Oddly enough, the dogs sent to prison aren't the ones who've committed crimes. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram has a good article today about the program I wrote about last month at the private prison in Venus, TX where prisoners train dogs as part of a rehabilitative program.Some of the dogs come from backgrounds as sketchy as the inmates, and the accounts I've seen of the program suggest both parties benefit from the project. Though the warden in Venus says other corrections officials jokingly refer to him as "Kibbles N' Bits," the marked reduction in inmate misbehavior - a 63% drop in disciplinary incidents since the program's implementation - makes it worth enduring the ribbing. Reported David Casstevens at the Star-Telegram:
Dogs are called "man's best friend" for a reason. For the incarcerated, they help alleviate feelings of loneliness, boredom and isolation. Inmates chosen for the program -- a privilege that is lost if they commit any disciplinary infraction -- feel empowered as they learn a new skill. Many speak of experiencing a measure of rehabilitation themselves. Some become more empathetic and caring as a result of being responsible for another living being.
One offender expressed how a dog named Skye has changed him.
"I've had anger problems all my life," said Michael Hollie, 46, who is in prison five years for drug-related charges. "In this program, you have to have patience. These dogs came here with issues. They didn't come here to be abused further. So you start working on your temperament. Then, it starts to show with other people. I've honed some skills I haven't used in a long time."
Those interested should check out this Star-Telegram picture slideshow of dogs and inmates participating in the program. The article also provides information on how to adopt one of the inmate-trained dogs.
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7 comments:
What a great program and hats off to the Warden who had enough self confidence to try it. Dogs are very social animals that have a natural pack instinct. We all could learn from having a dog and being a responsible pet owner. Talk about unconditional love; that is a dog you have raised or rescued. I have both and they are always glad to see me unlike some people. Come to think of it I like my dogs more than some people. Great story Scott!
Anthony Mikulastik
Quite a few inmate dog training programs have been in started in several states. Great programs - great results.
This is a match made in heaven. Dogs like prisoners crave positive attention and time. And one thing that prisoners have is a lot of time to devote attention to dogs. Of course there is the pooper scooper problem. Do the inmates clean up doggie messes with plastic shovels or baggies and gloves?
These programs are incredible---as I have learned in researching for a book I am writing which will be out late 2008/early 2009.
Prison Dogs: Hope Behind Bars is the name of the book[tentatively anyway] and more can be found out at: www.myspace.com/prisondogsbook.
I enjoyed reading what you have written!
Taking care of dogs are long proven as great therapy.
I recently adoted a dog that completed the program at the Venus Prison. I must say that I am very impressed with her and she is very well behaved and gets along great with both adults and children. My hat off to the Warden.
Whatever works...we have too much crime and if this helps keep it down then I'm all for it.
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