Prison Paws is a program where inmates train, groom and board dogs. Hear about the lasting impacts this program has from the trainers, supervisors and families.
BILLINGS, Mont. – The Prison Paws program at the women’s prison in Billings has been transforming lives since 2003.
The initiative allows inmates to train dogs, significantly improving the animals’ behavior and offering the inmates a new outlook on life. According to program supervisor Melissa Brennan, “Being able to save a dog… we’ve had a lot of dogs come through where the owners were at their wits’ end and didn’t know what to do.”
Beyond training dogs, the inmates earn certifications in specific fields and develop skills like public speaking, research, and teaching. The program also boards and grooms the dogs, preparing them for better lives with their families.
Brennan assured that sending dogs to prison for training is beneficial. She put her own dog through the program and highlighted the trainers’ dedication and trustworthiness.
Jessica Cook, a trainer in the program, shared how the experience has been transformative. “We gain so many job skills. We gain interpersonal skills… It gives us something that we can look forward to when we get out,” Cook said.
More than 2,000 dogs have benefitted from Prison Paws, enhancing both the inmates’ and the dogs’ lives. The program instills purpose in the women and offers a chance to give back to the community.
Tune in to NonStop Local on Sunday night to learn more about the impact of Prison Paws.
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