Sometimes, a project comes along that intrigues you so much that you just can’t say no. This happened to me about a year ago, and while I’m late doing a post on it…the feelings are no less sincere.
I was approached by some really great folks at Two Rivers Correctional Institution (TRCI) in Umatilla about starting a “prison dog” program. It’s a really great concept. In case you haven’t heard of one, it pairs shelter dogs with inmates for training. The goal is for the dogs to pass their AKC Canine Good Citizen test. The other goal is to then adopt the dogs into loving fur-ever homes.
Interestingly enough, the thought of working in the prison facility didn’t bother me in the least. A few friends asked how I could go there…aren’t you afraid that something will happen to you? Frankly, my thought was that I was probably safer there than some other places!
We kicked off the program earlier this year. There are three inmates for every dog and the number of applications the staff received was phenomenal. We take 6 dogs, so only 18 men made the cut.
My first session with them was without dogs and merely a classroom session. I have to tell you, the questions asked were insightful, and many of the men took copious notes. I found out later that each team was keeping a logbook of their journey to give to the family that adopted their dog.
One of the most touching comments of that first day went something like this: “You know, these dogs are looking for the same thing we are – a second chance. We owe it to them to give them our best.”
Although it wasn’t probably the right reaction, I actually wiped a tear (or 10) from my eyes.
And so over the next 8 weeks, Bear, Coco, Duke, Mister, Trixie, and Zoey participated in the CGC program. They lived in TRCI with their team members and returned to their specially built kennels at night. There were a couple of strong, willful dogs at the beginning that turned into loving companions by the end.
This program has taught me so much about, well, so much. For instance:
- Don’t judge. Dogs or people. Some of the men in this program are the kindest individuals I have met. They treat the dogs with care and compassion. And they treated me with respect. I don’t care how badly you’ve screwed up in life…compassion for another living being shows me your potential.
- Look for the bright side. When some of the handlers became frustrated, I would remind them of where their dog started. I would reinforce them all the great things they were doing as a team. And I would also commend them for the difference that they were making.
- It’s not all about money or titles. I volunteer my time to do this. Sure, I get paid to train dogs. But giving my time to such a great partnership fulfills something in me that I can’t duplicate anywhere else in any other aspect of my life.
- All people who love dogs – regardless of their address – are people who share something really special. While I am on the complete opposite end of the spectrum from these students, the dogs unite us. We speak a similar language in this effort. And we are all working toward the same goal: give these dogs the chance they deserved. Just because their former owners couldn’t or wouldn’t take the time to train them…they are no less worthy. Same with the handlers: some want to continue training after their release. Wow. Just. Wow.
The photo above is the first graduating class. And I’m pleased to report that ALL the dogs were adopted by loving families. One was adopted by the family of the inmate who trained her…she’s waiting for his release so they can be reunited. More tears…
I start the next set this coming week. And I can hardly wait…if in 8 weeks you are looking for a new fur-member of your family, let me know. I might just have the perfect match…
