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| Inmates Train Dogs to Help Others |
| By www.paals.org |
| Published: 12/10/2009 |
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COLUMBIA (Dec. 7, 2009) – Inmates at one of South Carolina’s medium-security male prisons are training Labrador retrievers how to open doors, pick up laundry and flip light switches so the canines can assist physically challenged individuals, teachers and counselors and children with autism. Puppies Katie, A.J. and Casper arrived at Kershaw Correctional Institution in April as part of an agreement between the S.C. Department of Corrections and Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services, or PAALS. Professional trainers from PAALS work with inmates to properly teach the dogs basic cues such as sit and stay, in addition to advanced skills the dogs will use once placed with a person with a disability. Inmates must be disciplinary free to participate in the program and also are responsible for feeding, bathing and caring for the dogs. The dogs live with inmates in inmates’ cells Monday through Friday. On weekends, the dogs stay with foster families to adjust to social settings outside of prison. Utilizing inmates to train the dogs has freed PAALS to expand its services. “This is allowing us to help so many people we would have had to turn away otherwise,” said PAALS Executive Director Jennifer Rogers, who founded the organization. PAALS, based in Columbia, S.C., has trained dogs outside prison that already are assisting families in the Palmetto State and elsewhere. Aubrey, a 2-year-old yellow lab, was teamed with Erin Pruitt of Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Mrs. Pruitt’s son, Smith, has autism and typically shies away from social contact. Interacting with Aubrey is beginning to make Smith more engaging, Mrs. Pruitt said. Leanne Hopkins, of Greenville, has fostered four PAALS dogs and just recently received a PAALS dog for her son Jeff, who has cerebral palsy. Needing a wheelchair for mobility and with limited use of both hands, Jeff needs help with even the simplest of tasks. “Having an assistance dog will greatly increase his independence and ours inside and outside the house,” Mrs. Hopkins says. As an advocate for PAALS, Mrs. Hopkins says she is excited beyond how the group’s agreement with Corrections will provide more dogs to more people. She says she’s also encouraged by what the program is doing for inmate trainers. “I can’t help but feel like those men are changing, too,” she said. Inmates at the Lancaster County prison will train A.J., Katie and Casper another 3 months, or until the dogs are ready for their advanced training, where PAALS trainers work with each dog to specialize for a client’s needs. Another group of puppies is supposed to follow. Kershaw Warden Cecilia Reynolds, who invited PAALS to train dogs in the prison, said the dogs have inspired inmate trainers, including some who aspire to work with dogs after release. “Even better, the dogs have had a positive impact on the entire inmate population,” she said. “It’s tough not to love these dogs. They’re cute, friendly, and they’ve had a calming effect on inmates.” Josh Gelinas 803-896-8578 Gelinas.josh@doc.state.sc.us www.doc.sc.gov For information about PAALS, please contact: Jennifer Rogers jrogers@paals.org 803-788-7063 www.paals.org |
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