Celebrating the sixth successful year of A New Leash on Life’s Pen Pal Prison Program at the CCA-Davis Correctional Facility in Holdenville recently was a gratifying xperience for everyone, including nine well-trained dogs.

     A New Leash on Life, Inc. works with several animal shelters and rescue groups in surrounding areas selecting dogs that have lived at the animal shelters for a while. Dog ownership stays with the shelter or rescue group and New Leash On Life provides once a week training sessions for the inmates, dog treats, toys, food and other equipment and supplies needed by the dogs.

     Each dog selected must meet certain criteria, since they are living in a prison cell with their handlers for approximately ten weeks. While in training, each rescue dog learns basic manners, crate training, house training and some tricks. At the end of the ten-week training, the dogs go back to the shelter or rescue group and are available for adoption.

     The Pen Pal Prison Program graduation in September proved once again that the positive relationships developed between the dogs, inmates and staff are a successful combination. Inmates are given responsibility with a rewarding purpose.

     Tears are seen in the eyes of the trainers as the dogs leave with the rescue groups, but are quickly replaced with interest as the inmates are given new rescue dogs in need of training the same day. The excitement and anticipation of another challenging and rewarding experience fills the room.