Paws in Prison
A couple of weeks ago there was a posting about a quilting program in prison. I don't know if Arkansas has such a program, but we do have Paws in Prison. They have a good Facebook page, Arkansas Paws in Prison. You animal lovers would probably enjoy their postings. Here is some information that was recently published:
Shea Hutchens-Wilson started a unique program called “Arkansas Paws in Prison,” which was a partnership with animal shelters and advocate groups in the state. Selected inmates, under the guidance of professional dog trainers, work with rescue dogs and teach them basic obedience skills.
“Each year in Arkansas, hundreds of homeless dogs are euthanized. Paws in Prison reduces the number by providing loving, obedient, adoptable pets,” Hutchens-Wilson said. “Paws in Prison gives inmates the skills necessary to support successful rehabilitation and reentry – and ultimately improves public safety. At the same time, it is an opportunity for the inmates to repay Arkansas communities and some of the debts caused by their crimes.”
Since she launched the program in December of 2011, she said the ADC has seen a positive impact on relations between inmates and staff, which ultimately improves security.
“We’ve begun training service dogs, too,” she said. “Some of these stories are truly inspirational. People in wheelchairs and autistic children have seen their lives greatly improved by the adoption of our dogs. Seeing this process and watching how it impacts the ones adopting dogs and the inmate trainers is incredible. These animals were literally on doggy death row until they came to us. This is about redemption and second chances for the dogs and the inmates.”