Program helps rehab inmates, abused dogs

Abandoned and abused dogs from the community are being retrained and prepared to reenter society by men with the same goal.

The Diamondback Dog Program is a joint venture between WOOF Pet Rescue and Diamondback Correctional Facility in Watonga. Rescued dogs are paired with inmates who train them to become more adoptable.

Shelby Garrett is a Case Manager and oversees the dog program at the medium security prison. She said, “The dogs obviously benefit from the training and being adopted into loving homes, but the greater benefit is the positive change in the lives of the inmates who train them.”

Thousands of dogs are euthanized at the Woodward Animal Shelter each year. For the past six years WOOF Pet Rescue has saved hundreds from the doggie death row. Today, WOOF Rescue credits Diamondback with helping them save more dogs.

“They provide ten foster homes for us, this lets us help more dogs than we could otherwise,” said Toni Bowser of WOOF Rescue.

Diamondback started the program in 2005 and has been training dogs from WOOF Rescue for about the last 18 months. The program has proved to be successful, and since January 2009 approximately 75 to 80 dogs have been trained and adopted through the six-week-long program.

Garrett said 18 inmates participate in the program. Nine are designated as the primary handlers and nine as secondary handlers. One primary handler and one secondary handler are assigned to each dog to ensure the dog is never unattended.

The inmates apply to participate in the program and must met certain criteria.

“We do not accept inmates who have adult, child or animal abuse charges. We also review their disciplinary history to determine their institutional behavior,” Garrett said.

Once chosen, the inmates are moved to the Dog Program Pod and hired as a secondary handler where they are mentored and taught the training techniques by a primary handler.

Garrett said most of the dogs that arrive have been abandoned or abused.

“When they come to our program they are usually very afraid and timid. Some may even exhibit aggressive behavior. But, the day new dogs arrive is always exciting. The inmates take them into their arms and give them the security that they crave,” she said.

The first priority for a new dog in the program is potty training, and positive reinforcement has been a proven method for the prison.

Garrett said, “Most dogs are trained fairly quickly and they learn to respond to simple commands such as sit, lay down and roll over. When the dog responds correctly to the handler’s command, they are given a treat.”

The inmates attend weekly meetings where they discuss what the dogs have learned as well as what lessons they have learned.

“I try to instill in the inmates that they are an elite group and as such they should shine- meaning no misconducts and respectful behavior at all times,” Garrett said. “The handlers learn patience, tolerance, kindness, and most importantly, I feel, love.”

Garrett said by the time the dogs complete the program there is a dramatic change in their demeanor and behavior. “They become more secure, outgoing and affectionate. They are also obedient and well trained,” she said.

The inmates who train the dogs are not the only ones who become attached to the dogs.

“Most of the inmates really enjoy the dogs and they more or less ‘belong’ to everyone on the pod. It is very common to see the dogs interacting and playing with inmates who are not handlers,” Garrett said.

She also said there is a lot of interest in the dogs among the Diamondback staff.

“Staff frequently come to the unit, and the nurses love to make rounds on our unit to get a peek at the dogs. Several staff members have adopted dogs from the program. I adopted a Gordon Setter mix named Jamie, who is now one year old,” Garrett said.

Debbie Kinney of WOOF Rescue said the program is a tremendous asset to the citizens of Woodward.

Kinney and Bowser often transport dogs to and from the prison. Kinney said the prisoners are very grateful that the dogs “give them something to do and care about.”

Diamondback hopes to continue their partnership with WOOF Pet Rescue for a long time.

Garrett said, “I share Toni and Debbie’s passion for saving these dogs and providing them with a good home. It is very rewarding to see the positive effects of this program for inmates and the dogs.”

Garrett said they also hope to facilitate a greater public awareness regarding the program and the dogs that are available. If you would like more information about the available ‘reformed’ pets from WOOF Pet Rescue you may visit their website at www.petfinder.com or call Debbie Kinney at 256-3320.