Published: August 05, 2009 02:56 pm      

Inmates to train dogs for the disabled

PLAINFIELD — Tuesday’s delivery to the Plainfield Correctional Facility marked a new beginning for two groups.

For nine golden retriever puppies, it’s a new home and the start of their training as four-legged friends and assistants for the disabled. And for the inmates who will serve as their handlers, it’s a renewed purpose.

The pups were donated by the Tony Stewart Foundation to the Indiana Canine Assistance Network. The organization trains dogs to provide mobility assistance to the disabled, and pairs them with children who have autism to help them become more verbal.

A group of offenders will teach the puppies some 40 commands over the next eight weeks and provide 24-hour care.

The correctional facility here is the fourth prison to work with ICAN. The partnership started six years ago at the Rockville Correctional Facility and progressed to Branchville and the Indiana Women’s Prison. This June ICAN placed its 70th dog with an owner.

“It really works both ends of the leash,” said Sally Irvin, ICAN founder. “We can offer education and rehab for the offenders, and get the dogs trained more expeditiously.”

Indeed, the waiting list for people who need these dogs extends two years.

“Having a prison-based program let’s us do more training,” Irvin said.

Inmates like Samuel Hobbs are only happy to participate.

“It gives me a purpose while I’m in prison, and gives the dog a purpose in life too,” he said.

Hobbs quickly made friends with one of the puppies, petting the pup while it dozed off by a window.

“This is going to be as therapeutic for me as it is for the dogs,” he said.

That’s a major reason why Wendy Knight, superintendent of the Plainfield Correctional Facility, has worked for three years to bring ICAN here.

“I’ve seen some of the hardest individuals turn into the biggest babies, rolling around and playing with the dogs,” she said. “It truly transforms them because they have to care for something else, be responsible, and put their needs aside. Animals have a very calming effect on the population. They can be who they want to be around the animals and not have to put up any walls or pretenses.”

There are other benefits for the inmates. Those who serve as handlers pass their knowledge on to future volunteers.

Irvin said, “We’re seeing confidence get built and their ability to work as a team. In prison teamwork isn’t something they get to practice a lot.”

Studies conducted by the Indiana Department of Correction and ICAN also show show self-esteem is up among participants and depression is down. The state sees about a 40 percent recidivism rate among inmates. But among those in the ICAN program, it’s only about 15 percent.

Such work also teaches the offenders a variety of skills. Many have gone on to work in animal shelters and daycares. Once the dogs are trained, their handlers help the new owners adapt to their pets.

“It’s a really neat way for us to bridge the community,” Irvin said. “People say it’s a win-win-win. It’s a win for the dog, client, and offender.”

Inmates in the facility’s substance abuse unit are the first volunteers in the program. Knight hopes to expand access to other divisions soon. Only those meeting specific criteria and amassing a stretch of good conduct can participate.

“For someone who might be having a hard time, these dogs will make it easier,” Hobbs said. “It’s pretty awesome to be part of that.”

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Online:

www.icandog.org



wade.coggeshall@flyergroup.com