Loki, a retriever mix, had twice been returned to a shelter after being adopted. Such a history doesn’t bode well for most dogs.
But Loki got another chance – in prison.
The Mixed Up Mutts Prison Tails Dog Training Program pairs “problem” dogs with inmates at the Westville, Indiana Correctional Facility.
The dogs receive 4-8 weeks of intensive obedience training and another shot at adoption. The inmates learn new skills – they’re all certified dog handlers.
Retriever notecard from Dogstuff
After completing Prison Tails, Loki was adopted by Linda and Dale Gurgel. Their dog Charlie had just been diagnosed with cancer, and they wanted a companion for him.
Moving from the program to a home took some adjusting for Loki.
“They live with approximately 25 to 30 dogs at a time; they’re with their handlers and live with at least 50 other offenders,” says Prison Tails supervisor Regan Dietz. “They thrive on the routine at the prison.”
The program is designed to give dogs the best chance possible. Each handler creates a personalized training video for the dogs he trains. He also keeps a journal and a daily report card for each.
The Gurgels are believers. They gave Loki time and space, and he adapted well.
“Loki would lay with Charlie and keep him company,” says Linda. “It was a good match.”
When Charlie died, they adopted a female herding mix who had been found in a dumpster.
