By Donna Hamilton with Gloria Caswell
Sometimes, the most remarkable second chances come in pairs.
When the Luce County Animal Shelter started a partnership with the Newberry Correctional Facility in 2021, a handful of dogs that needed a second chance went to live with carefully selected inmates at the prison. The program, which is supported by the half-mill approved by voters, puts dogs that may need obedience training with the inmates, who lavish love on the pups.
In the long run, both lives are changed: The pup’s, and the inmate’s. The bond they create benefits both and underscores a sense of trust and humanity for the inmate – two things that can be scarce in prison.
The Paws For Adoption program pairs adoptable dogs with inmates who have been trained to provide obedience training to the dogs. They are housed at the prison where they are taught important commands and given behavioral training. The shelter provides the food, treats, and vet care. Each canine receives the necessary shots and is microchipped before being transported to the Correctional Facility.
While many inmates at the prison have at least one job, the dog training job is the most desirable, most lucrative, most difficult to attain and requires specific instruction in dog training techniques. Any inmate with a history of cruelty to animals or other specific crimes cannot be eligible.
Each dog has a team of trainers and stays with them at all times, even sleeping in a crate next to their handlers. There is formal training three times a week, and consistent handling the rest of the time. The training takes 12 – 15 weeks and the dogs and their handlers form a tight bond, which aids the overall training experience.
A recent graduate of the obedience training, sweet Betty is an energetic, playful puppy who was just adopted from the Luce County Animal Shelter by the Hollnagel family of Newberry. They are so happy with her and praised her “good manners.”
“The training program gave Betty a good foundation,” said Jay Hollnagel. “She learned her commands and learned to learn. She is still learning commands, minds them, and is a delight to have in our home.”
“We really appreciate the obedience training program and enjoy working with them. We couldn’t be happier with the results,” said Shelter Manager Gloria Caswell.
Since the beginning of the partnership, 65 dogs have graduated from the program and have found their “furever” homes. Three are currently enrolled in the training program.
Poppy, seen here, is still in obedience training at the prison. She’s doing beautifully, the shelter reports, and is expected to make a lovely pet.
On August 4, voters will be asked to renew the shelter millage, which will ensure that the Paws For Adoption program continues to serve both man and dog in the best ways.
