cjjack
06-19-2004, 09:31 PM
Time well spent
People, animals help each other deal with life
By Joseph Lord
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
A program pairing female inmates and unruly dogs hopes to better prepare both groups for life on the outside.
Inmates at the Federal Medical Center satellite camp are giving obedience training to dogs from the Lexington Humane Society.
The eight-week program uses about 15 inmates at the Leestown Road facility to teach large and mid-sized dogs basic skills, such as sitting and walking on a leash, said Carrie Wilder, director of development for the Lexington Humane Society.
The inmates are chosen through an application and interview process -- and inmates with a history of violence toward animals or children aren't allowed to participate, she said.
"We were looking for a program that would provide work and other self-improvement opportunities for inmates," satellite camp counselor Judy Garrett said in a press release.
Each dog is assigned to an inmate and stays in her room, which she usually shares with as many as six others, Wilder said.
The training makes the dogs more sociable and adoptable, she said.
Inmates, who must keep a journal of their dog's progress, learn communications skills and receive companionship.
"As one of them said, 'It just makes the time go by faster,'" Wilder said.
Six dogs are currently in the program, which started in December. Eleven dogs have finished the program and have been adopted, Wilder said. Three dogs are still available.
People, animals help each other deal with life
By Joseph Lord
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER
A program pairing female inmates and unruly dogs hopes to better prepare both groups for life on the outside.
Inmates at the Federal Medical Center satellite camp are giving obedience training to dogs from the Lexington Humane Society.
The eight-week program uses about 15 inmates at the Leestown Road facility to teach large and mid-sized dogs basic skills, such as sitting and walking on a leash, said Carrie Wilder, director of development for the Lexington Humane Society.
The inmates are chosen through an application and interview process -- and inmates with a history of violence toward animals or children aren't allowed to participate, she said.
"We were looking for a program that would provide work and other self-improvement opportunities for inmates," satellite camp counselor Judy Garrett said in a press release.
Each dog is assigned to an inmate and stays in her room, which she usually shares with as many as six others, Wilder said.
The training makes the dogs more sociable and adoptable, she said.
Inmates, who must keep a journal of their dog's progress, learn communications skills and receive companionship.
"As one of them said, 'It just makes the time go by faster,'" Wilder said.
Six dogs are currently in the program, which started in December. Eleven dogs have finished the program and have been adopted, Wilder said. Three dogs are still available.