A couple of years ago I spent a day at the Stafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen to observe offenders in its Freedom Tails program train troubled dogs how to be obedient pets that can be adopted.
Since the program began in 2009 it has helped 240 dogs find forever homes.
As I wrote in January, all of Washington’s prisons have dog training and adoption programs, and after observing Freedom Trail’s at Stafford Creek, I’m a huge fan of these programs that have saved thousands of dogs facing euthanization and gives them the training they desperately need to find forever homes.
Ryder’s quick transformation from hopeless stray to happy dog was amazing. Photo from Ridge Dogs.
They also teach offenders responsibility, give them a marketable skill and provide an incentive to maintain positive behavior while incarcerated.
For the last couple of months I’ve been following the amazing progress of a dog in another offender dog training program.
The Ridge Dogs program at the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Connell, WA is the last chance for dogs facing euthanization in the tri-cities area. The program takes dogs from Adams County Pet Rescue, and Benton Franklin Humane Society,
Upon completing the program these dogs will be able to consistently sit, stay, lie down, come when called, walk on a loose leash and heel all on request. In addition, many will earn their AKC Canine Good Citizen certificate and all will have a knowledge of clicker training.
The dog I’ve been watching in the Ridge Dogs program is Ryder. He was found in early January by the side of a road dehydrated, petrified, and as his handler described” completely catatonic.”
Ryder was paralyzed by fear when he arrived at the Ridge Dogs program in the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center. Photo from Ridge Dogs.
My words can’t do justice to Ryder’s transformation since he arrived at Coyote Ridge, so I’ll let the videos and text from the Ridge Dog’s Facebook page tell his story:
January 8, 2015
“This sweet boy came to the prison today and I must say, he was one of the saddest dogsI’ve ever seen. He was in his crate scared to death, his head down and drooling and he had pooped all over the crate and at one point put his head down in it. We brought the handlers out to get him and they carried him inside the crate into the facility so they could get him all cleaned up. During his bath he just wanted to lay down but began to perk up a small bit while being washed with warm water and hearing the handlers comforting him. After his bath they took him into the room and showed him his bed which he immediately laid down on still looking sad so the handler laid down with him still comforting him. While we were having a meeting outside the room, we noticed that he got off his bed and began to explore his new home and found the treats in the handlers coat pocket we think this guy is going to be just fine once he’s comfortable and feels safe – he couldn’t be in a better place for all the love and attention he could ever want!!”
January 12, 2015
“RYDER UPDATE!! I went down to camp today to check on Ryder and see how he was holding up…wow!! He’s still pretty sore and it shows but he’s doing AMAZING!
February 14, 2015
After a month in the Ridge Dogs program, Ryder is a completely different dog (in a very good way). Photo from Ridge Dogs.
“Ryder is a very special dog that we would like to place with someone in need of a therapy or service dog.
Some of Ryder’s attributes: Ryder has been in hospital settings and is good with noise coming from machines like oxygen pumps.
He’s able to negotiate around wheelchairs and will sit calmly while his person is busy.
Ryder is learning to potty on command so he may enter medical facilities and not have an accident. He is learning to turn light switches off and on. He’s working on picking up things like keys. Ryder is a work in progress but has that rare personality that will make him excel in the service world.
He’s young and may go through some teenage angst but this young dog has what it takes to bring help and joy to people in need.”
April 2, 2015
“Ridge Dogs had a big day today. If you remember Ryder, the dog who came to us after being found on the road possibly hit by a car and left to die. When we got him, he truly looked like that’s just what he wanted to do and some didn’t know if he would make it through the weekend…. After a few weeks the handlers knew this was a special boy and he needed a special person. Jennifer and her family came from Seattle today to meet him and see what the handlers have been training him to do to fit her needs – it was amazing!! Find the cell phone and take it to her lap, loading up into the van, staying when told and so many things!! He will stay here a couple more weeks and will be ready to go home with her. The handlers have done an amazing job!!”
Ryder’s transformation left me speechless. I read lots of awful stories every day about people who do terrible, unspeakable things to dogs, but stories like this help restore my faith in humanity.
To learn more about Ridge Dogs, contact Jennifer Lynch at 509-544-3530 or Denise Cook at 509-544-3511.
The trainers are so wonderful at the coyote ridge prison and was such a delight to talk to. i have nothing but great words to say about them. They work so hard to train these dogs to be living animals and to find them the best home!!!! LOVE this program and keep up the WONDERFUL job! We are so looking forward to bring Ryder home to join our family!
Thank you, Mindi
I’m glad your giving him a home. What is going to do for you?
He will be my sister’s service dog. She is the one in the video walking him on his leash. He is s giant love bug.
Awesome.
Hello – I was in a motorcycle accident 15 years ago and as a result of this I have a seizure disorder and some other more minor injuries that have become permanent.
I had a Black Lab and she was trained to help me when I had seizures (she could tell up to 16 hours in advance if I was going to have one), so I was able to take medicine before a seizure. She was also trained to get things for me and pick things up. I trained her with help from the Woman’s Prison at Purdy, even though they had discontinued that program before I needed a dog, there was still a lady there that had helped with the training and she in turn, helped me. What a life saver.!!
If there is anyway that I could get help with a dog (needs to be a larger breed because it will need to hold me down in a safe position when I’m having a seizure) and needs to know how to get help (ie: Life Alert or some other method).
My Service Dog, Maggie, was stolen out of my friends yard while I was in the hospital having surgery. My friend had a 5 ft fench and it was apparent that someone broke the lock and took her. Heartbreaking…not just to me, but also my kids and grand-kids. She was part of our family.
If you could help in any way, I would appreciate it so much.!
Thank You – Gwen
I’m so sorry someone stole your dog. What can I do to help?