Simone, a deaf dog, participated in a unique prison program called A New Leash on Life that is making waves in North Carolina. It is a groundbreaking state prison program that fosters partnerships between prisons and local animal shelters. Participating in the program, Simone is undergoing training for 10 weeks with an inmate trainer.
Disabled, deaf dog is first to be trained by NC prison inmates through ‘New Leash on Life’ program
Simone is a unique participant in the New Leash on Life program at the Forsyth County Correctional Center in Winston-Salem, as WXII 12 reports. As the first deaf dog to undergo this state prison program, Simone, aged 1-2 years, brings her own special story to the program.
New Leash on Life is a pioneering state prison program. It involves partnerships between correctional facilities and local animal shelters and rescues, allowing inmates to train dogs for a 10-week period. For the program duration, inmate trainers dedicate themselves to teaching dogs manners, obedience, and house and crate training. Therefore, it provides a second chance to both dogs and inmate trainers.
The Piedmont Animal Welfare (PAW) Alliance has teamed up with the Correctional Center for this program.
Terry Smith, Simone’s trainer, has previous experience teaching dogs in the program. However, he has never trained a special needs dog like Simone.
Currently, Simone is four weeks into the program. According to Smith, she is progressing remarkably despite her disability and learning through hand signals. Moreover, Smith noted that Simone has already acquired numerous skills.
In Smith’s words, “We’re halfway in, and she already has sit, down, stay, plays, comes, walks good on the leash, does a few tricks.”
Candide Jones, President of the Piedmont Animal Welfare Alliance, said that the dogs spend 14 hours a day with their trainers, as per WFMY News 2. Additionally, the canines sleep in indoor kennels located on the prison grounds.
Once the 10 weeks are over, there is a graduation ceremony. Subsequently, they are placed in their permanent homes.
To submit an adoption application for Simone, you can click here. For further details, kindly visit the PAW Alliance website.
