2 dogs graduate from canine training at Albion Correctional
Provided photo
ALBION — Inmates, staff and administrators at Albion Correctional Facility are pictured last month during the second graduation program for a canine training program.
Kathy Smith and Ariel Strickland, who are both animal control officers for Orleans County, also attended the graduation.
Two dogs from the Orleans County Animal Shelter — Maverick (a beagle) and Mateo (a hound) – were trained by inmates at the prison. The two dogs arrived at the animal shelter on May 14.
Maverick and Mateo then spent about 12 weeks at the correctional facility with two teams of three inmates. They cared for and trained the dogs, under the supervision of a community volunteer, Tom Ryan. He received his professional trainer certification through the National K-9 School for Dog Trainers in Columbus, Ohio.
During the 12 weeks, the two dogs learned obedience training and socialization skills, making them suitable for adoption.
Since the graduation, two more dogs arrived on Sept. 4 for handlers to work with and prepare for adoption to their forever homes.
