Recently, I saw a news report about Cuddly Catz, a
program based out of Canada that pairs prison inmates with kitties that are not
adoptable due to behavior issues. This program has proven to be very successful
in reducing inmate conflict, providing a more positive environment in the
facility and giving the offender a chance to give back to society from within
the facility while providing a second chance for the cats.
A similar program, Puppies for Parole, was started in Missouri on February 1, 2012. On Tuesday, April 24, 2012, I was privileged to have the opportunity to be present when Maryville Treatment Center officially became the 17th of the 19 total state correctional institutions to begin participation in the Puppies for Parole program!!
The benefits of this program are three-fold. Puppies for Parole gives offenders the skills necessary to support successful rehabilitation, reentry, ultimately improving public safety. At the same time, this is an opportunity for the offenders to re-pay Missouri communities and repair some of the debts caused by their crimes. We have seen this program have a profound effect on the inmates and staff, increasing the safety and security of the facility. (Information from program website)
The simple arrival of the dogs has changed the atmosphere at the facility. The handlers (offenders privileged to be working with the dogs) seem more confident interacting with outsiders and very comfortable with the animals. It was interesting to watch outsiders timidly sit next to and interact with offenders, who are men just like you...yet happen to have been convicted of a crime that resulted in time in prison.
This is a very exciting day
for Therapeutic Recreation and the offenders housed at MTC. What a difference
these 3 pups (Honeybun, Laurie and Dutchess) will make on so many lives. While the handlers received stressed words of how important their success is in their challenge, the smiles on their faces showed great promise for their own personal success in recovery.
Puppies for Parole - http://puppiesforparole.com
