Cell Dog Program (PETS)
Clyde needed to find a home. Like so many dogs, he was cute, smart and loved to play in the water, but he had a tendency to jump up on folks and act skittish around men. Clyde made frequent trips from the shelter to attend mobile adoption events and was even adopted once, but was soon returned to the shelter. This made him a perfect candidate for P.E.T.S. (Pawsitive Education Training Solution). P.A.W.S. Shelter for Animals has initiated a cell dog program, in conjunction with Kyle Correctional Center. A young dog that is adoptable, but may have some behavioral issues that have lessened his chances at a new home, is teamed with a pair of inmates. All parties go through a six-week learning process together, which completes with a graduation ceremony.
Inmates without any violent record went through a lengthy interview process and were required to write an essay as to why they would choose to participate in the program. After the lucky twelve, plus three alternates, were chosen, they went through an additional two weeks of classes and tests to determine the best match of dogs to a team. They need to stay on the straight and narrow; even one slip-up could cause them to be eliminated from the program. The inmates will keep the dogs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for an approximate six-week long program. Becoming responsible for another living being can be a real positive learning experience for the men and teaches them patience and the ability to work as a team toward a mutual goal. . Warden Ernie Dixon was excited when first approached about the program, “It’s a natural fit with what we do, we look to give people a second chance on life. Now we give the dogs a second chance on life as well”.
A Certified Dog Trainer for P.A.W.S., teaches classes at the prison once to twice a week. Half of the time is spent teaching the men how to train the dog to do something in particular. The second half allows them to utilize the skills they had just learned while being observed. Says the dog trainer, “We take dogs with negative behaviors to people with negative behaviors and with conditioning they can all become better people and animals.” Training does not end with the classes though, as the dogs are with the men at all times throughout the program. Even at night, the dogs receive crate training, by sleeping in carriers.
All the participants are excited about P.E.T.S. “Dan” has been in jail over 20 years of his 44-year life. Along with his canine companion, Elvira, he has become a leader in the program. He has taken her tendency to jump up on people and conditioned her to “dance” instead. “Brian”, one of Darcy’s trainers, says, “I have learned so much in your classes, but most of all, I hope Darcy gets a good home as soon as possible.” The biggest success story so far among the dogs would have to be Talon. She had to be carried into the prison because she was so scared. Already, in two weeks, she walks on a leash, plays with the other dogs, actively seeks attention, and even wags her tail – a behavior she had not previously shown.
In an environment that requires people to be tough and strong, this program has allowed the men to show the softer side of themselves, without losing face. Even the other prisoners who are not directly involved in P.E.T.S. have been very supportive. Before the end of the program, on a date to be determined, there is a plan to have an adoption event at the prison. The public will be invited to not only meet the people and canines involved in the cell dog program, but will be able to adopt other dogs and cats from the P.A.W.S. mobile adoption trailer. At the program completion, the inmates will receive certificates from P.A.W.S. deeming them to be Acknowledged Dog Handlers. They will have learned how to focus on a positive goal; rather than dwell in negative thoughts and actions, skills that will help them make the transition back into society. The dogs will all be housebroken; crate trained, and has learned the socialization skills necessary to make them fine companion animals, ready to be adopted. The dogs’ new families will receive a detailed write-up about their pet, written by their handlers, and have the satisfaction of being a part of giving a second chance at life to both the dog and the trainer.