The current training class includes Gracie, Jayne, Zoey, Barnabus and Jenny
Canine Partners for Life (CPL), is a nonprofit organization that partners service and companion dogs with people who have various physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities, or who are in other situations of need, to provide them with the opportunity to live a more independent life.
Originally, all puppies were raised by volunteers in the local community. However, as CPL flourished and the program began to grow, there weren’t enough community volunteers to meet the demands of the program.
Thinking outside the box, CPL began the Prison Puppy Raising Program in 2001. At six months of age, puppies are partnered with inmates at one of six prisons in Pennsylvania, Maryland and soon in Delaware. As the puppies are provided with the training and structure they require, the inmates are given the opportunity to give back to the community, learn new skills, and experience the puppies’ unconditional love.
CPL has been in a partnership with State Correctional Institution Greene since 2014. Since then, their program has grown to include 13 inmate handlers and 50 volunteers. They have trained over 60 dogs.
In the program, dogs begin the second level of training, which begins to build functional skills upon the foundation they established in their community home. This consists of beginning to tug doors and drawers open and multiple other skills.
Research shows that prison puppy raising programs reduce tensions and create a calmer environment overall. Often, prisons with puppy-raising programs report reduced disciplinary infractions, in part, because staying in the program is an incentive for good behavior.
If you are interested in being a volunteer with the Greene prison program, there are several opportunities available. Community volunteers can be puppy raisers, socialization volunteers, or weekend dogsitters. For more information, contact Amanda Walton, Communications and Volunteer Manager, at awalton@k94life.org.
Please Join Canine Partners for Life for “Pop a Cork, Pet a Pup” a fun event at Christian W. Klay Winery on Sunday, September 27 from 1:30–5pm. Enjoy a fun-filled Fall afternoon with a raffle, 50/50, food and wine, all while supporting an amazing cause!
To learn more about the organization and the program, please visit www.k94life.org.
