Inmate-trained dogs graduate from adoption program at Stafford Creek

Following 10 weeks of training with their inmate masters, 10 dogs graduated from Stafford Creek Corrections Center’s “Freedom Tails” program last week.

Freedom Tails gives prisoners a chance to work with untrained dogs, which are provided by the PAWS of Grays Harbor animal shelter in Aberdeen. The inmate handlers are divided into groups of two before being assigned a dog that they train for the next 10 weeks.

In that time the 26 volunteers have taught the dogs to perform basic commands such as sit, come, heel, and stay, with nothing more than silent hand commands.

During last week’s graduation ceremony, seven of the dogs were adopted by new families, but three have yet to be taken. Because of prison policy, inmates could not be pictured for the accompanying photos.

Those interested in adopting one of the remaining dogs can fill out an application at www.pawsgh.org, and there will be a new session of dog training at Stafford Creek starting May 7.

(Courtesy Marcy Merrill) Inmate handlers demonstrate the dog Petey’s ability to “stay.” Petey does everything “very slowly,” according to his trainer.

(Courtesy Marcy Merrill) Inmate handlers demonstrate the dog Petey’s ability to “stay.” Petey does everything “very slowly,” according to his trainer.

(Courtesy Marcy Merrill) Inmate handlers demonstrate the dog Petey’s ability to “stay.” Petey does everything “very slowly,” according to his trainer.

(Courtesy Marcy Merrill) Inmate handlers demonstrate the dog Petey’s ability to “stay.” Petey does everything “very slowly,” according to his trainer.

(Courtesy Marcy Merrill) PAWS board memeber Linda Francisco poses with Max at the Freedom Trails ceremony last week at Stafford Creek Corrections Center. Max was trained by inmates over the last 10 weeks to perform seven basic commands.

(Courtesy Marcy Merrill) PAWS board memeber Linda Francisco poses with Max at the Freedom Trails ceremony last week at Stafford Creek Corrections Center. Max was trained by inmates over the last 10 weeks to perform seven basic commands.

(Courtesy Marcy Merrill) PAWS board memeber Linda Francisco poses with Max at the Freedom Trails ceremony last week at Stafford Creek Corrections Center. Max was trained by inmates over the last 10 weeks to perform seven basic commands.

(Courtesy Marcy Merrill) PAWS board memeber Linda Francisco poses with Max at the Freedom Trails ceremony last week at Stafford Creek Corrections Center. Max was trained by inmates over the last 10 weeks to perform seven basic commands.