I recently came across a photo booklet, “Puppies Behind Bars,” produced by the organization of the same name. Its photos were so poignant I needed to find out more about what was behind it.
Puppies Behind Bars was begun 30 years ago by Gloria Gilbert Stoga, who said it was all about the dogs. But the program touches lives both canine and human. The staff at PBB trains incarcerated individuals to raise puppies as service dogs for the for wounded war veterans, as well as explosive detection canines for law enforcement and first responders. The puppies live with the puppy raisers for the duration of the basic training, learning commands and routines. The prisoners learn to groom, feed, water, exercise and train the puppies. The program starts with puppies 8 weeks old, and concludes about two years later with a graduation ceremony.
“The program goes deep,” says Blue, a prisoner at Bedford Hills who has raised three dogs. “You have to confront what got you here in the first place.”
“Puppies Behind Bars is amazing,” adds fellow inmate Roz. “You build confidence in your dog and you build confidence in yourself. This program has changed my life.”
Staff can also get involved as weekend puppy sitters. Puppy raisers who successfully complete the training receive the job title of Animal Caretaker on their permanent file, as well as a certificate of completion from Puppies Behind Bars. Qualified individuals in the program can also participate in a distance-learning, veterinarian-assistant course funded by PBB.
The program is currently in prisons in Bedford Hills, Fishkill, Otisville and Wallkill.
PBB is one of several programs that pair prisoners and pups across the country. PBB is a small organization — less than 15 staffers – but involves a much larger community – not just the staff and the incarcerated individuals who train the dogs, but PBB’s volunteers, donors, veterinarians, police and military professionals and veterans. All go to amazing lengths to keep the program successful.
The aforementioned booklet is actually one of three that documents the first and current groups of puppies, following the dogs from their early training up to their graduation and matching with veteran and active-duty police officers. Also included are essays from the 21 prisoners who care for the dogs. To request a copy of these booklets (photographed by Ashley Gilbertson and Ava Pellor), contact the support team at programs@puppiesbehindbars.com or call them at 212-680-9562.
