions before I came to prison, but the type of training Gail introduced opened my eyes to possibilities I had never considered.

Our primary job was to teach the dogs basic commands (e.g. sit, stay, down, come) and socialize them in order to prepare them for the more intensive and precise training they would need to undergo prior to being assigned to particular clients. Along the way, we also taught them other things that were
fun for us and the dogs, things like retrieving specific objects from a collection, turning lights on and off, and removing items of clothing.

Joey was ahead of the curve when it came to removing clothing. Unfortunately, before he perfected his technique, removing my jacket, for example, also resulted in numerous surprises: First he removed my jacket's cuffs, then the collar. Imagine a 75-pound animal working like crazy because he knows he'll get a treat at the end of the exercise, and you'll have some idea of how that must have looked.

Gail and her staff regularly check our progress. They assign us additional tasks to teach the dogs, since it quickly became obvious that they were smart enough to accomplish their original goals in spite of our own limitations in training techniques. Their progress has been amazing, because they are incredibly smart.

A year and a half into the program the dogs are getting ready to graduate and leave for their specific training, which will naturally create a huge hole until we have three more to continue the process. But the consolation, of course, is the knowledge that they will be going to someone who needs them far more than we do. For example, for every soldier killed in Iraq, at least eight more are wounded, many critically. What greater service could these dogs provide than helping those men and women who have given so much for the rest of us?
It is impossible to convey what being a part of this program has meant for us in here. In an environment that ridicules affection, where claims of loyalty are only lip service to expediency, and where the only beauty is found in a three-hour visit with my wife twice weekly, Joey has added a dimension to my life that I never would have expected.

I came to prison when I was 27. I am now 61. By traditional standards, I would hardly be described as lucky, and yet I am. Never have I smiled or laughed more than since Joey has come to live with me. Never have I felt such satisfaction in being able to do something worthwhile. And never have I felt such a sense of accomplishment than when looking into those soulful eyes - even when I know he's hustling me for an extra treat.

Pathways to Hope is thus the most appropriate name of this program. While I probably don't share a common religious faith with the people Joey will eventually help, we do share a common hope for a brighter future. And it will be brighter in no small measure because this program makes it possible for us to give what we can to make another person's life more rewarding.

If Joey can help one wounded soldier walk again, If he can help one blind person navigate the streets and shops in Concord safely, all of us will be better for the experience.

By allowing us to be a part of something much bigger than prison, Pathways to Hope therefore defines us in terms of our potential as human beings and not as mere statistics or, worse, the last bad thing we did. I can't make yesterday better, but because of this astonishing program, with Joey's help, I can improve someone else's tomorrow.

(Charles Huckelbury is serving a murder sentence at the state prison.)

------ End of article
By CHARLES HUCKELBURY
For the Monitor

California Institution for Women ~ PRISON PUP PROGRAM

PLEASE HELP THIS PROGRAM. THEY ARE DOING A WONDERFUL JOB IN HELPING PRISONERS CHANGE THEIR LIVES AS WELL AS HELPING UNWANTED DOGS AND DOGS THAT ARE DONATED TO THE PROGRAM. PLEASE DONATE

New Hampshire Prison Dog Program

New Hampshire Prison Dog Program is where inmates are training dogs to assist the handicapped under the leadership of Gail Fisher at All Dogs Gym. I helped to start this program and it is important to me. It is a program where the inmates are learning how to become 'other' centered, giving back to society and to help the handicapped. PLEASE DONATE TO THEM DIRECTLY.. All Dogs Gym 505 Sheffield Road. Manchester, NH 03103. It will help them very much as they are doing a good job helping the inmates learn how to train dogs for the handicapped and doing other projects to help them turn their lives around.

NEWSLETTER CHICK HERE