PRISON DOG RENI ~ HELPS MANY PEOPLE

A wonderful dog named Reni was given to the Pathways To Hope prison dog project by a breeder of Dobermans named Doris Molin at Mikadobe Kennels in Georgia. Reni grew up to be a beautiful dog, taking after her father a famous Doberman from Argentina named Inaqui. Pictures of Inaqui and the Black Shadow Kennels in Argentina CLICK HERE.. AND the Mikadobe Kennels CHICK HERE

RENI

Reni playing with the prison dogs at Cumberland

Federal Prison in Maryland

Reni at a Florida prison walking with the Warden

Reni at the California Youth Authority prison



Reni at the California Institution for Men

Reni with her boy friend Nicky

Reni at the California Institution for Women

Reni visiting a school for special needs children

Reni and her friend Nicky.. and guess who is the boss?
Reni and her friend Nicky

Prison Dog Programs
Rebecca L. Rhoades

Sentence for Salvation

Behind the walls of correctional institutions, inmates find a renewed sense of purpose through working with injured and rescued animals.

In our nation’s correctional system, more than one million men, women and young adults are living their lives in confinement. They’re there for a variety of reasons—anger, drug abuse, robbery, murder—but in time, most will get a chance at a better future. Meanwhile, 15 million prisoners of a different sort are facing a possible death sentence. They’re animals with whom we share our world—dogs, cats, horses and even wildlife. They’ve committed no crime, but they will be punished unless someone steps forward and gives them a second chance at life.

Both groups face isolation and rejection, but when their paths merge, they often give each other hope, as one prisoner becomes the salvation of the other.

Death Row Dogs

At the Ashland County (OH) Humane Society, Taffy is just days away from euthanasia. The young blue heeler/beagle mix needs obedience training and socialization, and his luck is running out.

A few days later, Taffy is relaxing in the cell of Eric Roberson, an inmate at the Mansfield Correctional Institution, a maximum security prison in Ohio. Taffy and Roberson are one of almost 30 inmate/shelter dog pairs participating in the Tender Loving Dog Care program at Mansfield. The program provides the inmates with the opportunity to train and socialize otherwise doomed dogs, who are then adopted into good homes.

Roberson, who is serving 24 years for a 1992 murder conviction, has been in the program since Jesse Williams, deputy warden, special services, introduced it in 1998. He’s given a new life to 22 dogs; an additional 200 have also been saved.

“These dogs didn’t fit into society or they failed to meet the standards of somebody out there,” says Roberson. “They’re just like us. By working with the dogs, we’re giving them a chance to get back to a life that some of us might never see.”

Once matched with a dog, the inmates are fully responsible for the dog’s care: feeding, grooming, housebreaking, obedience training. After a few months of round-the-clock care, the dogs are ready for adoption. And according to Williams, there’s a waiting list “a mile long” of families waiting to adopt one of these special dogs.

Soon Taffy, like the other Mansfield dogs once sentenced to die, will find a new home. That time often comes too soon for the men who train and bond with them. “It’s like saying goodbye to your best friend,” says Roberson.

Where the Wild Things Are

In Marysville, OH, Sharon Young is serving time for aggravated murder. Once an angry woman, she had little compassion for other beings. “Ten years ago, you wouldn’t have wanted me near your pets,” she says. Now she is responsible for almost 400 animals each year.
On any given day at the Ohio Reformatory for Women, the basement of the housing unit is filled with injured or orphaned wild birds, squirrels, opossums, ducks and rabbits. Citizens rescue the animals and give them to the Ohio Wildlife Center (OWC), a private rescue organization that, in turn, sends them to the ORW to recover.

In 1994, Sue Anderson, a longtime volunteer at the OWC, was overwhelmed by the work of caring for the 4,000 sick, injured and orphaned animals who came through the center each year. When a friend who worked in the Ohio prison system suggested a partnership, Anderson jumped at the opportunity.

Inmates in the program are trained by Anderson to care for the various animals, and with the help of detailed guidebooks, they provide 24-hour nursing care. The women have to learn about the proper diet for each animal, which can include hand-feeding mealworms to birds, and such difficult techniques as tube-feeding baby opossums. As program aide, Young oversees all of the program’s activities, from documenting the intake and release of each animal to monitoring feeding schedules and keeping health records.

Once recovered, the animals are returned to the wild. “Our goal is to get as many animals healthy and back into their natural habitats as we can,” says Young. “It’s difficult to see them go, but it makes you feel proud to know that you’ve done something good and really miraculous.”

Recently, OWC expanded its program into the Marion (OH) Correctional Institution, a men’s facility.

On the Right Track

It’s tempting to wonder if the lives of the men and women who participate in animal welfare programs behind bars would have been different if they’d had such opportunities during their youth. Monique Koehler, founder of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF), believes the answer is yes.

In 1994, Koehler helped launch a program at the Charles H. Hickey School in Baltimore, MD, a residential institution for young men ages 12 to 20 that pairs troubled students with retired thoroughbreds. The Hickey program is modeled on one that TRF started at Wallkill (NY) State Correctional Institution in 1983. “We need to seize the opportunity to let the animals help these kids find something good in the world,” says Koehler.

“When I came here, I had an anger problem,” says Samuel H., age 16. “Working with the horses has really helped me out. It’s given me a good perspective on animals, on how to treat them properly.” For Allen R., also 16, the program offers something to look forward to each day. “You really want to get out there and work. I’d never been around an adult horse before. I like working with them.”

As part of the Hickey School’s only “living” classroom, the students are responsible for all aspects of care for the farm’s 29 horses. They feed them, groom them, exercise them, tend to their injuries and study their physiology. “A lot of the horses come from the racetracks,” says farm manager Andre Wheeler. “Some are in great shape, some are in poor condition, some are maybe a week or two away from dying when we get them. It’s the care of these young men that helps turn these horses around.”

Similar programs are in place at the Blackburn Correctional Complex in Lexington, KY, and at Marion County Correctional Institution in Ocala, FL.

Big-House Hounds

Each year, more than 24,000 greyhounds are retired from the racing circuit, according to the National Greyhound Association. Some are adopted as pets through rescue groups, but many more are euthanized. In Kansas, a lucky few go to prison.
About one year ago, Rich Booher, a corrections counselor at Ellsworth Correctional Facility, saw a local news report about racing greyhounds who were going to be euthanized. Since the inmates at Ellsworth were already training assistance dogs for Canine Assistance Rehabilitation Education and Services, Booher suggested fostering greyhounds and training them for adoption.

“There was a need,” says Booher. “We’re always looking for ways for our inmates to give back to society, and thousands of greyhounds are put down every year.” So Booher contacted Deborah Sanford of TLC Greyhound Adoption, and soon greyhounds were frolicking with inmates in the recreation yard and sleeping in cells. Each hound has a primary and a secondary handler, who teach the dog house manners and basic obedience. Most hounds leave the program after six to eight weeks knowing how to walk nicely on a lead and respond to commands such as sit, stay, down and come.

Almost immediately, other facilities within the Kansas Department of Corrections were inquiring about fostering greyhounds, and the program quickly spread to the Hutchinson and El Dorado facilities. Currently, some 30 greyhounds are being cared for in the Kansas system.

“We’re able to accomplish a great deal with the dogs because we’re with them 24 hours a day,” says Booher. “If you have that much time to devote to an animal, there’s a lot of reinforcement, and they learn very rapidly.”

Recently the Hutchinson facility expanded its animal welfare programs to include gentling and socializing wild horses in conjunction with the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) National Wild Horse and Burro Program. “BLM has quite an effort going on to adopt out these horses,” says Sam Cline, deputy warden. “But they’re usually difficult to adopt because they haven’t had much training. We’re working with the horses to make it easier and safer to place them with somebody in the public.”

Since summer 2000, participating inmates have worked diligently at building barns and stables, fencing in paddocks, laying rock to create roadways and hauling supplies and equipment. In March 2001, Hutchinson received its first shipment of 100 horses.
“We’re saving horses and changing men,” says Cline. “That capsulizes what we’re trying to do.”

New Leash on Life

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) in Phoenix, AZ, offers a variety of often-controversial programs designed to rehabilitate its inmates—tent communities, chain gangs, pink underwear—but in May 2000, Sheriff Joe Arpaio decided to open one of his jails to help rehabilitate some of the silent victims.

With space at local shelters at a premium, the sheriff’s office needed to find additional housing for the animals seized by its Animal Cruelty Investigation Unit. The 30-year-old First Avenue Jail, no longer used to house inmates due to plumbing problems, provided a solution.

Known as the MCSO Animal Safe Hospice (MASH), the facility houses dogs, cats, ducks and other animals until their cases have been adjudicated and they’re able to be adopted out to the public. Each dog has a private cell, while the cats live communally in one of the day rooms. So far, about 90 animals have been through the MASH program.

Caring for the animals are women who are serving their time in the tent cities. For 12-hour shifts, the inmates work with the animals, tending wounds and illnesses, cleaning cages, teaching basic obedience commands and helping them overcome fear and aggression.

“It gives the women a sense of accomplishment when they can help an animal overcome his problems,” says section commander Sgt. Dave Williams. “At the same time, the animal is helping them overcome their problems.” One inmate was asked how she felt about living in a tent while the animals live in air-conditioned quarters. “They didn’t do anything wrong,” she replied. “I did.”

After the case is adjudicated and the animals have recovered from their injuries, they are spayed or neutered and put up for adoption. MASH is a no-kill shelter, and all of the animals remain in the care of the inmates until they can be placed in suitable homes.

As animal welfare programs continue to grow within the U.S. system of corrections, there are those who believe that such programs place the animals in danger and shouldn’t exist. But the benefits far outweigh any potential, and to date unfounded, negative effects. “Correctional institutions provide an ideal environment to change [animal] behavior,” says Stephanie LaFarge, Ph.D., director of ASPCA counseling services. “The animal doesn’t feel like he’s in jail…just the opposite. What we think of as a negative environment, the animal thinks is wonderful.

“Animal advocates need to support these programs,” LaFarge continues. “They’re helping animals who are otherwise relatively undesirable, and giving them a good chance at a new and better life.”

As testament to the rehabilitative properties of such programs, more and more correctional institutions are realizing what Jesse Williams of Mansfield has known all along—that these programs not only provide training and socialization for the animals, but also for the prisoners.

“Anything that’s good is hard to keep to yourself,” says Williams. “But these programs do a lot of good things, not only for the animals and for the inmates, but for the communities as a whole.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tender Loving Dog Care Adoptions~ Mansfield Correctional Institution P.O. Box 788, Mansfield, OH 44901(419) 525-4455, ext. 2010

Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation

PMB 351450 Shrewsbury PlazaShrewsbury, NJ 07702-4332www.trfinc.org

TLC Greyhound Adoption 323 2400 Avenue, Solomon, KS 67480(785) 655-2208www.tlcgreyhoundadoption.com

Maricopa County Sheriff's OfficeAnimal Safe Hospice(602) 256-1923www.mcso.org

Ohio Wildlife Center 2661 Billingsley Rd.Columbus, OH 43235www.ohiowildlifecenter.org

Female prisoners in Gatesville train dogs to work with disabled vets

CLICK HERE

STATE OF OHIO PRISON DOG PROGRAM

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Community Service - Dog Program


Address
770 West Broad StreetColumbus, Ohio 43222
Phone
614-752-1091

Many institutions participate in Inmate Community Service Dog Programs, including training and caring for puppies and dogs for programs that assist persons who are physically and/or visually impaired.

Allen Correctional Institution

Program
Pets Educated to Survive (PETS)
Description
Trains and socializes abandoned or surrendered animals through Angels for Animals Rescue League. Dogs receive basic obedience training which will hopefully make them more adoptable when returned to the rescue.
Adoption Through
Angels for Animals
Cost
$125 and includes spay/neuter, vaccines, microchipping, 45 days free pet insurance.
Partner Contact
Sandee Laing (419) 339-9408 or angelsforanimals@gmail.com
Web Address
http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?animal=&breed=&age=&size=&specialNeeds=&declawedPets=&children=&status=&id=&internal=&contact=&name=&shelterid=OH211&sort=&preview=1
Prison Contact
Vern Bill Pugsley (419) 224-8000 or vern.pugsley@odrc.state.oh.us
Adoption Through

Belmont Correctional Institution

Program
Golden Endings
Description
Rescues neglected, abused, and abandoned dogs and provides obedience training.
Adoption Through
Golden Endings Rescue League
Cost
$75 to $200 includes spay and all shots.
Partner Contact
Marsha Sines (740) 859-2255
Web Address
http://www.goldenendings.org/
Prison Contact
Sandra Presley at 740-695-5169, Ext. 3903 or Sandra.Presley@odrc.state.oh.us
* * * * * * * * * *

Program
Save a Puppy
Description
Rescues neglected, abused, and abandoned dogs and provides obedience training.
Adoption Through
Belmont County Animal Rescue League
Cost
$85 application approval.
Partner Contact
Belmont County Animal Rescue League (740) 695-4798
Web Address
http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi?action=1&pet.Animal=Dog&pet.Breed=&pet.Age=&pet.Size=&pet.Sex=&location=43950&preview=1&scope=2&x=21&y=9
Prison Contact
Shane at 740-695-5169, Ext. 3400 or mailto:Sandra.Presley@odrc.state.oh.us
* * * * * * * * * *

Program
Love at First Sight Rescue League
Description
Provides obedience training for greyhounds.
Adoption Through
Love at First Sight Rescue League
Cost
$250
Partner Contact
Barbara Dorsey: (330) 637-5228 or lafs@yahoo.com
Prison Contact
Sandra Presley at 740-695-5169, Ext. 3903 or Sandra.Presley@odrc.state.oh.us [Back to top]

Chillicothe Correctional Institution

Program (1)
Airedale Terrier Rescue and Adoption (ATRA) Inc.
Description
Trains rescued animal shelter dogs in basic obedience.
Adoption
Through ATRA
Cost
$300 to $400 purebred rescue online adoption only.
Web Address
http://www.aire-rescue.com/
Prison Contact
Jaime (740) 774-7080, Ext. 2136 or Jaime.glandon@odrc.state.oh.us
* * * * * * * * * *

Program
Purebred Rescue Organization
Description
Trains rescued animal shelter dogs in basic obedience.
Adoption
Through Purebred Rescue Organization
Cost
Application available online. Adoption Cost $200
Partner Contact
Purebred Rescue Organization (866) 841-9137, Ext. 1233
Web Address
www.purebredrescueorganization.com/
Prison Contact
Jaime (740) 774-7080, Ext. 2136 or Jaime.glandon@odrc.state.oh.us
* * * * * * * * * *

Program
Zanesville Animal Shelter Society
Description
Trains rescued animal shelter dogs in basic obedience.
Adoption Through
Zanesville Animal Shelter Society
Cost
$150
Partner Contact
Becky Kelson (740) 452-1077
Web Address
http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?animal=Dog&breed=&age=&size=&specialNeeds=&declawedPets=&children=&status=&id=&internal=&contact=&name=&shelterid=OH181&sort=pet.Identifier&preview=1
Prison Contact
Jaime (740) 774-7080, Ext. 2136 or Jaime.glandon@odrc.state.oh.uss

Correctional Medical Center

Program
Eskies Behind Bars
Description
Houses Eskimos, full and mixed breed for Tender Loving Canine Rescue to assist in successful adoptions.
Adoption Through
Tender Loving Canine Rescue
Cost
$100 to $300 includes spay and current shots and vaccinations.
Partner Contact
Don and Tracie Cobb (614) 519-5705
Web Address
http://www.tlcrescue.com/
Prison Contact
Denise Larson (614) 445-5960, Ext. 2701 ormailto:denise.larson@ODRC.state.oh.us

Corrections Reception Center

Program
Golden Endings Golden Retriever Rescue
Description
Trains dogs in obedience for family adoptions
Adoption Through
Golden Endings
Cost
$200
Partner Contact
Kay Hirsch (614) 488-4966
Web Address
http://www.goldenendings.org/
Prison Contact
Dianna Prater or Michelle McCollister (614) 877-2441, Ext. 7323 or mailto:dianna.prater@odrc.state.oh.usmichelle.mccollister@odrc.state.oh.us
* * * * * * * * * *

Program
Buckeye Border Collie Rescue
Description
Trains dogs in obedience for family adoptions.
Adoption Through
Buckeye Border Collie Rescue - $200
Cost
$200
Partner Contact
Wanda Heyman (419) 447-8095
Web Address
www.buckeyebcrescue.org/index.html
Prison Contact
Dianna Prater or Michelle McCollister (614) 877-2441, Ext. 7323 or mailto:dianna.prater@odrc.state.oh.usmichelle.mccollister@odrc.state.oh.us
* * * * * * * * * *

Program
Citizens for Humane Action
Description
Trains dogs in obedience for family adoptions.
Adoption Through
Citizens for Humane Action
Cost
$90
Partner Contact
Shuralee Laidley (614) 891-5280
Web Address
http://www.chaanimalshelter.org/
Prison Contact
Dianna Prater or Michelle McCollister (614) 877-2441, Ext. 7323 or mailto:dianna.prater@odrc.state.oh.us michelle.mccollister@odrc.state.oh.us
* * * * * * * * * *

Program
Fairfield Area Humane Society
Description
Trains dogs in obedience for family adoptions
Adoption Through
Fairfield Area Humane Society
Cost
$90
Partner Contact
Bree Lambert (740) 687-0627
Web Address
http://www.fairhumane.org/
Prison Contact
Dianna Prater or Michelle McCollister (614) 877-2441, Ext. 7323 or mailto:dianna.prater@odrc.state.oh.usmichelle.mccollister@odrc.state.oh.us

Dayton Correctional Institution

Program
Team Greyhound of Ohio Inc.
Description
Trains retired greyhounds for family adoption.
Adoption Through
Team Greyhound of Ohio Inc.
Cost
Adoption fee $200; $100 non-refundable
Partner Contact
Pam Voss(877) 842 6446 or nettienvanilla@yahoo.com
Web Address
http://www.teamgreyhound.com/
Prison Contact
Virgil 263-0058, Ext. 3217 or mailto:Virgil.Oattes@odrc.state.oh.us

Franklin Pre-Release Center

Program
Pilot Dogs, Inc.
Description
Puppies are trained to assist the hearing and/or visually impaired. They learn socialization and basic commands.
Adoption Through
Please contact Pilot Dogs, Inc., 625 West Town Street, Columbus, OH 43215
Cost
$75
Partner Contact
Toni Gray (614) 449-2136
Prison Contact
Ann Hawke (614) 445-8600, ext. 2256 or mailto:Ann.Hawke@odrc.state.oh.us?subject=Pilot

Grafton Correctional Institution

Program
Love-A-Pup
Description
Trains dogs in obedience for family adoptions.
Adoption Through
Lorain County Animal Protection League (APL)
Cost
$70 includes spay, first set of shots, worming, and veterinarian exam.
Partner Contact
Denise Willis (440) 322-4321
Web Address
http://www.friendshipapl.org/ or http://www.petfinder.com/
Prison Contact
Venessa Shepherd (440)748-1161, Ext. 392 or mailto:Venessa.Shepherd@odrc.state.oh.us

Hocking Correctional Facility

Program
Avalon Animal Rescue
Description
Trains dogs in obedience for family adoptions.
Adoption Through
Avalon Animal Rescue
Cost
$130; all adoptions require a home visit and a vet reference.
Partner Contact
Carol Lambert (740) 448-7339 or acramer@frognet.net
Web Address
www.petfinder.org/shelters/OH261.html
Prison Contact
Anne Richardson, (740) 753-1917 Ext. 251
* * * * * * * * * *

Program
Canine Companions for Independence
Description
Trains dogs in obedience training for family adoptions.
Adoption Through
Canine Companions for Independence. To apply for a Canine Companion, call 1-800-572-2275.
Cost
Assistance dogs $100. Release dogs (those that did not meet program criteria) no cost. However, donations accepted.
Partner Contact
Suzanne Sliclen (800) 572-2275, 740- 548-4447(Voice/TTY), or mailto:ssliclen@cci.org
Web Address
http://www.caninecompanions.org/
Prison Contact
William ) 753-1917, Ext. 225 or mailto:William.Hanna@odrc.state.oh.us[

Lake Erie Correctional Institution

Program
Pound Puppy
Description
Trains dogs in obedience training for family adoptions
Adoption Through
Animal Protection League (APL).
Cost
Adoption fee $100
Prison Contact
Shannon Otto at (440) 599-5000, Ext. 5551, or mailto:Shannon.otto@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Ashtabula County Animal Protective League, Peggy Taylor at (440)224-1222
Web Address
http://www.petfinder.com/ [

Lebanon Correctional Institution

Program
Description
Train dogs for service work (i.e. handicap, nursing homes, etc) and basic obedience for adoption to private homes.
Adoption
Through Circle Tail, Inc.
Cost
$95.00 and up, depending on the level of training of the dog.
Prison Contact
Sharon James at (513) 932-1211, or Sharon.James@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Circle Tail, Inc. Marlys Staley, 513-877-3325, e-mail mailto:Marlys@circletail.org
Web Address
http://www.circletail.org/

London Correctional Institution

Program
Circle Tail, Inc.
Description
Train dogs for service work (i.e. handicap, nursing homes, etc) and basic obedience for adoption to private homes.
Adoption Through
Circle Tail, Inc.
Cost
$95.00 and up, depending on the level of training of the dog.
Prison Contact
Sonja Holcomb, Birch Unit, at (740) 852-245, Ext. 4210
Partner Contact
Circle Tail, Inc. Marlys Staley, 513-877-3325, e-mail Marlys@circletail.org
Web Address
http://www.circletail.org/
* * * * * * * * * *

Program
Pure Bred Rescue (P.R.O.)
Description
Trains dogs in obedience training for family adoptions
Adoption Through
Pure Bred Rescue (P.R.O.), Lori Blackburn, P.O. Box 88, Bellbrook, Ohio 45305
Cost
$200 - $250
Prison Contact
Sonja Holcomb, Birch Unit, at (740) 852-2454 Ext. 4210
Partner Contact
Lori Blackburn at (866) 841-9137
Web Address
http://www.purebredrescueorganization.com/

Lorain Correctional Institution

Program
Team Greyhound of Ohio Inc.
Description
Trains retired greyhounds for family adoption
Adoption Through
Team Greyhound of Ohio Inc.
Cost
Adoption fee $200, $100 non-refundable
Prison Contact
Roberta Winkle, at (440) 748-1040
Partner Contact
Team Greyhound Adoption of Ohio, Pam Voss at (877) 842 6446 or nettienvanilla@yahoo.com
Web Address
http://www.teamgreyhound.com/

Madison Correctional Institution

Program
Fresh Start Program
Description
Foster and train abandoned dogs for family adoption
Adoption Through
Madison County Humane Society
Cost
$90 adoption fee, $12 license fee, includes spay or neuter, one-year rabies, and current shots and vaccinations
Prison Contact(s)
Mike Reger at (740) 8852-9777, Ext. 2479, or Michael.reger@odrc.state.oh.us or Christa Hackworth at 740) 885-9777, Ext. 2672, or mailto:christa.Hackworth@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Fresh Start, Madison County Humane Society
Web Address
http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?animal=&breed=&age=&size=&specialNeeds=&declawedPets=&children=&status=&id=&internal=&contact=&name=&shelterid=OH36&sort=pet.Identifier&preview=1

Mansfield Correctional Institution

Program (1)
Tender Loving Dog Care (TLDC)
Description
Foster and train abandoned dogs for family adoption
Adoption Through
Ashland County Humane Society
Cost
$125
Prison Contact
Roma Paulsen at (419) 526-2000, Ext. 2023, or mailto:Roma.Paulsen@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Ashland County Humane Society, Brenda Kaufman at (419) 289-0122
Web Address
http://www.petfinder.com/
* * * * * * * * * *

Program
Team Greyhound
Description
Foster and train retired greyhounds for family adoption
Adoption Through
Cost
$200 application fee, $100 non-refundable. Older dogs, $125.
Prison Contact
Roma Paulsen at (419) 526-2000, Ext. 2023, or mailto:Roma.Paulsen@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Team Greyhound Adoptions of Ohio
Web Address
http://www.teamgreyhound.com/

Marion Correctional Institution

Program
Pound Puppies
Description
Foster and train abandoned dogs for family adoption
Adoption Through
Marion Correctional Institution
Cost
$100
Prison Contact
Chris Needham at (740) 382-5781, or Christine.Needham@odrc.state.oh.us
Web Address
http://www.petfinder.com/
Partner Contact
Zanesville Animal Shelter
* * * * * * * * * *

Program
Animal Shelter Society
Description
Foster and train abandoned dogs for family adoption
Adoption Through
Humane Society and Zanesville Animal Shelter via Marion Correctional Institution
Cost
$100
Prison Contact
Chris Needham at (740) 382-5781, or Christine.Needham@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Through institution
Web Address
http://www.petfinder.com/

Montgomery Education and Pre-Release Center

Program
Pilot Dog
Description
Trains dog for the visually and hearing impaired
Adoption Through
Pilot Dogs, Inc., 550 Stimmel Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43223
Cost
Donation fee of $75.00
Prison Contact
Cedric Tolbert, MEPRC Recreation Director, P.O. Box 17399, Dayton, Ohio 45417, (937) 262-9853, Ext. 2254. or mailto:Cedric.Tolbert@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Pilot Dogs, Inc.,Laura Schott, (614) 449-2136
Web Address
http://www.petfinder.com/

Noble Correctional Institution
Program
Cell Dogs
Description
Foster and train abandoned dogs for family adoption
Adoption Through
County partners Muskingum, Guernsey, Monroe, Tuscarawas and Perry
Cost
$35 adoption fee, includes shots, food and other essentials
Prison Contact
Margaret Mace at (740) 732-5188, Ext. 3822; or Michelle Richards at (740) 732-5188, Ext.3912
Partner Contact
Muskingum county, The Animal Shelter Society Inc, Betty at (740) 452-1077; Guernsey County, Pound Partners, Barb McDonald at (740) 439-5505 or Birgit Jackson at (740) 260-2536, or birgit@core.com; Monroe County, Alicia at (740) 934-2740; Tuscarawas county (n/a), and Perry County Tom Altier at (740) 342-2642.
Web Address
http://www.petfinders.com/

North Central Correctional Institution

Program
Pilot Dog
Description
Trains dog for the visually and hearing impaired
Adoption Through
Pilot Dogs, Inc., 550 Stimmel Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43223
Cost
Donation fee of $75.00
Prison Contact
Marth Jerew at (740)387-7040, Ext. 2170, or Marth.Jerew@odrc.state.oh.us; or Theresa Jolliff at (740) 387-7040, or mailto:Theresa.Jolliff@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Pilot Dogs, Inc.,Laura Schott, (614) 449-2136
Web Address
http://www.petfinder.com/

North Coast Correctional Treatment Facility

Program
Pound Puppy Programs
Description
Adoption Through
Lorain County SPCA
Cost
Varies
Prison Contact
Erin (440) 748-5000, Ext. 2025; or Ehoak@mtctrains.com
Partner Contact
Lorain County SPCA, Sherre Manfull, (440) 748-3818
Web Address
http://www.petfinder.com/[Back to top]
Northeast Pre-Release Center
Program (1)
Lake County Humane Society
Description
Foster, domesticate, and nurse back to health, abandoned and or abused cats, kittens, dogs, or puppies for family adoption.
Adoption Through
Lake County Humane Society
Cost
Kittens under 6 months, $95; puppies, $125; over 6 months to 6 years, kittens $65, dogs $85.75; more than 6 years, kittens, $50, puppies, $65.75.
Prison Contact
Susan za at (216) 771-6460, Ext. 2603, or mailto:Susan.Sapienza@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Contact the institution
Web Address
http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?animal=&breed=&age=&size=&specialNeeds=&declawedPets=&children=&status=&id=&internal=&contact=&name=&shelterid=MN185&sort=&preview=1
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Program
Safety for Animals and Families in Emergencies (SAFE)
Description
Foster and train abandoned dogs for family adoption
Adoption Through
SAFE
Cost
Will accept donations
Prison Contact
Susan Sapienza at (216) 771-6460, Ext. 2603, or mailto:Susan.Sapienza@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Contact prison
Web Address
http://www.petfinder.com/
* * * * * * * * * *

Program
Working Animals Giving Service (WAGS)
Description
Foster and train dogs for disabled children
Adoption Through
No adoptions
Cost
N/A
Prison Contact
Susan Sapienza at (216) 771-6460, Ext. 2603, or mailto:Susan.Sapienza@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Contact prison
Web Address
http://www.petfinder.com/

Oakwood Correctional Facility

Program
Oakwood Dog Harbor Program
Description
Trains rescued dogs from area shelters in obedience training
Adoption
Through Area Humane Societies
Cost
Adoption fee ranges from $55-$100
Prison Contact
Dirk D. Esmonde at (419) 225-8052, Ext. 3005, or Karen.esmonde@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Allen County Dog Warden, Angels For Animals, Shelby County Humane Society, Hand Me Down Dobes, Lots of Love Rescue, Auglaize County Humane Society
Web Address
http://www.petfinder.com/

Ohio Reformatory for Women

Program (1)
Circle Tails
Description
Trains dogs for family adoptions and service dogs
Adoption Through
Circle Tail, Inc.
Cost
Adoption fee $95.00 and up, depending on the level of training.
Prison Contact
Jill Schweitzer at 937-642-1065, ext 2072 (must go through prison operator) or Jill.Schweitzer@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Circle Tail, Inc. Marlys Staley, 513-877-3325, e-mail Marlys@circletail.org
Web Address
http://www.circletail.org/
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Program
Second Chance Dogs
Description
Trains retired greyhounds for family adoption
Adoption Through
Team Greyhound Adoptions of Ohio, Inc.
Cost
$100 non-refundable deposit included in $200 adoption fee
Prison Contact
Sgt. McGraw at 937-642-1065, ext. 3085 (must go through prison operator) or Cathy.McGraw@odrc.state.oh.us
Web Address
http://www.teamgreyhound.com/
Partner Contact
Pam Voss at 877-842-6446 (Team Greyhound Adoptions of Ohio) or nettienvanilla@yahoo.com

Ohio State Penitentiary

Program
Angels For Animals
Description
Trains dogs in obedience training for family adoptions
Adoption Through
Angels For Animals
Cost
$100 adoption fee
Prison Contact
Twila Swarthout at (330) 743-0700, Ext. 6000, or mailto:Twila.Swarthout@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Angels For Animals at 4750 State Rt. 165, Canfield, Ohio 44406, or (330)-549-1111
Web Address
http://www.angelsforanimals.org/

Pickaway Correctional Institution

Program
Team Greyhound of Ohio Inc.
Description
Trains retired greyhounds for family adoption
Adoption Through
Team Greyhound of Ohio Inc.
Cost
Prison Contact
Sherri Tillett at (614) 877-4362, Ext. 515, or Sherri.Tillett@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Team Greyhound Adoption of Ohio, Pam Voss at (877) 842 6446 or nettienvanilla@yahoo.com
Web Address
http://www.teamgreyhound.com/

Richland Correctional Institution

Program (1)
Pound Puppy Program
Description
Trains dogs for family placement
Adoption Through
Mid Ohio Animal Welfare League (contact: 419-566-3898)
Cost
Prison Contact
Debra Wipert at (419) 526-2100, or Debra.Wipert@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Mid Ohio Animal Welfare League, Carla DeWitt at (419) 566-3898, or cdewitt@neo.rr.com
Web Address
http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?animal=&breed=&age=&size=&specialNeeds=&declawedPets=&children=&status=&id=&internal=&contact=&name=&shelterid=OH518&sort=&preview=1
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Program
Pound Puppy Program
Description
Trains dogs for family adoption
Adoption Through
Logan County Shelter at (937) 593-4277
Cost
$75
Prison Contact
Debra Wipert at (419) 526-2100, or Debra.Wipert@odrc.state.oh.us
Web Address
http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?animal=&breed=&age=&size=&specialNeeds=&declawedPets=&children=&status=&id=&internal=&contact=&name=&shelterid=OH205&sort=&preview=1
Partner Contact
Becki Kelson (740) 452-1077 or Lori Merritt, at (740) 297-1080, or Becki@globalco.net
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Program
Pound Puppy Program
Description
Trains dogs for family adoption (740) 297-1080
Adoption Through
Kind Hands 4 PAWS
Cost
$75
Prison Contact
Debra Wipert at (419) 526-2100, or Debra.Wipert@odrc.state.oh.us
Web Address
http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?animal=&breed=&age=&size=&specialNeeds=&declawedPets=&children=&status=&id=&internal=&contact=&name=&shelterid=OH518&sort=&preview=1

Ross Correctional Institution

Program
Circle Tail, Inc.
Description
Train dogs for service work (i.e. handicap, nursing homes, etc) and basic obedience for adoption to private homes.
Adoption Through
Circle Tail, Inc.
Cost
$95.00 and up, depending on the level of training of the dog.
Prison Contact
Janice Monroe at 740-774-7050 ext. 2561
Partner Contact
Circle Tail, Inc. Staley, 513-877-3325, e-mail mailto:Marlys@circletail.org
Web Address
http://www.circletail.org/

Southeastern Correctional Institution

Program
Athens County Dog Shelter
Description
Foster and train abandoned dogs for family adoption
Adoption Through
Hocking County Dog Shelter
Cost
$50 application fee
Prison Contact
Darrell Cunningham at (740) 653-4324, Ext. 2200
Partner Contact
Don Crager at (740) 385-2319
Web Address
http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?animal=&breed=&age=&size=&specialNeeds=&declawedPets=&children=&status=&id=&internal=&contact=&name=&shelterid=OH188&sort=&preview=1
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Program
Perry County Humane Society
Description
Foster and train abandoned dogs for family adoption
Adoption Through
Perry County Humane Society
Cost
$50 application fee
Prison Contact
Darrell Cunningham at (740) 653-4324, Ext. 2200
Partner Contact
Don Crager at (740) 385-2319
Web Address
http://search.petfinder.com/shelterSearch/shelterSearch.cgi?animal=&breed=&age=&size=&specialNeeds=&declawedPets=&children=&status=&id=&internal=&contact=&name=&shelterid=OH260&sort=&preview=1

Toledo Correctional Institution

Program
Assistance Living Dogs
Description
Foster and train dogs for the disabled
Adoption Through
N/A
Cost
N/A
Prison Contact
Linda Meeks at (419) 426-7977, Ext 7234, or Linda.Meeks@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
Assistance Dogs of America, Inc. (ADAI), Chris Diefenthaler, Executive Director at (419) 825-3622
Web Address
http://www.adai.org/

Trumbull Correctional Institution

Program
Rose's Rescue
Description
Foster and train abandoned dogs for family adoption
Adoption Through
Rose's Rescue
Cost
$95.00
Prison Contact
Sharon Chilson (330) 898-0820 Ext. 2041
Partner Contact
Rose's Rescue
Web Address
http://www.rosesrescue.org/
* * * * * * * * * *

Program
Trumbull County Animal Welfare League
Description
Foster and train abandoned dogs for family adoption
Adoption Through
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/OH282.html
Cost
Prison Contact
Sharon Chilson (330) 898-0820 Ext. 2041
Partner Contact
330-399-2086
Web Address
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/OH282.html

Warren Correctional Institution

Program
4 PAWS For Ability
Description
Provides obedience training and placement of service dogs for family placement or for people with disabilities. A large majority of the 4PAWS dogs go to children with autism. The goals of 4 PAWS is to provide everyone defined with as disabled with a service dog, reduce the number of unwanted animals and increase public awareness of the laws regarding service animals and those defined as disabled.
Adoption Through
4 PAWS For Ability.
Cost
Adoption fees vary, usually around $125-175.00-includes spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchip. License fee NOT included.
Prison Contact
Doris Baker, (614) 513-932-3388, Ext. 2242, Doris.Baker@odrc.state.oh.us
Partner Contact
4 PAWS For Ability, Karen Shirk, 937-374-0385, http://www.4pawsforability.org/ or Karen4paws@aol.com
Web Address
http://www.4pawsforability.org/ [Back to top]

DOGS TRAINED TO AID WOUNDED

Search for Military News:


Dogs Trained to Aid Wounded

Sgt. Shaft June 25, 2007
Dear Sgt. Shaft:

If you or your readers know of any wounded soldier who could benefit by having a dog — trained by prisoners at the California Institution for Women in Southern California as well as other "prison-dog programs" across the country — to assist them, please let me know.


There are prison-dog programs in all parts of the country. After the start of the first school and others after, the idea caught on. The dogs are given to the wounded veteran free of charge. They will be taught how to handle the dog, care for him or her and find new independence partnered with their canine friends, who can go in all public places.


One of the programs is known as Dog Bless America. This program is expanding the vision to include America's current veteran heroes. By combining their efforts with Pathways to Hope, the prison-dog program and many of the Veterans Affairs organizations across the country have created a win/win/win situation.


In 1981, Sister Pauline Quinn started the prison-dog program in Washington state, rescuing shelter dogs and bringing them into the prison, where inmates trained them to assist the handicapped. The inmates learned responsibility through the care and training of these special dogs.


Sister Pauline has started Pathways to Hope, a nonprofit organization that helps other prisons and service-dog groups start prison-dog programs.


Pathways to Hope identifies the programs and dogs to be matched with the veterans. Pathways receives funds from Dog Bless America, money that is then given to a particular prison program that can match and place a service dog to help a wounded soldier.


I am asking you and your readers to help us communicate this program to the people in need of these services. We will attempt to match them with a special service dog. Sister Pauline and Pathways will handle the initial contact, and each prison program has its own screening process.

The points of contact are: srpauline@pathwaystohope.org

http://prisondogs.shutterfly.com pathwaystohope.blogspot.com and Chris Gaba


Chris Gaba

Dear Chris:
I am happy to help get the word out on this wonderful program. Sgt. Shaft

WHAT ARE PRISON DOG TRAINING PROGRAMS?

DWIGHT CORRECTIONAL CENTER FOR WOMEN

Dwight, Illinois

What Are Prison Dog Training Programs?

CONTACT srpauline@pathwaystohope.org


Prison dog training programs are programs which bring dogs into prisons so that prisoners can train them. These programs have a number of important functions, from training dogs so that they are suitable for adoption to providing prisoners with therapeutic experiences, and they have become quite popular in some regions of the world. A typical prison dog training program involves at least one animal welfare organization or a service dog school and a prison, and sometimes multiple dog rescues and training organizations will cooperate to ensure that the program is a success.

From the point of view of animal welfare organizations, prison dog training programs give dogs a better chance at finding homes, or helping the handicapped to receive their specially trained dog by giving the dogs extra time in training. While in the program, the dogs will learn basic canine manners, becoming skilled at interacting with other dogs and obeying commands from their handlers, and the dogs often become calmer and more friendly as a result of focused handling.

Service dog schools have many clients waiting to receive their special dog and the prison dog programs help these organizations train these special dogs to cut down the waiting time.

The inmates also have the time to work with the dog all day because the dog lives with the inmates. Also, for the dog dog rescues program in prisons, the lack the time to dedicate extensive resources to every single dog in their care, prison dog training programs allow these organizations to farm out some of the work, making dogs more adoptable and meeting the primary goals of these organizations.

Prisons also benefit from prison dog training programs. Behavioral problems tend to decrease dramatically when prisoners are involved in such programs, and the prison also experiences improved public relations as a result of the program. Participating in a rehabilitative program can also give a prison access to grant money and other assistance which might not be available under normal conditions.

Prisoners in prison dog training programs learn skills, in the form of dog training, but they also benefit emotionally from their participation. Interacting with animals has been shown to have therapeutic value in a wide variety of settings, and prison is no different. Some prisoners feel isolated in prison, and connecting with a dog can help dispel that isolation, promoting a more healthy mental state on the part of prisoners and encouraging prisoners to work hard and take their experiences with them when they leave prison. Prison dog training programs also help prisoners with boredom and restlessness, two common problems in prison but they also give the inmates an oppertunity to 'give back' to our communities.

Competition among prisoners for the honor of participating in prison dog training programs can get fierce. Most prisons only allow model prisoners to participate in such programs, taking away the privilege if a prison violates prison rules. Prisoners have an incentive to behave well to stay in the program, and other prisoners often follow their example in the hopes of being allowed to work with the dogs as well, making the prison calmer and easier to live and work in.

PRISON DOG PROGRAM ~ AUSTRALIA ~ TRAINING DOGS TO HELP THE BLIND

CLICK HERE

VIDEO ~ PAWS IN PRISON DOG PROGRAM

CLICK HERE

PAWS IN PRISON is in Lockhart, Texas that allows female inmates to train and adopt out dogs to the community.

PRISON DOG PROGRAM ~ FORMOSA

The Sentient World of Animals

Prison Dog Program Benefits Inmates and Stray Dogs
By Hsinchu News Group, Formosa (Originally in Chinese)


Warden Huang and the stray dogs he cares for
Mr. Huang Rong-rui, the warden of Hsinchu Prison, loves dogs. After his pet dog died, he turned his attention to stray dogs, befriending the four-legged friends that wander around the prison premises. In time, the dogs began to show up regularly at a chosen site, waiting to be fed. Warden Huang once saw a TV program on how a US prison allowed inmates to raise and train stray dogs. This inspired him to create a first-of-its-kind prison in Formosa that offers shelter to stray animals and places inmates in charge of feeding, managing and training them. He hoped that through interaction with animals, inmates could learn self-control, emotion management and respect for life. The trained dogs could be made available for adoption and this would help take care of the problem of stray dogs as well.

The plan received immediate, overwhelming support from the Formosan Animal-Assisted Activity and Therapy Association (FAAATA), which helps choose suitable dogs from animal shelters and provides professional instruction to interested inmates on how to take care of them.

The inmates first built a kennel by welding scrap metals together. The prison then organized a training program for seven selected inmates who loved dogs or were experienced in raising dogs, and assigned a dog to each of them. Professional FAAATA instructors currently hold weekly classes for the inmates on dog-caring and training.

Over the past month, the dogs and their trainers have developed a loving relationship. The trainers work at the kennel from 9 to 4 each day, feeding, training, bathing and keeping the dogs free of bugs. Each of the dogs can now recognize his or her partner and perform according to instruction. The inmates have learned much from the program. One of the participants, Mr. Luo, said that although considerable effort was required to establish an affectionate and trusting relationship with a prison dog, he had mastered the special skills of taking care of, beautifying and training a dog. He plans to hone and make use of these skills after he is released from prison. The success of the Prison Dog plan has encouraged the prison to draw up plans for training drug dogs to prevent the smuggling of drugs into prison.

Though launched not long ago, the Prison Dog plan in Hsinchu has proved to be remarkably successful. Prisoners have regained self-confidence, assimilated the concept of loving animals, and learned to love themselves and respect life. Furthermore, the once abandoned but now professionally trained dogs are able to accompany aged inmates or those serving long prison terms to give them comfort and psychological support. They can also assist the prison staff in patrolling and ensuring prison security. In addition, they are available for adoption by other people. Hopefully the Prison Dog plan can be introduced to every prison in Formosa and benefit both inmates and stray dogs.

PRISON PUP PROGRAM

Canine Support Teams, Inc.

951-301-3625
cstmain@caninesupportteams.org

The "Prison Pup Program" was conceived out of a dream from a tenacious woman named Sister Pauline Quinn. Already being the trailblazer for many other Prison Training programs in which inmates are trained, mentored and finally trusted with the privilege and responsibility of training dogs for service to the disabled community, Sr. Pauline Quinn made a call to John Dovey, Warden of CIW in 2002. She also contacted Carol Roquemore, CST's founder and CEO. Due to her tenacity and her belief in the rehabilitative benefits for the inmates and the obvious assistance they could provide to the community, in addition to the expectation of being able to shorten a nearly three year waiting list for service dogs, both John Dovey and Carol Roquemore could not say no. They embraced the opportunity to see the good that could come out of such a match!

In September of 2002, the California Institution for Women became the first prison within the state of California to have a Service Dog Training Program. Four puppies between the ages of five months and seven months walked into the prison to become California's first "Prison Pups in Training." For the first time in over twenty years for some of the inmate volunteers, they were able to hold a puppy, feel the love a puppy could give, and provide for this puppy some much needed socialization and training.

Since it's inception, the "Prison Pup Program" has grown in leaps and bounds. The inmate trainers are now playing a vital role in the training of service dogs for the disabled community. Canine Support Teams soon realized that because of the dedication and attention to detail that the inmates demonstrated, that these women would be crucial in the task of advanced training for service dogs. What a perfect marriage! Dedicated women that had the time to devote to training a dog and wanted to give back to society~and individuals in the community that needed assistance.

We have grown significantly since September of 2002. What began with four puppies and approximately twenty participants, has grown into the current program of twenty dogs and over sixty inmate participants. Over eighty-five percent of the dogs that we place yearly with clients, are trained through the Prison Pup Program.

Canine Support Teams would like to thank each and every individual that contributes to the success of the "Prison Pup Program." Without your encouragement, your enthusiasm and your care and concern for the dogs and the mission of this program, we could not accomplish all that we have in such a short time!

CENTRAL BARK HELPS WOUNDED VETERANS WITH SERVICE DOGS

CLICK HERE

Heman G. Stark Youth Offender Shelter Dog Training Program

CLICK HERE

VIDEO ~ 9 COLORADO PRISONS HAVE PRISON DOG PROGRAMS

CLICK HERE

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTION FOR WOMEN PRISON DOG GRADUATION

CLICK HERE

VIDEO ~ PROJECT POOCH ~ YOUTH CORRECTIONAL DOG PROGRAM

CLICK HERE

PRISON DOG VIDEO

CLICK HERE

VIDEO ~ CNN COURTHOUSE DOGS