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New Hampshire Pathways to Hope began operation at the Concord Prison for Men in October 2005. Men were selected from the prison’s population for their interest in training service dogs to assist the individuals with disabilities. After an orientation session and modifications to the housing unit designated for the dogs’ training, three dogs moved in. From the beginning, it was obvious that the presence of dogs inside the prison would change the entire dynamic.
Men who had not touched a dog for decades were overcome with the opportunity to touch and play with the three dogs. The program has grown into an asset for the prison, the participants, and the clients who will be getting the dogs when their training is completed.
Two dogs graduated from the first cycle in August 2007 and were sent to a women’s prison in California for further training.
Rosie, the Golden Retriever mix, was abused and abandoned. A Golden Retriever rescue in South Carolina rescued her. Rosie eventually found her way to the New Hampshire State Prison for men. She had a hard time overcoming the abuse in her life but the inmates saw that she had potential. She has proved to be
an astonishing dog – bright, quick and sweet . . . albeit with a bit of independence, like the time she broke a stay and ran off to get belly rubs from some visiting dignitaries being shown around the prison by the Warden.
One of the first dogs trained in the NHPTH program, Rosie was placed with a young, physically challenged girl who really needed Rosie in her life. Rosie now has a forever home.
Puppy attending to new trainer.
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This program benefits everyone involved:
The Department of Corrections:
• Improved moral among the inmates and the staff
• Marketable skills training for the inmates
The Inmates:
•By teaching them saleable skills in the animal care industry
•Providing (possibly for the first time in their lives) the opportunity to learn how to interact effectively and humanely (without using coercion) with others.
Disabled Citizens:
•A well mannered animal companion with training to assist them to cope with their physical challenges.
The Dogs:
•A lifetime of good care, affection, and purpose.
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