Inmates to help make dogs adoptable

Dogs to live at jail; Inmates get training

JANESVILLE, Wis. — A new program in Rock County partners unadoptable dogs with inmates who will work with the dogs to make them adoptable.

The Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin and the Rock County Sheriff’s Office say the Canine Corrections Academy is the first partnership of its kind in Wisconsin.

The Academy will launch Tuesday when a dog from the Humane Society will be placed at the jail and matched with an inmate who will feed and care for the dog. Dogs are expected to remain at the jail for an average of eight weeks.

“Correctional Institution dog programs have shown to have an impact on reducing inmate tensions; increasing social interactions surrounding the dogs; developing of valuable life skills including patience, responsibility, compassion, and self-esteem, and even job skills that will be very useful to the inmates as they re-enter our communities,” Sheriff Robert Spoden said.

The Humane Society will give inmates basic dog training lessons. Two deputy sheriffs are also experienced animal trainers.

“The benefits to doing this are impressive for dogs and offenders. This is a win-win for inmates and pets,” Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin Executive Director Brett Frazier said.