Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

alsame

(7,784 posts)
Fri Jun 21, 2013, 06:55 AM Jun 2013

Program gives Ark. dogs, prisoners a second chance

[IMG][/IMG]


TUCKER, Ark. (AP) — Arkansas has a number of dogs behind bars, but they're not in the pound.

They're part of a program called Paws in Prison that pairs pooches with prisoners for obedience training.

Arkansas Department of Correction spokeswoman Shea Wilson says some of the dogs in the program were at risk of being euthanized in animal shelters. Meanwhile, some of the inmates who train the dogs are serving life sentences.

Wilson says the program is about second chances for both the dogs and the inmates.

Read More:
http://news.yahoo.com/program-gives-ark-dogs-prisoners-second-chance-071735980.html

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Program gives Ark. dogs, prisoners a second chance (Original Post) alsame Jun 2013 OP
I am all for this! hamsterjill Jun 2013 #1
More and more prisons are doing this and alsame Jun 2013 #2
This is certainly a wonderful program. Auntie Bush Jun 2013 #3

hamsterjill

(15,214 posts)
1. I am all for this!
Fri Jun 21, 2013, 11:35 AM
Jun 2013

This program is starting to take shape in several prisons across the country, and I think it's a win/win situation. It's got to be good for the inmates - giving them something to do, something to care about, and something that will reaffirm their self worth.

The dogs obviously benefit. My only hope would be that something safe could be devised so that the prisoner/trainers might be able to follow their charge's progress down the line when adopted and placed, etc. I'm not sure that potential adoptors would be comfortable doing that, but if a safe means could be put in place whereby they could correspond with the prisoner (perhaps through the rescue group), I think that would be good for the prisoners. It's got to be sad for them when it's time to let their dog go...

alsame

(7,784 posts)
2. More and more prisons are doing this and
Fri Jun 21, 2013, 11:46 AM
Jun 2013

I agree it's good for the inmate and the dogs.

I think correspondence (and pictures!) between the new family and the inmate is a good idea too

Auntie Bush

(17,528 posts)
3. This is certainly a wonderful program.
Sat Jun 22, 2013, 10:13 AM
Jun 2013

I hope all prisons in the country can adopt this program. The inmates learn compassion, empathy, love, self esteem, worthiness. But, it must be depressing and lonely when his dog moves on. Having a dog can also be a reward for good cooperative behavior. But they should keep an eye on the dog to make sure it isn't being abused.

For the dog...this sure beats living in a pound and a more likelihood of being adopted.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Pets»Program gives Ark. dogs, ...