New Therapy Dog Program Begins At Washington County Jail

STILLWATER, MN — On Thursday, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office-Jail Division debuted a new program designed to reduce stress and enhance the emotional wellness of both inmates and employees alike. The “Therapy Dog Program” at the Washington County Jail was implemented by Sheriff Dan Starry, with the help of Home for Life, a non-profit animal rescue sanctuary based in Star Prairie, Wisconsin.

Sheriff Starry’s decision to bring therapy dogs on board was easy: "Our goal is to have inmates leave our facility better off mentally, physical and spiritually than when they came in. A high percentage of inmates will be released back into the community we serve. We want to find ways to help transition inmates into successful citizens, parents and workers. We believe creating this connection of caring helps. It’s the right thing to do."

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Dogs reduce tension, help calm anxiety, and reduce anger, making inmates less likely to act out, officials said.

As an added bonus, Sheriff Starry also had the well-being of his employees in mind. Correctional Officers, 911 Dispatchers and Sheriff’s Deputies often deal with a high degree of tension in their line of work.

Many law enforcement employees will face traumatic events over the course of their career. Visiting with therapy dogs can help reduce work- related stress, facilitate a more positive work environment and create a sense of well- being among coworkers.

In addition, therapy dogs will mingle with children visiting incarcerated parents in an effort to strengthen the parent-child bond. Washington County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with Home for Life, a non-profit Animal Rescue Sanctuary located in Star Prairie, Wisconsin.

Director Lisa LaVerdiere has rescued hundreds of animals since she was a child. Rescue dogs, cats, birds and even turtles; are brought to Home for Life when they are unable to be adopted. The animals are medically cared for, loved and given a new lease on life. Many of these dogs are trained to work with people.

Lisa and her team of dedicated volunteers are busy visiting schools; nursing homes and hospitals; bringing joy and happiness to whomever they meet. Having service dog training is fairly common in prisons; having therapy dogs visit inmates in a jail is rare due to the short stay of an inmate, which is usually seven days or less on average.

Visiting with the therapy dogs (which is on a strictly voluntary basis) provides an opportunity for everyone to learn the story of that particular dog’s rescue and journey to becoming a therapy dog. Many of the rescue dogs have lived through emotional and physical trauma, according to county officials.

Often times, inmates can relate, as many of them have experienced adversity in their life. Dogs do not come from a place of judgement; they are color blind; they are not gang-affiliated.

Lisa and her team of volunteers plan to visit the Washington County Jail at least two times a month bringing a variety of rescue and disabled dogs. There is no cost to the Sheriff’s Office, according to a news release.

“Home for Life” staff volunteer their time to help the inmates.

Images via Washington County Sheriff's Office