These dogs get out for good behavior
The trainers take charge. Dogs go in bad,but come out good.
By PAUL WHEATLEY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Nestled inside crates, in a dorm of 60 minimum-security prison inmates, are five canine residents doing time to be better prepared for life on the outside.
The once-unwanted dogs are learning manners from Ohio State Penitentiary prisoners.
The prison began working with the nonprofit animal-rights group and shelter Angels for Animals in October 2000. Prison officials also work with the Mahoning County Humane Society.
"I sent my two worst dogs [there]," said Polly Wardle, a co-founder of Angels, which works with hundreds of stray dogs each year. The private organization also focuses on educating the public about responsible pet ownership.
She sent Culver, a black Labrador-Weimaraner mix, along with a yellow Lab named Funny.
Wardle said the dogs couldn't sit still before they were brought into the prison. But she has since found a home for Funny, and Culver graduated Thursday.
"I like to see them come in bad and go out good," said William Black, 41, who trained Culver. Black is serving a prison sentence of eight to 25 years. "It helps me do my time, plus I love doing it."
Black successfully trained Culver in the basics, such as sitting and staying, and added some bonus tricks.
"He won't even touch food until you ask him to eat it," he said.
More adoptable: Wardle believes this training raises the dog's probability of being adopted.
Dennis Railing, 35, has spent three years in the penitentiary and he has trained five dogs.
"In a way I'm happy to see them go," Railing said. "It's nice to know they're going out into the real world."
Plus, he said, there's always a replacement coming in.
Railing and Black scoured books for training tips. They also got pointers from Dani Edgerton, a volunteer for Place For Paws, a Columbiana dog training facility.
The prison would not allow the inmates to say why they are serving time.
"It's good for the dogs and it teaches the inmates responsibility," said Laura Johnson, a prison unit manager.
As Wardle left the minimum-security area with her new graduate, Culver seemed to sense something awkward in the air. About 200 yards away was a stray dog cavorting in a field on prison property.
"That's one who wants to get in," said the wardens as they said goodbye to Culver.
Trained dogs such as Culver are available from Angels for Animals by calling (330) 427-6961, or from the Humane Society at 782-4071.