The meeting in San Quintino dei Due Labrador with the prisoners who trained them as guide dogs

First they helped to change the life of four prisoners of the prison of San Quintinoone of the most sadly famous in the United States, which in the past has had the record of the greatest number of prisoners in the « arms of death » throughout the country (there are still, but in fact California suspended the executions). Then they improved the lives of two people in need of their presence and their daily help. Wendel And Artemis They are two labradors, one cronted white with a golden retriever and a black one, who today support respectively Robert Quigleynon -wearing recent graduate, e Benjamin Cartera Portland veterinarian forced into a wheelchair. In recent days, the two men, accompanied by their inseparable four -legged assistants, who are now more than anything else than the life companions, went to the penitentiary and met the people who had trained and prepared them for life outside.

A particularly touching and exciting moment, also because the two animals immediately recognized their former trainers, with whom they spent a significant part of their childhood and adolescence even in the restricted spaces of the cells and prison courtyards. The « reunion»Was promoted by Canine Companionsthe non -profit association that manages this and other training programs for emotional assistance dogs, which are widespread in the USA and not only for people with serious disabilities.

The program of involvement of prisoners started in April 2023, precisely with the arrival of Wendel and Artemis. At the beginning there were four prisoners who dealt with the two puppies, alternating in the employment operations. The good result obtained meant that Today there are eight puppies that are growing in San Quintino, managed by 12 trainers. The final formation of the animals takes place outside the structure, also to get used to the social life and the environment of the city, where they will then operate.

Chase Benoit He was one of the first prisoners to adhere with great enthusiasm to the project. Condemned for second degree murdermust serve 15 years of detention. When he learned about the program he asked to be able to participate, also for a very strong family motivation: one of his grandparents, Marv, had had a dog of Canine Companions who joined him in everyday life. “Working with Wendel was One of the best experiences of my life – Benoit explained at the time of separating from the mandling partner -. I tried great pride every time he learned a new command and great joy every time he greeted me warmly. I feel honored to be part of the change in another person’s life ». And that it really has confirmed to him in recent days Robert Quigley, to whom the animal has been assigned: «It is with me 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He is very kind and good with people ». « I am happy that you love him and that you have a bond, » Chase replied to him by helping himself from an interpreter who has translated into the language of signs.

Benjamin Carter also did everything to be present at the event. He took a plane from Oregon, accompanied by Artemis, whom he calls Artie, and has come to California to know the person who helped prepare his dog for real life, that is Jared Hansenwhich serves 15 years for one Bank robbery. « Seeing him in action and serving someone in the community leaves me speechless – said the prisoner – is truly incredible ». « When he works he is responsive, when he is not on duty he is a cuddly and an extraordinary companion – Carter confirmed, who as a good veterinarian knows well the value of the relationship between people and dogs -. And all this is possible thanks to these guys who have taught them love and trust ». In everyday life Aretmis helps Benjiamin pushing and opening the doors, recovering objects around the house and in any case alongside the Carter in tasks that would have difficulty carrying out on his own.

But how does training take place? The puppies are entrusted to theirs handler temporary when they have between 2 and 4 months And they stay with them for about a year. The prisoners, who have previously received adequate training, teach them about twenty different tasks, including looking for and bringing objects, walking to the leash, remaining sitting alongside the reference person whatever happens in the surroundings. All skills that are then perfected outside by professional educators. The dogs do not pass the entire period always in prison: being destined to interact with the outside world they are periodically brought out to learn to socialize with children, with strangers, with other dogs. But also to experiment with the movement in the car or life in the city, with its movement and its noises, very different from those of the penitentiary. When training is over, they are made available to people in need of practical or emotional assistance.

Not all detainees can take part in the program. Obviously, those who have precedents for animal mistreatment are excluded. In different prisons, forms of pet therapyand not only with dogs. But it is becoming increasingly customary to insert the care as an additional form of involvement of prisoners, who do not just benefit the sharing of spaces and moments with animals, but which are an active part in their training and feel, even before doing something positive for society, to do good even from themselves from a relational point of view: people who perhaps in their previous life they never worried about othersin these projects they experience the importance of taking care of someone. And it doesn’t matter that it is not a human being.

« The puppies trained in prison programs – he explained James Dernthe director of this area of ​​action of Canine Companions, who works with 24 penitentiary institutes – have a 10% more successful rate in the course to become a guide dogs and this thanks to the large amount of time that the prisoners dedicate them. Taking care of them and not only of themselves is a way in which these people make awarded errors and begin to change their own life ».