Deaf dog trained by inmates is adopted by a school for the deaf

This seems like a win-win-win-win for everyone—dogs, prisoners, kids, and taxpayers.

Selected inmates in a Puppies for Parole program in Missouri prisons train shelter animals who have physical or behavioral problems that make them difficult to place for adoption.

The program gives the inmates a constructive activity and saves dogs that might otherwise be euthanized.

Recently they trained Sparky, a deaf dachshund, in sign language and asked the Missouri School for the Deaf to take him in. It has been a great learning experience for the kids as they are teaching him additional signals.

Sparky responds to hand signals to sit, heel, lie down, and stop and is working on additional signs that mean "food" or "outside.” Source

Working with dogs in the Puppies for Parole program has had a remarkable effect on the prisoners chosen to participate, according to prison officials. It has given them an incentive for good behavior and helped them develop skills for rehabilitation.

It is also an opportunity to repay the community for some of the debts caused by their crimes.

When the dogs are socialized and trained, they are returned to community shelters as good little canine citizens ready for adoption.

Puppies for Parole operates solely on donations and takes no money from the state of Missouri. Website showing dogs in training

According to the activities coordinator, Tina Holland, "It's been wonderful -- it's gone far beyond what we thought it would be. Their goal is just to get these dogs a home." Source

Some prisons have had great success with similar Puppies Behind Bars programs. There doesn’t seem to be any down side. I can’t help wondering why this isn’t an activity in all prisons.

Comments

[jackie]

win win win...wonderful

[Marion]

What an amazing programme! There's nothing like a dog, even a delinquent dog, to talk to...and I imagine some of the inmates might see themselves in their doggie's behaviour!

[potty training a puppy]

Like people, dogs that have disabilities should not be taken for granted. Instead they have to be taken cared of. I have to say that taking care of these dogs will allow them to feel safe plus make their lives longer. These people really have a big heart for taking care of these dogs. More power.

[Jerry]

Working with a dog is one of the best rewards prisoners can get. I can understand why it would lead to good behavior which would lead to parole.

[cube]

What a wonderful story for all concerned. Truly a win, win, win situation.

[Jimmy]

I'm on Facebook so much, I'm looking for the "like" button!

[Col]

I read this with much interest. It seems my Sadie is losing her hearing and we have been working on hand signals with diligence.

[portable toilets for sale]

I enjoyed reading your article, and I like it. The program that they were implemented is really beneficial especially for the inmates. Beside from training those deaf dogs, they also entertain themselves. This will be very useful to the prisons who like dogs.

[brt puppies]

While the terrier puppies respond well to training, they need the attention and love of a family. This terrier in a kennel goes against the dog's breed, background and adult size.