‘New Leash on Life’ helps shelter dogs, federal inmates

By David Kronke
The Tribune-Star, Terre Haute, Ind.

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — At Terre Haute’s Federal Correctional Institution, these convicted of being dangerous residents are serving to rework rambunctious dogs into good residents.

In the method, they’re changing into higher residents themselves and studying a vocation for after their launch.

The FCI not too long ago reached out to the Terre Haute Humane Society to work on the New Leash on Life Program, by which inmates prepare dogs.

FCI has had one other canine program since 2018, by which inmates elevate puppies and supply basic obedience coaching for CARES, Inc., an organization that gives service dogs to these in want, mentioned Todd Royer, FCI’s public data officer. It wished to broaden this system and assist shelter dogs that aren’t as prone to be adopted as puppies.

“We hope that we can provide the dogs with a better chance of adoption as well as provide the inmates with vocational training that will allow them to find employment as dog trainers upon their release,” Royer mentioned.

There had been 5 dogs within the preliminary New Leash on Life class and one, Maya, has already been adopted, Maggie Wheeler, volunteer coordinator on the shelter, mentioned.

Wheeler added that Sydney has additionally accomplished coaching, with Zeke near graduating, adopted by Buddy and Jimmy.

Dogs chosen for the New Leash on Life Program meet a sure set of standards.

“We are looking for that dog that has had a rough life until now, but just needs a little bit of help to become a great pet for the right family,” Royer mentioned. “We work with the excellent staff at the Humane Society to select dogs that meet these requirements.”

Dogs stick with their trainers within the jail throughout their classes, up till they’re adopted.

“The dogs live with the inmates 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Royer added. “They live in the inmate’s cell and go where the inmate goes. The inmates and dogs get along great. The program not only helps clear a local shelter, but it also gives the inmates a sense of purpose.”

“The dogs are trained to pass the Canine Good Citizenship test,” mentioned Wheeler. “They have to take the exam with the adopter, so none of them will have taken the actual test until they get into a home. But the inmates work on the test items, so they know which ones will be able to pass when tested.”

Adopters take their dogs to cross the Canine Good Citizenship take a look at at Unlimited Pawsibilities, 1209 N. Fruitridge Ave.

“When the dogs leave to be adopted, it is much harder on the inmates than the dogs,” Royer mentioned. “Luckily, there is always a new dog to take the place of the one leaving, so they can start the training process again with a new dog.”

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