Jenkins Correctional Facility inmates working with shelter dogs up for adoption
MILLEN, Ga. (WJBF) – The Jenkins County Correctional Facility is giving inmates the chance to work with shelter dogs–and they’re learning some valuable life lessons.
The facility has teamed up with Jenkins County K 9-1-1 Rescue for the program, which has been in place since October 2021.
Marie Taylor serves as the Administrative Supervisor, and the program was her idea.
She says the idea was brought up after a similar program went away due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We had a program called ‘Second Chance Greyhounds’, and trainers were brought in to train the offenders. Offenders trained other offenders, and it was just a cycle,” said Taylor. “But during COVID, we lost the program. I had a dorm full of guys begging for puppies, and rescue has always been in my heart. So, I went to the Warden and presented it to him.”
Since then, selected inmates have had the chance to work with the dogs.
Qualified inmates must be disciplinary free for 6 months, drug tested and then screened by Taylor.
The facility currently has a capacity of 1186 inmates, but only 64 of them have been selected for the program.
They all work together to take care of the 24 dogs who are staying at the correctional center.
K 9-1-1 Rescue Director Faye White says more than 200 dogs have found new homes thanks to the program.
“I think actually at this point we’re around 250 of what we’ve gotten moved up North or adopted through this program. Just the program, and not what’s going on at the shelter,” said White.
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The Statesboro Herald reports the K 9-1-1 Rescue team recently brought a scrawny puppy to the correctional center, after finding the dog digging through a nearby dumpster.
Taylor says the dog, named “Scrappy”, got his name because his diet mainly consisted of scraps he ate.
“He was just the smallest little thing, and he was so skinny and poor-looking,” said Taylor. “Scrappy got his name because he had eaten wood, paper, and plastic just to stay alive.”
But Scrappy spent the next two weeks getting training and special care from the inmates, and came out looking and acting like a new dog.
Melanie Gay met Buddy when he showed up by surprise in her front yard. Today was her first day seeing him in 365 days.
“He’s a different dog. I haven’t seen him in a year, and he recognized me, which was super nice. But I just can’t believe all he’s learned. How good he is, how confident he is. These guys do fantastic work,” said Gay.
Taylor says the lessons of responsibility and service are priceless lessons the inmates are taking to heart.
“When they are released back into society, they have an opportunity to take what they’ve learned here and pursue it in the free world–and there’s good money in that. So it’s just a win-win situation for the community, for our fenders, and these fur babies,” Taylor said.
Taylor says she also hopes this effort gives the dogs up for adoption a new home.
To help adopt a dog from the Jenkins Correctional Center, click here.
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