Inmates Graduate From Puppy Training Program At Jail

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — Six female inmates in the Suffolk County Correctional Facility will graduate Monday from a puppy training program that gives options for new lives to all involved, according to a release from Sheriff Errol Toulon's office.

The graduation ceremony was slated to place at the Yaphank Correctional Facility in the Choose to Thrive Pod, where the program currently resides.

In December 2018, Toulon unveiled the Choose to Thrive Female Program Pod in the Yaphank Correctional Facility; the program uses a holistic approach to helping women behind bars get back into mainstream society, the release said.

From trauma counseling to assistance for the inmates' children, the women participate in a structured program where they can choose the courses or services they want. The program pod is the first offered to the female general population, the release said.

"Pawsitive Second Chances" is a program designed and developed by Working Paws Training, Inc. where puppies are brought into the jail and are trained to do basic obedience by the inmates, the sheriff's office said.

And according to all accounts, it's a win-win: The puppies get to socialize and are exposed to different sounds, smells, and visual stimuli — and the inmates can avail themselves of the opportunity to nurture the pups.

The Pawsitive Second Chances program, officials said, enhances a shelter dog’s adoptability and placement into programs. After completing the program the puppies are believed to be highly desirable for adoption and the program ensures long-term success for both humans and canines. At the same time, Working Paws helps to open the inmates’ eyes to a world of training and provides them with options for life outside of prison, the release said.

After training, the puppies are available for adoption through Save-a-Pet Rescue, Inc., a no kill animal shelter in Port Jefferson Station. Working Paws, Inc. and Save-a-Pet Rescue, Inc. work together to help adopt and save the animals together as a team, the release said.