It was fun to call home this morning as I was leaving the Maine Correctional Center in Windham to tell my parents, “So, I just got out of jail!” Of course they remembered, after a momentary lapse accompanied by some confusion and shock, that I was photographing the ARL’s Paws in Stripes awards ceremony this morning. This was my first visit to any sort of correctional facility and I couldn’t imagine a better first experience- there were six incredibly cute, well-trained puppies there!
These six puppies, each one named for members of the Brady Bunch, have taken wonderfully to their primary and secondary handlers (the prisoners) over the last few weeks. Seeing how some of the prisoners have become emotionally connected with their puppies was incredibly moving. After working with trainers like Nancy-Freedman Smith, the prisoners now know the basic skills needed to properly train a dog. Likewise, the puppies have passed their AKC S.T.A.R. puppy test, and are now properly socialized and more than ready for adoption!
As far as I know, the Brady Bunch puppies will be back at the ARL on Friday, ready and waiting to be adopted.
by admin
4 comments
link to this post email a friend