Doghouses in the Big House

CCA's Florence Correctional Center and Kit Carson Correctional Center were recently featured on the Discovery Channel's Animal Planet television show. The episodes, entitled "Cell Dogs," profiled the successful K-9 programs in place at these CCA facilities. "Cell Dogs" aired in December 2003, January and February 2004, and future air dates are scheduled, featuring CCA facility K-9 programs at additional facility locations, throughout the remainder of the year.

Through the program, inmates are assigned as dog handlers, to tutor dogs selected from a local shelter. The Cell Dogs program rescues abandoned animals from shelters and trains them for a new home with a family or for service with special needs individuals. Facility inmates are chosen as dog trainers for the rescued animals based on their behavioral record and attitude.

"The Cell Dogs program has had a positive effect on our staff and the community. The most significant impact is on the inmates who train the animals, as well as many who simply benefit from the animals' presence," said Florence Correctional Center Warden Frank Luna. "Some of our inmates are being responsible for the first time in their lives."

The program, first implemented at CCA's Kit Carson Correctional Center, is also operational at CCA's Huerfano County Correctional Center and Bay Correctional Facility. Participating facilities report that the program has been widely beneficial, from increased inmate moral and positive attitudes to actual improved health indicators.

Copies of the Cell Dogs program that aired on Animal Planet featuring Florence Correctional Center and Kit Carson Correctional Center are available through CCA's marketing department, contact marketing@correctionscorp.com. An overview of the Cell Dogs program can be viewed on this video clip.

I saw a piece on the local news tonight about the private prison here in Idaho. I didnt know that our prison was doing this so I decided to see what I could find. I think its a great program. I know that not everyone can be part of this program, but I'm sure that many are getting the pleasure of having pets around. Its one of the few things the inmates get that isnt so prison like

November 18, 2004

Dogs Graduate From Prison Program

By Michelle Krish

Ada County- Six dogs are now graduates of the Inmate Dog Alliance Project of Idaho. Prison inmates are given an orphan dog to train and live with behind bars, but then the dogs are given away. It's a parting that can melt a criminals heart, "it's going to be tough it will be lonely tonight he's always there it's like we're buds," says inmate Bob Coulter.

The inmates knew this day was coming and know that while their time with the dogs was short, it did give their pets a chance to live, "we knew they we're coming in on death row and to know that their going out to a home now is awesome," says Coulter.

Inmates say that while they trained the dogs, they too learned lessons, "because of my past I was an abusive alcoholic father, and this is my chance to redeem myself, she's my child behind bars," says inmate Lon Clay.

The program is made possible by a $22,660 grant from the Idaho Women's Foundation. Now after months of training and affection, the dogs are ready to graduate. The handlers receive a certificate and their dogs receive plenty of treats, but then it's time to say good-bye. These inmates will get six new dogs Monday, but they say they'll never forget their original furry friends, "they say a dog is man's best friend, it's true," says Coulter.

Most of the six dogs have already been adopted, "this has just been a great program for all of us, a win win situation," says Dee Fugit of the Idaho Humane Society.

To see what dogs haven't found a home yet log onto WWW.idahohumanesociety.org. In about a week you can log on and see the new six dogs that will arrive at the prison.

I am taking a look at the website and, seeing those buddies there made me tear up :( I love dogs and I can't stand the fact that people are getting rid of them. If I could, I would adopt them all :o My boyfriend's dog is adopted too, maybe when he gets out, we can adopt another one...he loves dogs just as much as I do. :thumbsup:

One day, this big heart of mine will get me in trouble (eg: having 50 dogs in my house) :clap: Honestly..I don't know if it's a blessing or a burden.:shrug:
All I know is that now I want to adopt an Idaho dog :yay:

I dont know much about how the program works, but it must have strict criteria to be part of it. From what I understand there were only 6 inmates involved and its going to be those same inmates who get dogs on Monday.

This prison is one of our larger prisons so there are a lot of inmates. I understand they really cant have more then 6 dogs at a time, but I dont know why they cant rotate what inmates are involved. IMO the 6 inmates who just had dogs should be at the back of the list and let 6 new inmates work this program. Even with strict criteria I cant imagine that these are the only inmates who quality as good candidates.

Heres a quote that was in the local paper today. It just goes to show that given the right tools these inmates CAN be rehabilitated

The B-Pod, where the inmates live with their dogs, became a noticeably different place when the program began, said Counselor Thomas, who runs the Inmate Dog Alliance Project of Idaho at the prison. Because of his line of work, Thomas asked that his first name not be printed.

"The staff members have noticed a difference in that pod itself," said Thomas. "It's the calmest pod. The quietest. It's amazing how much of a change has taken place."

You can read complete story at http://www.idahostatesman.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041119/NEWS01/411190317/1002

Thanks for the link :thumbsup:

I feel for the chosen inmates though....it must be very difficult to say goodbye to your dog after a year :(

Thanks for the link :thumbsup:

I feel for the chosen inmates though....it must be very difficult to say goodbye to your dog after a year :(
From the interviews on TV last night they did have a hard time saying goodbye. They said that even though they are getting new dogs on Monday they will never forget this first group of dogs.

I just wish that more then 6 inmates could benefit from this experience. I'm sure that many more then 6 get the pleasure of having them around, but its those 6 who benefit the most. I was very touched at what some of those 6 guys had to say

At times like this, I feel glad and thankful to the system for giving some people this chance to get unconditional love :o