It’s been four years since Dogs On Call started visiting inmates at Columbia Correctional Institution (CCI) in Portage. DOC teams were recognized at a lovely ceremony on May 17, 2018.
There were speeches of appreciation for the time and effort, mileage, and all the dog baths the handlers go through for every visit. The visits make a difference for the inmates in that they are more relaxed and happier after our visits. They enjoy petting the dogs, but conversation with our handlers makes a difference, too.
After the ceremony, the teams stayed around for inmate visits. There were lots of smiles and seven very tired dogs.
One inmate told me that it makes them feel good to know that someone cares enough to come visit them.
On May 24th, we did a first-ever staff-only visit at CCI. Dogs on Call teams were escorted to several of the housing units to visit with staff who never get a chance to see the dogs.
Teams participating were:
- Ruth & Ike
- Kay & Daisy
- Joan & Shelby
- Dale & Poppy
- Sherie & Caleb
- JoAnn & Molly
- Marie & Dora
- Karen & Pete
- Faye & Gandhi (not pictured)
- Dan & Buddha (not pictured)
Article by: Karen & Pete