by SEAN KIMMONS
Dax, a one-year-old shepherd mix, lies next to a prisoner during a cell dog graduation at the Kyle Correctional Center on Jan. 26. (Photo by Sean Kimmons)
Inmate Kyle Skinner flaunted a tough demeanor. His body was coated in tattoos, with tear drops inked below his right eye. But the hardened persona vanished when he wept real tears as he bid farewell to his new friend, a one-year-old shepherd mix named Steel.
“At this point we don’t consider him a dog,” a choked-up Skinner told a crowd gathered for a cell dog graduation at the Kyle Correctional Center on Jan. 26. “We consider him a friend.”
“He is something special that deserves a good home,” he added as his cellmate, Arthur Styles, shared tears while clutching the leash of their departing friend.
For the past six weeks, Steel was the prisoners’ third roommate in their cramped
cell. They taught the timid dog, thought to have been previously abused, new tricks and obedience to make him more adoptable.
About five years ago, the prison began to help P.A.W.S. Animal Shelter, located next door, by allowing prisoners to rehabilitate undesirable dogs into good pets – and maybe rehabilitate themselves in the process.
“For inmates, it teaches them responsibility,” said Rachel Daughn, a trainer for the P.A.W.S. program. “They see progress right in front of them.”
Organizers say that at least 100 dogs have been through the cell dog program in just three years, with a 90 percent adoption rate for canine graduates.
Warden Greg Shirley said that his prisoners make ideal trainers since they become dedicated to the dog, which is taught to sit, lie down, walk on a leash and pay attention to their handler, among other things.
“They’re a captive group,” he said. “We make it their job assignment for the whole time.”
He and other prison employees have even adopted dogs out of the program, he said.
Inmate Calvin Feagins read a speech about his dog Annie, one of eight who were graduating.
“She has learned a lot,” he said of the 10-month-old Australian Cattle Dog mix. “She’s very obedient and very lady-like now.
“We have watched her change and we realize that we can change just like Annie.”
Skinner felt the same sentiment toward the program as he struggled through his speech.
“We thank everybody for allowing us this opportunity,” he said. “It has made us better people today.”
Daughn told the audience that it’s common for prisoners to show strong emotions during the graduations. It’ll be the last time they’ll see their friend, she said.
“They actually lived with the inmates,” she said. “They’ve created quite a bond.”
Adopt a dog
There are almost 40 dogs up for adoption at the P.A.W.S. Animal Shelter. Adoption rates range from $100 to $175, depending on the size of the dog. Price includes a microchip, vaccinations and spaying or neutering. For more information, check out www.pawsshelter.org.
