Visitors to Enfield Correctional Institution might be shocked to discover that, behind its walls, there aren’t just prisoners…but puppies, as well.
America’s Vet Dogs created a very special program at the correctional facility that allows inmates to train service dogs for wounded veterans. Not only do the inmates nurture and train the dogs, but the dogs help the prisoners, as well!
Source: Today / YouTube
Every inmate inside of Enfield, no matter what their crime, has to spend long hours in their cell. For them, life can feel like it is wasting away.
But, thanks to the Vet Dogs program, the men inside of the prison have something to look forward to as they put their lives back together.
Commissioner Scott Semple of the Department of Correction says it’s win-win for both the inmates and the dogs. The men have a healthy outlet and something positive to focus on.
Not only that, but they are able to give the trainee dogs so much laser-focused attention, it cuts the training time for the dogs down from five years to only two.
Source: Today / YouTube
The overall population of the prison is affected by presence of the dogs; the pups bring a positive atmosphere to the inmates. After all, who doesn’t like some quality time with a four-legged friend?
Source: Today / YouTube
For about a year, the puppies are trained behind bars and also by families on the weekends. Once the dogs are finished with the program, they will be able to help veterans around their homes.
Currently, for veterans, there is a 2-year-wait for a service dog. But, thanks to the inmate trainers, that time can be reduced significantly.
Source: Today / YouTube
The facility in Connecticut isn’t the only prison training dogs; Vet Dogs has about 84 puppies across the country in various correctional institutions. It’s amazing to see how the puppies and prisoners can help each other so seamlessly.
Essentially, they train each other to be ready for the outside world — and are helping disabled veterans at the same time! It’s truly a wonderful program.
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