Photo: KBJR-TV

From KBJR-TV - May 27, 2021

The pandemic put a "paws" on visitors for nearly a year at the Federal Prison Camp in Duluth, but on Thursday these four-legged friends got to make their debut.

Can-Do Canines is a non-profit program that works with select inmates to train new puppies before they become service dogs for people with disabilities.

This helps the 5 to 10-week-old puppies adjust from life with their mother to life with people.

They work with seven different prisons and camps in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Prison Program Coordinator, Katie McGill says the program is a win-win.

"It's a win for us because there are these handlers that have some time and can put their energy into puppies and it's a win for them because you know they get to have these puppies come in and not judge them, just give them this unconditional love and attention," McGill said.

Emily Spurgeon, Adoption Manager at Animal Allies, says it isn't a secret that dogs have a positive effect on mental and emotional health.

"Dogs can also be professionally trained and be helpers in that way to give them a job and everything," Spurgeon said. "I think it greatly improves your quality of life."

Some inmates said the program helps them establish a newfound sense of purpose, and become more compassionate and responsible.

"It just brings this whole new atmosphere to the prisons so it's really a special program," McGill adds.

This is Can-Do Canines' 30th year in operation.

To see the original story and read related articles, follow this link to the KBJR-TV website. https://kbjr6.com/2021/05/27/duluths-federal-prison-camp-welcomes-can-do-canine-pups-for-training-pr...