Oct. 2, 2009 - by: Admin

In Washington State shelter dogs are being sent to the state penitentiary to be reformed in a way, they will be trained by inmates to learn how to behaive once in an adoptive home, and the inmates they get lessons in responsibility and compassion.

Each shelter dog could have faced euthanization, but now they have a better shot at life, in fact officials say that people are already lining up to adopt these dogs.

The prison dog project was started in 1981 by Sister Pauline Quinn at the Washington Corrections Center for Women near Gig Harbor. The program quickly went national, and in December 2008 the nonprofit organization PAWfect CONnections was formed to bring the training to male facilities within the Washington Department of Corrections. The dogs are taught basic commands: Sit, stay, come, fetch, lay down, shake hands and "leave it" when given a treat but ordered to wait. The goal is for the dogs to meet the American Kennel Club's Canine Good Citizens standards by graduation.

Hardend inmates who have been locked up for such heinous crimes as murder, turn mushy when talking about these shelter dogs, one inmate when asked said he can hardly wait to get his baby back. It is clear bonds are formed between the dogs and their inmate trainers.

The program is funded entirely by donations and prison officials hope the program will not only reduce violence or overall negative behavior in the offender population, but also benefit society.

One of the inmates involved in the program states that program has also "changed the way people talk to each other, the way guards and prisoners relate to one another and the way races relate to one another. It's really made a difference," he said.

The dogs from the Blue Mountain Humane Society are placed in the prison for eight to 12 weeks. Their trainers are medium-custody offenders who are pre-screened by the facility to make sure they've remained infraction-free for a minimum six months, and demonstrate positive behavior to ensure the dogs are not placed in danger.

The trainers must keep a journal of the dog's progression, any likes or dislikes and suitable discipline. A person or family can make a depo-sit on a dog, which will be delivered with all its shots, spayed or neu-tered, microchipped and trained.

Adoptees are said to pay an extra $50 to $75 for the pet, but the money goes toward the program's operation. PAWfect CONnections supplies the food, grooming supplies, toys and other needs while the dog is in prison, then gives a 30-minute training session for the adoptee.

People who want to volunteer with fundraising and collecting supplies can call 509-526-6479 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

More information about the nonprofit organization is at pawfectconnections.shutterfly.com.

Monetary donations via a check or money order can be sent to WSP PAWfect CONnections, Accounting Office, 1313 N. 13th, Walla Walla, WA 99362.