Having dogs in prison helps reduce violence among inmates. It’s like therapy for the men, especially when they’re given the job of training homeless dogs for adoption. Since August 2004, the Safe Harbor Prison Dog Program has rescued 1,200 shelter animals destined for an early death — bringing them to prison for training as pets and moving them on to adopted homes…
The convict trainers do not use force or fear, only positive reinforcement on the dogs.
At night, dog and trainer stay together — curled up in bed or stretched out on the floor.
All this nurturing is paying off. “When I first met (McMullin), he was … well, pretty grouchy,†Spencer says. “Now he’s more open and alive and he has a positive outlook.â€
Any sadness the trainers feel when the dogs leave to start new lives is short-lived because there are always other dogs, eager to learn.
“They leave here with their tail high up and their ears perked out,†Spencer says.Â
And for these men who are trying to turn their own troubled lives around, there’s no doubt they feel proud… (Must-read AP story with photos)
Safe Harbor Prison Dogs are in need of supplies. Here’s their Wish List:
- Toys
- Soft Training Treats
- Martingale Training Collars
- Leashes
- Heartworm Preventative
- Nylabone Chew Toys
- Kongs
All donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to:
PO Box 536 Bonner Springs, KS 66012
Or visit their web site to make a donation. Thanks!