We have posted several times about programs around the country that have prison inmates train dogs to become service animals. Here’s a wonderful news report from Tennessee, showcasing a graduation ceremony for dogs at the Turney Center Industrial Complex. The process of working with these dogs is certainly beneficial for the inmates, and the animals go on to work with people living with disabilities:
“When they said it was helping people with epilepsy, diabetes and it was mostly kids that we were helping I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” said inmate Mike Jones. “I wanted to give back as much as I possibly could since I came to prison.”
He continued, “This is my first time coming to prison. I wanted to make it a very positive experience.”
This is the fourth class of dogs graduated by Retrieving Independence, whose mission is ” To develop and successfully place highly skilled service dogs to assist with individuals living with a disability, enhancing their quality of life.”
Click here for the full story.
Photo via wkrn.com
