Program allows inmates to train shelter dogs for adoption

Caroline Sellers/KFOR
·2 min read

HOLDENVILLE, Okla. (KFOR) – A special program at an Oklahoma correctional center aims to help both inmates and shelter dogs.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, this is the 20th anniversary of the “Pen Pals” dog program at the Allen Gamble Correctional Center. The 10-week program offers medium-security inmates the opportunity to house and train dogs before they can be adopted.

Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

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“We are a win-win situation,” said Jonathon Cox with Buckaroos 360 Dog Care. “We are finding homes for the dogs and helping the inmates.”

Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

Officials say each pup lives in a cell with two inmates who share training responsibilities. The inmates also get help from professional trainers who visit the center every week who assist with obedience and behavioral training.

“And the greatest thing is, the dogs don’t only become rescues,” Cox said. “Some of the dogs have become service dogs, helping people with disabilities. Nursing homes, sometimes they go to special needs homes.”

After the program is complete, the inmate handlers have the opportunity to say goodbye to their canine companions as they graduate. The inmate handlers will then take on another furry friend and keep the program going.

Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

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“I see something inside of you that helps these dogs become who they are. Remember, every time you give a little piece of you, you have a piece of freedom outside these doors.” Cox told the inmate handlers.

“I am blessed to be part of this program and get to be able to do this,” said an inmate.

  • Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
    Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
  • Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
    Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
  • Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.
    Pen Pals program at Allen Gamble Correctional Center. Image courtesy Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

According to ODOC, almost a dozen dogs are graduating from the program this year and will be put up for adoption. Since the program was established 20 years ago, more than a thousand dogs have been trained and rehomed.

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