WELCOME TO PATHWAYS TO HOPE PRISON DOG PROJECT ~ GIVING OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP OTHERS

 

Years ago I had a dream of doing something that will help others, using our faithful friend, the dog.   It seemed like an impossible dream since I didn't have the money, tools, the understanding of how it could all come together.  Yet my dream didn't fade away.  It was always there. 

 

In 1981 I started the first prison dog program where the inmates rescued unwanted dogs and trained them to help the handicapped or rehomed them to go and loving forever homes.

 

The only way you can ever achieve your dreams, especially without having the money, skills or the people behind you is to try anyway to do it and never give up.  Because I didn't give up, I started the first prison dog program in Washington State at the Correctional Center for Women and after that started other programs across the country.  

 

The first book about the prison dog program came out in Japan and now there is a program where the inmates are training dogs to help the Blind.  in Australia Rome, Italy at the Ribbiba prison there also has been a program.  A program in Japan is now starting.  Ohio had dogs in 33 of their prisons... California has two programs. 

 Follow your dream.  If it doesn't succeed, another door will open.  Helping others brought purpose to my life.  I work for no pay.  I work to help people and that is my greatest reward if I am able to help someone's life.

 

Sr Pauline Quinn op 

 

srpauline@pathwaystohope.org email

 

http://prisondogs.shutterfly.com/

http://srpauline.webs.com  

http://srpaulina.blogspot.com

http://prisondogs.blogspot.com  

http://dominicandogs.blogspot.com

http://pathwaystohope.blogspot.com

http://www.picturetrail.com/srpauline

 

 


Colorado Prison Dog Program

prison dog program ~ Australia

PROJECT POOCH FOR JUVIENILES

SAGO PALM PRISON DOG PROGRAM FLORIDA

Major Lori Kibler on left ~Warden Robert Shannon on right ~ trainers and pups

 

This is a NEW HORIZONS SERVICE DOG program in partnership with the Florida Department of Corrections where the inmates are doing a public service by helping to train future service dogs to help the disabled.

There are many disabled who waiting for a service dog to assist them and with the inmates help, more dogs are able to be ready to partner with someone who needs a dog to assist them.

Patty Armfield, an experienced dog trainer, comes twice a week to the prison to help the inmates learn dog training skills. She is teaching all aspects of dog care, which could lead further to employment once released. Her work is very much appreciated.

We need many items for this program: dog grooming supplies, crates, towels, dog toys, gift cards to buy dog food, plastic dog gates, leashes. A list of items can be obtained by contacting Janet Severt at New Horizons ~ 386 456-0408

NEW HORIZONS FUTURE SERVICE DOGS ~ CEO JANET ON L AND TRAINER PATTY ON R

ANOTHER CHANCE FOR LOVE ~ CALIFORNIA YOUTH AUTHORITY PRISON DOG PROGRAM

Dogs, youths ~ ANOTHER CHANCE AT LOVE ~ DOGS ALWAYS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION

Whittier Daily News, The (CA)

Whittier Daily News, The (CA)
May 26, 2009

Dogs, youths get another chance at love
Author: Bethania Palma Markus, Staff Writer

 

Article Text:

NORWALK - Dominique Perry bent down and tenderly scratched the scared, skinny dog that had just been entrusted to him.

The 18-year-old is like any other dog-loving teenager, except he's serving time for a crime at the California Youth Authority.

But because he and five other boys have demonstrated good behavior, they were selected to participate in "Another Chance for Love," a program run by dog trainer Janette Thomas in cooperation with the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority in Downey.

Perry's main job was to teach Bella, a 1-year-old border collie mix, basic obedience and behavior to help her find a good adoptive home.

"Being out on the streets a lot of people like pit bulls," he said. "This introduces us to a lot of different kinds of dogs."

Perry said when his time at the detention center is over, he is considering adopting a shepherd breed.

Another Chance at Love takes dogs from SEAACA's shelter and places them with selected youngsters at the California Youth Authority, who then train them in basic domestic obedience. Thomas and SEAACA staff on Friday took six dogs from the shelter to the correctional facility for training.

"It's the small victories that we cherish," said SEAACA Capt. Aaron Reyes. "It's a win-win situation."

The dogs get to spend months away from the kennel, learn skills that will make them more adoptable and get socialized, he said, while the youngsters learn important lessons in being responsible.

"They basically learn life skills," Thomas said. "They learn patience, empathy, team building. They've got to do everything."

The dogs are trained by two boys, a leader and a supporter, she said. They learn through positive reinforcement methods, like toys, treats and games.

Thomas spends a couple of weeks prior to the dogs' arrival teaching the teens training, grooming and care.

The program is supported by SEAACA, which provides necessities like food, veterinary care and medicine, she said. The Youth Authority provides oversight and support as well, she added.

"It's a three-part system," she said. Thomas remains on call 24/7 in case dog-related emergencies arise.

The most difficult part of the program, Reyes said, is when the dogs have to be taken from their trainers to be placed into adoptive homes.

But there are other needy dogs waiting in the wings.

"The kids have prior exposure mostly to fighting dogs, dominated by pit bulls," Thomas said. "They haven't really had the opportunity to experience the unconditional love of a family pet."

Text


Maya, Raven and Ruby before they left the prison going to Fidos For Freedom

NEADS PRISON DOG VIDEO ~ CLICK 0N SQUARE

Visiting the Federal Prison at Jessup, GA for a possible program ~ March 09

The warden of the Federal Prison at Jessup GA ~ March 09

Visiting a state prison in Florida for a possible program ~ March 09

Visiting a State Prison in Florida

HELPING PAWS PRISON PROGRAM ~ DWIGHT ILLINOIS

RUBY PUSHING THE WHEELCHAIR ~ (Now at Fidos For Freedom for more training)

DEJA AT HELPING PAWS FUTURE HEARING DOG

SKYLER, WAS TRAINED AND IS PLACED AS A THERAPY AND DEMO DOG

TENNESSEE PRISON FOR WOMEN PRISON DOG PROGRAM and the Nashville Humane Assoc.

TENNESSEE PRISON FOR WOMAN, HELPING UNWANTED DOGS BE MORE ADOPTABLE

California Institution for Women Prison Dog Program ~ Canine Support Teams

volunteer helping teach the assistant dog to back up going through tight spaces

Assistance Dog Kerby, Trained by prisoners

Contact Canine Support Teams http://caninesupportteams.org

Rosie trained at the NH Pathways prison dog program and CIW prison dog program

Rosie was rescued from a shelter and now she is a service dog

NEW PRISON DOG PROGRAM COMING TO THE FEDERAL PRISON AT VICTORVILLE, CALIFORNIA


DAVID PARDO / DAILY PRESS 
Mary Shanks, 28, of Helendale, left, and Gina Picke, 42, of Hesperia, receive training to help train prison inmates in the Prison Dog Project where inmates teach dogs obedience training. 
Prison Dog Project coming to Victor Valley
Comments 33 | Recommend 6

December 26, 2008 - 11:34 AM
BROOKE EDWARDS Staff Writer

APPLE VALLEY • The two may just be a perfect match.


Both are starved for affection and need to be socialized. Both know what it’s like to live life behind bars and just want to go home.


That’s why PAL Humane Society in Apple Valley is undertaking a months-long project to pair up prisoners hardened by a life of crime and dogs abandoned at local shelters, hoping to change the lives of both.


“This will help with adoptions, save lives and hopefully turn prisoners around,” said Katherine Schlintz, president and CEO of Pal Human Society.


In the Prison Dog Project, dogs are taken from a local shelter to the cell of a prisoner who has demonstrated good behavior. The two will live together 24-hours a day, five days a week, with the dogs going to foster families on weekends so they remember what a home is like.


In the most basic program, the prisoners will teach the dogs obedience training. In the advanced program, which PAL hopes to tackle down the road, the prisoners will train the animals to be service dogs, helping those with handicaps.


For the dogs, it will get them out of shelters — freeing up space so fewer animals have to be put down — and make them more adoptable. In fact, once the dogs have finished the prison program, PAL hopes to have a waiting list of families eager to take home a well-trained pet.


For the prisoners, supporters hope the program will teach them to deal with others without violence and give them a real skill, with the potential for a job at PAL or other animal organizations once they get out.


Over the past month, PAL staffers have been working with Donna Shawver, a certified trainer who helped establish a prison dog program at the California Institution for Women in Chino. The Chino facility hosts up to 60 dogs at a time and its participants’ recidivism rate has drop dramatically in the six years it has hosted the program, according to PAL staff members.


During a recent training session in PAL’s newly donated play yard, the team used their own dogs to practice training techniques. The dogs can by any size or breed, other than pit bulls. The prisons insist on this, though PAL workers say they wish they could bring pit bulls in.


The team learns two to three new commands each session, starting with holding eye contact before moving on to sitting, lying down and rolling over.


The team expects it will take six to eight months to complete the training and set up the program in local prisons.


“Things move slow in the prisons,” Shawver said. “There are lots of rules and regulations and red tape.”


The team will have some help in cutting through that tape. Schlintz said Sister Pauline Quinn from the Dominican Order — who first started the Prison Dog Project and spread it across the United States, Italy and Australia — will be meeting with the federal prison in Victorville. Quinn contacted PAL and suggested the program after reading online about their organization.


Once the PAL staff is fully trained and agreements with one or more local prisons are arranged, the staff will start working with prisoners to “train the trainer,” teaching them how to pass on the tricks to the dogs.


PAL staffers — a group of friendly, young women — are a bit nervous about the prospect of teaching criminals new tricks.


“It’s definitely a different environment than we’re used to working in,” said Autumn Rose Saenz, public relations coordinator for PAL.


But the staff’s belief in the potential of the program is helping them overcome their fears. For them, it’s just one more way to fulfill their mission to save pets — and do a bit of good for people at the same time.

Brooke Edwards may be reached at 955-5358 or at bedwards@VVDailyPress.com.

There are a number of ways for animal lovers to support PAL Humane Society’s Prison Dog Project, and the organization as a whole.


One way is to sign up as a foster family, looking after homeless pets until they are permanently adopted. PAL provides food, treats, toys and everything else needed for foster families.


Locals can also volunteer as “dog sitters,” walking the dogs either during the prison project or during their time at PAL, or make financial contributions.


To volunteer or donate, visit www.PALHumaneSociety.org or call 240-6848.


AUSTRALIA ~ PRISON DOGS GRADUATE

AUSTRALIA ~ PRISON DOGS GRADUATE


Media Statements
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence MP
Tuesday, April 29, 2008

First 'Pups in Prison' graduates to help disabled:
Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence with assistance dog Taylor, along with Darling Downs Correctional Centre General Manager Andrew Pike, centre, and Assistance Dogs Australia Chief Executive Officer Richard Lord

Spence Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence with assistance dog Taylor, along with Darling Downs Correctional Centre General Manager Andrew Pike, centre, and Assistance Dogs Australia Chief Executive Officer Richard LordThe first assistance dogs to participate in Queensland's innovative Pups in Prison program have today graduated from their 14 month training course at Darling Downs Correctional Centre.

Corrective Services Minister Judy Spence presented black Labradors siblings Toomba and Truman and Golden Retrievers siblings Topaz and Taylor, to Assistance Dogs Australia (ADA) Chief Executive Officer Richard Lord, during a ceremony on the Speaker's Green at Parliament House.

Ms Spence said: "This program is a Queensland-first that brings puppies and prisoners together as part of a rehabilitation partnership between Assistance Dogs Australia and Queensland Corrective Services.

"These dogs have undergone 14 months basic training and socialising with prisoners at the Darling Downs Correctional Centre (DDCC) near Toowoomba, west of Brisbane.

"They will now be returned to ADA for a six month intensive training program before being matched to people with physical disabilities to enhance the person's quality of life and improve their level of independence.

"The dogs will eventually be able to turn light switches off and on, press pedestrian crossing buttons and pick up and retrieve items - tasks which people in wheelchairs find extremely difficult.

"This government is pleased to be part of an initiative that is making a real difference to lives of Queenslanders in need."

Ms Spence said the partnership with Assistance Dogs Australia is a prime example of how Queensland Corrective Services works with community organisations to provide prisoners with new opportunities for rehabilitation while giving something worthwhile back to the community.

Assistance dog showing obedience at the graduation day"Pups in Prison has provided prisoners with a positive experience, establishing new levels of responsibility, self-esteem and communication skills, while also developing patience, compassion and cooperation," Ms Spence said.

"Assistance Dogs Australia does a fantastic job in their work training companion dogs for people with disabilities and it is a pleasure to be involved in the important role they play in our community."

Assistance Dogs Australia CEO Richard Lord said the Pups in Prison program has been a huge success.

"We are very excited to see the inaugural graduation from the Darling Downs Correctional Centre," Mr Lord said.

"The pups look fantastic and are very well trained. The program has united the officers, prisoners and community volunteers whose combined efforts to train and socialise the pups has been outstanding.

"These remarkable dogs will change for the better the lives of young people who have suffered from developmental disabilities or quadriplegia as a result of traumatic accidents.

"We look forward to continuing the program with Queensland Corrective Services," Mr Lord said.

Ms Spence said the program has also provided significant learning opportunities for staff.

"Staff at Darling Downs and the volunteer obedience trainers have done a great job in developing the program," Ms Spence said.
Assistance dogs demonstrate their training "I know they are now looking forward to the arrival of the second group of puppies, due to start training at the centre in July."

Assistance dog showing obedience at the graduation day

Assistance dogs demonstrate their training

Media Contact: 3239 6172


COURTHOUSE DOGS

Promoting justice through the use of well-trained dogs to provide emotional support for everyone in our criminal justice system

 

To Find Out More About The Wonderful Benefits of  Courthouse Dogs go to ~

http://www.courthousedogs.com/index.html

 

Ellen O'Neill-Stephens

Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Ellen O'Neill-Stephens , Founder, has worked for the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office located in Seattle, Washington since 1985. The courthouse dog program began in 2003 when Ellen's son, Sean Stephens, shared his service dog Jeeter with those in need at Juvenile Drug Court one day a week.

What are Courthouse Dogs?

We use the term “courthouse dogs” for two reasons.

  1. The courthouse is the epicenter of the criminal justice system. Although the dogs may assist people outside the courthouse, their work is done with the expectation that the case will be concluded in that setting.
  2. Canines are not just “man’s best friend,” but have served mankind in institutional settings for centuries. The courthouse dogs of the 21st Century find a ready analog in the 19th Century firehouse dogs—the Dalmatians who were trained to run in front of a horse-drawn fire apparatus to clear a path and quickly guide the horses and firefighters to the scene. The Dalmatians also served as rescue dogs to locate victims in burning buildings.

We are confident that in this century the public will associate courthouse dogs with an equally vital role of improving the criminal justice system. Not only are they already helping prosecutors get to the truth more quickly, but they also assist crime victims by providing emotional support during the numerous points in the criminal justice process where they must relate, and relive, traumatic experiences.

 

PHOTO BELOW ~

The presence of a facility dog during a forensic interview can be a source of comfort to the child during the interview process and may allow them to more easily describe any abuse that that they may have experienced. A good forensic interview can greatly increase the strength of a case and may lead to a defendant accepting a plea.


Forensic Interview

Courthouse Dog calming a child before speaking to the court

Private prison to launch guide dog training program for inmates in Japan

 

Written by Okinawa on Jul-7-08 1:40pm
From:  www.hdrjapan.com
 

HAMADA, Shimane -- Prison inmates are to help train guide dogs as part of their rehabilitation at a new private prison opening here this fall.

Under the scheme, inmates at the Shimane Asahi Rehabilitation Program Center in Hamada will live with three to five 2-month-old puppies for 10 months, in an attempt to nurture their caring instincts. Prisoners will care for the dogs 24 hours a day, and will be responsible for feeding, walking and discipline.

The program is also aimed at redressing the dearth of guide dogs in Japan. There are currently only about 1,000 guide dogs nationwide, and over 7,800 visually impaired people waiting to receive one.

The center is the nation's fourth prison funded by a private finance initiative. The Justice Ministry has commissioned the construction and operation of the prison to a group of private entities, including general contractor Obayashi Corp. and Sohgo Security Service Co. The facility, which opens in October, will accommodate about 2,000 inmates.

 

NH Pathways To Hope Prison Dog Program

Helping Paws Prison Dog Program Dwight, Illinois

Cumberland Maryland Federal Prison ~ Fidos For Freedom program

Inmates at the Maine Correctional Institution

Inmates and Reni at the California Institution for Women

Nicky at Green Bay Correctional Instituton ~ Wisconsin

California Institution for Women's Prison Dog Program

Correctional Officers and Nicky, Rome, Italy

Inmates training dogs for handicapped ~Rebibba Prison Rome, Italy

Dwight Correctional institution Helping Paws Prison Dog Program

Reni visiting a special needs school

Nicky, Prison dog visiting children in special needs school

New Hamphire Prison Dog Program

Green Bay Correctional, Wisconsin

Rebibbia Prison ~ Inmates teaching dog to take off socks

Inmate in Rome, Italy Rebibba prison is showing the press how her dog works

California Institution for Women Prison Dog Program

Pathways To Hope ~ Prison Dog Project

Single picture frame

Comments On The Prison Program

9/22/2009 3:55:20 PM - 002089829822
its perfect well done boys!
11/22/2008 3:48:17 PM - 002041756899

I have really enjoyed the pictures in this selection! What impressed me the most was the obvious relationship of love, respect, responsibility and "family" that these dogs and, of all people in the world, "hardened" prisoners have.

Who would have thought this could be real, yet through these pictures one can see, without a doubt, that this program is real, and accomplishes something so important for both man and dogs,and that is love and companionship!

WOW! Just when I thought this program could not offer more, it did! After rescueing dogs from some terrible living conditions (though not all of the dogs) and giving meaning to life for persons removed from society for a variety of reasons, (but reasons one might be led to think were terrible,) together this combination paves the way for persons trapped in "comprimised" physical conditions to gain thier freedom!

If these photos don't make one rethink what life is all about, I would not have a clue what would!

 

Thank-you Sister Quinn and Shutterfly for these impressive pictures!

 

Beverly in Wisconsin

Prison Pet Partnership service dog

Prison Dog Nicky

Nicky at the Indiana State Prison for Women

Prison Dog Pax

Pax as a puppy

Nicky Visting Green Bay Correctional

Reni at the California Institution for Women

Nicky and Pax visiting special children

Nicky Playing with his friend

Group shot Rebibbia Prison Italy ~ Inmates, Staff and visitors

Massimo teaching the inmates how to train dogs ~ Rome, Italy

Inmate and Nicky ~ Rome, Italy

Stark Youth Authority Training Shelter Dogs to be Good Citizens ~ California

Inmates at the Rebibbia prison Rome training dogs

First Prison Dog Program ~ Washington State 1981

Joey, a dog trained in Two Prisons now helping the disabled

Prison Dogs Reni and Nicky ~ Guess Who Is In Charge?

Reni and Nicky ~ Best Buddies

Reni at the California Institution for Women

Stark Youth Authority California Prison Dog Program

Reni and Nicky

Inmate with Nicky

Reni

Prison Dog Reni visitn a Red Hat Meeting

Nicky traveling light

After Visting the Prison, the girls got their nails done

Dog Trained in Prison to help this person

Joey being trained by this Inmate ~ He is now a service dog

This Dog was trained to help this young boy

Indiana State Prison for Women ~ Prison Dog Program

Liberty Dog Program

Liberty Prison Dog Program

Reni being loved by an inmate

Dwight Correctional Helping Paws Program With Their New Donated Winter Coats

Once Locked Up, Some People Never Get Out

Flying Dogs From One Prison To Another

Volunteers Taking The Prison Dogs Out In Public

Rosie, a rescue who went to prison and now is a service dog

Prison Dog Joey waits to welcome home a wounded Vet with other vets

Dog Trained By Inmates to help wounded Vet

Prison Dogs excercising

Friends

Pax and Nicky

Inmates practicing with their dogs

Friends

Prison Dog visiting a school

Widget

Maine Correctional Center Prison Dog Program ~ inmates receiving new puppies

Inmates learning how to Groom... Washington State Correctional Center for Women

Prisoners in the Prison Dog Program ~ Maine ~ made flags after 9/11

boarding kennel at max security Washington State Correctional Center for Women

Prison Dog Program ~ North Centeral Correctional

Sanger B Powers Correctional

Sanger B Powers correctional

Maine Correctional

Downeast Correctional

Prison For Women outside of St Louis, MO

Prison Pet Partnership ~ Washington State

Sanger B Powers Correctional ~ Wisconsin

Prison Dog Nicky

Cumberland Federal Prison

Tails of Freedom ~ Cumberland Maryland Federal Prison Dog Program

Play yard Cumberland Federal Prison Maryland

Movie about the prison dog Program ~ Within These Walls with Ellen Burstyn

Maine Correctional Officer helping inmate cut the dogs nails

First Book about the Prison Dog Programs was published in Japan

California Institution For Women Prison Dog Program.

Inmate and her friend

One of the puppy yards at the California Institution for Women

Prison Dog Andy

Prison Dogs Playing in their yard ~ Dwight Correctional ~ Illinois

New Prisson Dogs Elli and Jeni at Dwight Correctional

Pax as a puppy

Elli and Jeni on Right at the prison dog program holloween party

Jeni on left and Elli on right

Jeni ~ photo at age 3 months ~ at Dwight Correctional Center for Women

Bullet in training at the Tennessee Prison for Women

Prison PR Dog Reni

California Institution for Women Prison Dog Program

Inmates walking the dogs around the prison grounds twice a day ~ Dwight

Three Donated Labrador pups for the prison program at Dwight Correctional, Ill

Helping Paws Prison Dog Program group photo just before Thanksgiving 2008 Dwight

Elli and Jeni wearing their Thanksgiving costume in Prison

Elli and Jeni are going for a walk in the prison

prison dogs playing

Ruby, Raven and Maya

SPECIAL HOME FOUND FOR ZEN HELPING A PERSON IN NEED ~ Dwight, Ill

Prison Dog Reni waiting for the Marine's to come

Inmates getting ready to take a walk around the prison ~ Dwight

Reni ready for Thanksgiving Day in her Pilgram hat ~ Dwight, Ill

Prison Dogs Reni and Nicky

Prison Dog Jeni, a hairy ~ hairless chinese crested now worrking at two prisons.

Prison Dog Deja now in training at Dwight Correctional ~ Illinois

Photo books

Pathways To Hope

Featured pictures


11/22/2009 3:29:05 PM