Program gives prisoners, dogs a second chance

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A New Leash on Life. For the last two years Pender Correctional Institution and Pawsitive Partners have been giving inmates and dogs a second chance.

“It’s all done with positive reenforcement. A lot of the inmates say, ‘I didn’t think you could do things like that, you know?’ They’re used to punishment and force, and this is a whole different concept,” said Barbara Raab of Pawsitive Partners.

The program teaches inmates how to train dogs who might otherwise be euthanized. Once they’re trained, the dogs are less likely to be returned to the shelter. Along the way the inmates learn teamwork and new skills while practicing patience.

“I thought it was going to be a difficult challenge for me, but as the process kicked in, and the obedience and the patience with me. You know it’s been a blessing for me, for the dogs and for me,” said inmate and dog trainer Collins Wilson.

So far 100 percent of the dogs trained at Pender County Correctional have been adopted by families. Next week the inmates will welcome a new group of dogs. For the first time they’ll try training puppies.