A group of inmates at the Oshkosh correctional institution in Wisconsin doing just that by participating in a service dog program called “journey together”. Through this initiative, these individuals, some serving lengthy sentences for serious crimes, get the opportunity to make amends by giving back to the community. The goal of the program is to train dogs to assist individuals struggling with posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Inmates are involved in the process of training the dogs, an arrangement that offers a unique experience while in prison. About 40 prisoners and a dozen dogs are involved for about two years.
The inmates teach the dogs various commands before the dogs’ graduate and are placed with clients, who range from veterans to crime victims. Aside from individual placements, many of the trained service dogs are put to work in places such as law enforcement offices, domestic abuse centers, and schools. The “journey together” service dog initiative not only provides a second chance to the inmates but also instills a sense of teamwork and mutual support among them.
The program also highlights the therapeutic value of dogs for people with PTSD, with clients reporting better sleep and heightened ability to cope with public spaces. In the end, the program enables both the inmates and the dogs to grow and contribute positively to society.
