ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – ‘Can Do Canines’ is a group that trains service dogs. On Wednesday, a group of puppies in the organization stepped out of prison to meet at Rochester’s Peace Plaza.
The dogs spent nearly five weeks inside the Federal Medical Center, training with inmates.
Inmates train the dogs for their future homes.
These service pups gathered downtown to practice city distractions and being around other pups.
They spend upwards of three years in the program.
Volunteer Erin O’Brien said this program is a win-win for both the inmates and service dogs in-training.
“The staff at the Rochester Federal Medical Center say that this program, you know, having the inmates train these dogs is really life-changing for them,” O’Brien mentioned. “It’s a mutually beneficial partnership where the inmates are really gaining a lot from this program. But then, of course, these dogs are coming out of the prison, beautifully trained and really ready to get to work in final training.”
Can Do Canines has encouraged those interested in the program to join them at the Rochester Art Center on November 20th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to learn about volunteer opportunities.
More information about Can Do Canines can be found here.
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