Inmates give obedience training to adoptable dogs

POLKTON, N.C. — Six inmates at Brown Creek Correctional Institution in Polkton are part of a new program called "New Leash on Life" that provides dog obedience training to help homeless dogs become adoptable.

IMAGES: Inmates train adoptable dogs
 
The unique effort also gives inmates a new skill set – dog training.

The Union County rescue group Furbabies organized the eight-week program, where inmates work with professional dog trainers to teach basic commands to man’s best friend.

Those inmates graduated Friday.
 
Jeremy Wells is an inmate at Brown Creek Correctional Institution and spent weeks training the dogs.
 
"It's giving everyone who comes through this program another chance," Wells said. To better and put in time and give back to the dogs. "It's helping both parties at the same time."

Participants said it's therapeutic and hope the skills they learned will translate into jobs when released.
 
Linda Talmadge and her son Charlie adopted Bruno and said they hit the jackpot with their new pet.
 
"They said this was the first class graduating from Brown Creek and Bruno would be a perfect candidate to train as a therapy dog," Linda Talmadge said.
 
As this first group of dogs moves on, a new crop of rescues will come in and the inmates are eager to do it all over again.

Two of the three dogs are already adopted but a favorite among inmates and staff alike, Buddy, is still up for adoption.

For more info, visit Furbabies Facebook page or email FurBabies Animal Rescue director Daryl Wagner
 

WSOC