Dogs and inmate handlers gain confidence in TAILS program (Slideshow)

Quincy, a TAILS dog, with inmate handler

The heat was scorching, but Quincy, Buster and Charlie, three dogs playing on an expanse of lawn, didn't seem to care.  They ignored a gathered audience of prison inmates wearing blue shirts, a number of Sheriff's deputies, animal control officers and humane society officials.  

When the applause broke out as several men were given certificates of graduation for their work with these shelter dogs, Charlie just chased his tennis ball, while Quincy and Buster took a water break.   

For these three dogs, their eight weeks of playing and training at the minimum security facility on Maple street in Redwood City, would soon be over.  They were the first graduates of the TAILS program (Transitioning Animals into Loving Situations), developed by the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office and the Peninsula Humane Society (PHS/SPCA).

PHS volunteer Tim Tyler visited with the inmates and the dogs once each week to guide the men on how to train and socialize the dogs in order to ready them for adoption.  Tyler says, "These three were tough dog cases.  Charlie is big and strong always doing his happy dance."  

Buster, a young pointer mix, was so withdrawn, he had to be carried into the facilty.  Quincy, a brown and white pit bull puppy, was shy and needed some basic training.  

When Tyler was told he would be the ideal fit for the TAILS program, he remembers thinking, "I never thought PHS would send me to jail, but I'm glad they did."

And it paid off for both the dogs and their inmate handlers.  When asked how the TAILS program affected him, a young inmate named "Jim" said, "I was not familiar with dogs, never been around them very much.  But I was excited to have the experience (working with dogs)."  

Now that the dogs are ready to return to PHS to find new homes, Jim says, "It will be sad to see them go, but I have such good memories of them."

Another TAILS inmate graduate who asked his name not be used said, "I've always loved dogs, but when I get home, I know better how to train my own dogs."

Sheriff's Deputy Madigan of the San Mateo County Sheriff's office, was instrumental in bringing the TAILS program to life.  He knew that working with animals would help teach the men compassion, empathy and patience.  He says, "The program allowed to the men to give back to the community.  It enhanced their skills and helped give them confidence in themselves."

Having the three dogs live at the facility became a group effort, that was positive in every aspect.  Sheriff's Deputy Dan Henry says, "We (deputies and inmates) were all in this cause together.  We all worked hard to make it a success.  It was a win win for everyone because it was like therapy, and brought people out of their shells."

Henry became so attached to the three dogs, that he said he would need a moment alone with each one on the day of their departure.

For new inmates arriving at the facility, finding out that three dogs would be their roommates was a bit disconcerting.  Sheriff's Deputy Greg Businger said, "New inmates would say 'whoa, what's going on here.'  They were amazed that we were doing something like this for them."

Pet Food Express saw the value of the TAILS program and stepped in to provide  food, bedding, crates, grooming tools, treats, bowls and toys.

Three new lucky dogs will soon replace Charlie, Quincy and Buster who will return to PHS and be available for adoption.  Contact the Peninsula Humane Society for more details.

We will keep you posted on who the lucky families are who adopt the three TAILS dogs.

A lifelong dog and animal advocate, Shelley Frost wrote Your Adopted Dog: Everything You Need to Know about Rescuing and Caring for a Best Friend in Need (The Lyons Press, 2007) with coauthor Katerina Makris.

Email Shelley: shelley@youradopteddog.com, and visit www.youradopteddog.com