Dog training program at Walla Walla penitentiary, Washington State, offers second chances

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

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

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTION FOR WOMEN PRISON DOG GRADUATION

CLICK HERE

Prison Dog Programs ~ Finding Hope

Visting the State Prison in Florida to see if we can start a prison dog program
~ This Doberman loves people and other dogs ~

The warden from a prison in Central Florida and the warden of a prison in Miami on right

The wardens of a Federal prison in Jessup, GA

Our visit to the prison in Jessup GA

Pathways To Hope Prison Dog Project ~ http://prisondogs.shutterfly.com

AUSTRALIA ~ PRISON TRAINED SERVICE DOGS GRADUATE

Media Statements
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence MP
Tuesday, April 29, 2008

First 'Pups in Prison' graduates to help disabled:

Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence with assistance dog Taylor, along with Darling Downs Correctional Centre General Manager Andrew Pike, centre, and Assistance Dogs Australia Chief Executive Officer Richard Lord

Spence Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence with assistance dog Taylor, along with Darling Downs Correctional Centre General Manager Andrew Pike, centre, and Assistance Dogs Australia Chief Executive Officer Richard LordThe first assistance dogs to participate in Queensland's innovative Pups in Prison program have today graduated from their 14 month training course at Darling Downs Correctional Centre.

Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence presented black Labradors siblings Toomba and Truman and Golden Retrievers siblings Topaz and Taylor, to Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) Chief Executive Officer Richard Lord, during a ceremony on the Speaker's Green at Parliament House.

Ms Spence said: "This program is a Queensland-first that brings puppies and prisoners together as part of a rehabilitation partnership between Assistance Dogs Australia and Queensland Corrective Services.

"These dogs have undergone 14 months basic training and socialising with prisoners at the Darling Downs Correctional Centre (DDCC) near Toowoomba, west of Brisbane.

"They will now be returned to ADA for a six month intensive training program before being matched to people with physical disabilities to enhance the person's quality of life and improve their level of independence.

"The dogs will eventually be able to turn light switches off and on, press pedestrian crossing buttons and pick up and retrieve items - tasks which people in wheelchairs find extremely difficult.

"This government is pleased to be part of an initiative that is making a real difference to lives of Queenslanders in need."

Ms Spence said the partnership with Assistance Dogs Australia is a prime example of how Queensland Corrective Services works with community organisations to provide prisoners with new opportunities for rehabilitation while giving something worthwhile back to the community.

Assistance dog showing obedience at the graduation day"Pups in Prison has provided prisoners with a positive experience, establishing new levels of responsibility, self-esteem and communication skills, while also developing patience, compassion and cooperation," Ms Spence said.

"Assistance Dogs Australia does a fantastic job in their work training companion dogs for people with disabilities and it is a pleasure to be involved in the important role they play in our community."

Assistance Dogs Australia CEO Richard Lord said the Pups in Prison program has been a huge success.

"We are very excited to see the inaugural graduation from the Darling Downs Correctional Centre," Mr Lord said.

"The pups look fantastic and are very well trained. The program has united the officers, prisoners and community volunteers whose combined efforts to train and socialise the pups has been outstanding.

"These remarkable dogs will change for the better the lives of young people who have suffered from developmental disabilities or quadriplegia as a result of traumatic accidents.

"We look forward to continuing the program with Queensland Corrective Services," Mr Lord said.

Ms Spence said the program has also provided significant learning opportunities for staff.

"Staff at Darling Downs and the volunteer obedience trainers have done a great job in developing the program," Ms Spence said.
Assistance dogs demonstrate their training "I know they are now looking forward to the arrival of the second group of puppies, due to start training at the centre in July."

Assistance dog showing obedience at the graduation day

Assistance dogs demonstrate their training

Media Contact: 3239 6172

Prison Dog Reni and the Doberman War Memorial

DOGS TRAINED TO HELP WOUNDED VETS FROM ALL WARS

Greetings!

We have a new match!

Greetings Team! Congratulations! We have raised our first $12,000 for Pathways to Hope and the Prison Dog Program through Sr. Pauline. As you know this money went to the program that trained Jackson, who was matched with Sgt Arthur Lyles.



Today we are pleased to announce that Sr. has made a second match with a very special dog named Lance. Lance was one of the dogs that Jackie, Anne and Patty helped transfer to the Southern California Women's Penitentiary with Sr. Pauline. The man who has been matched with Lance is Robert Davis, a Marine, wounded in the Vietnam war. Robert lost both legs and a hand when he stepped on a land mine. Sadly he also lost his best buddy who tried to save him by throwing himself on top of Robert. Then during the evacuation with Robert, the helicopter rotor blades touched off a tree top mine which caused the helicopter to explode. He came to in another helicopter as they were rushing him to the hospital when he found out that his buddy had died. He was in several hospitals, including one in the Philippines and the naval hospital in San Francisco.


Robert has been alone since the 1980s. He has had no attendant and he was very lonely until he was matched Lance. He said that he talks all the time to his dog and Lance never stops listening. Robert said that one time he nodded off in his chair and dropped the television remote control. He woke up to see Lance holding the changer in his mouth by his knee, looking up to him. They are learning together; it takes awhile until they can become a working team.

Robert wants to make the public aware of service dogs, especially for the wounded Vets. He is quite a talker and you can tell, a military man.

He has two sons. One son lives near him and he has a 17 year old granddaughter who wants to be a veterinarian or a veterinarian technician.

We'd like to take this time to acknowledge each and every one of you. You are all making this possible and changing lives. You cannot imagine the difference that you have made in the lives of these 2 dogs and these 2 very brave men that have sacrificed so much for us. We want to thank you on behalf of Barkley Ventures, Inc for supporting Dog Bless America and our commitment to giving back to the community. It is only possible with you and your efforts. As Sr. Pauline said, "if we only help one, we've made a difference." As we write this our hearts are so full of gratitude for you and this opportunity.

We invite you to revitalize your own Dog Bless America programs today and together, lets support Robert and Lance. Thank you all so much for your efforts.

Sincerely,

Barkley Ventures, Inc.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

lisa@centralbarkusa.com

Barkley Ventures, Inc. 836 S. 60th. St. Milwaukee WI 53214