'New Leash on Life' helps shelter dogs, federal inmates

Feb. 27—At Terre Haute's Federal Correctional Institution, those convicted of being bad citizens are helping transform rambunctious dogs into good citizens.

In the process, they're becoming better citizens themselves and learning a vocation for after their release.

The FCI recently reached out to the Terre Haute Humane Society to work on the New Leash on Life Program, in which inmates train dogs.

FCI has had another dog program since 2018, in which inmates raise puppies and provide basic obedience training for CARES, Inc., a company that provides service dogs to those in need, said Todd Royer, FCI's public information officer. It wanted to expand the program and help shelter dogs that aren't as likely to be adopted as puppies.

"We hope that we can provide the dogs with a better chance of adoption as well as provide the inmates with vocational training that will allow them to find employment as dog trainers upon their release," Royer said.

There were five dogs in the initial New Leash on Life class and one, Maya, has already been adopted, Maggie Wheeler, volunteer coordinator at the shelter, said.

Wheeler added that Sydney has also completed training, with Zeke close to graduating, followed by Buddy and Jimmy.

Dogs selected for the New Leash on Life Program meet a certain set of criteria.

"We are looking for that dog that has had a rough life until now, but just needs a little bit of help to become a great pet for the right family," Royer said. "We work with the excellent staff at the Humane Society to select dogs that meet these requirements."

Dogs stay with their trainers in the prison for the duration of their lessons, up until they're adopted.

"The dogs live with the inmates 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Royer added. "They live in the inmate's cell and go where the inmate goes. The inmates and dogs get along great. The program not only helps clear a local shelter, but it also gives the inmates a sense of purpose."

"The dogs are trained to pass the Canine Good Citizenship test," said Wheeler. "They have to take the exam with the adopter, so none of them will have taken the actual test until they get into a home. But the inmates work on the test items, so they know which ones will be able to pass when tested."

Adopters take their dogs to pass the Canine Good Citizenship test at Unlimited Pawsibilities, 1209 N. Fruitridge Ave.

"When the dogs leave to be adopted, it is much harder on the inmates than the dogs," Royer said. "Luckily, there is always a new dog to take the place of the one leaving, so they can start the training process again with a new dog."

David Kronke can be reached at 812-231-4232 or at [email protected].