First dogs trained by inmates heading to new homes

Michael F. Easley Governor		Theodis Beck Secretary
North Carolina Department of Correction

For Release: IMMEDIATE	Contact: Pamela Walker
Date: July 2, 2004	Phone: (919) 716-3700

First dogs trained by inmates heading to new homes Prisons holding graduation ceremonies for pilot program The Division of Prisons will hold its first graduation ceremony Wednesday, July 7 for its pilot community service program A New Leash on Life – Prison Dog Training Program. Marion Minimum Security Unit received three dogs and Black Mountain Correctional Center for Women received two dogs from local shelters May 17. A select group of minimum-custody inmates have been training the homeless dogs in basic obedience skills to make them more adoptable. All the dogs in this first class have been adopted and the prisons will be receiving another group of dogs to undergo training. To implement the program, Marion Minimum Security Unit partnered with McDowell County and its animal shelter. Black Mountain Correctional Center for Women partnered with the Mimi Paige Foundation and the Asheville Humane Society. Journalists may interview program participants and obtain photographs and video of a demonstration showing what the dogs have learned. MARION LOCATION: Marion Minimum Security Unit Marion, North Carolina Take 1-40 to N.C. 226 (exit 86 Marion/Shelby). The minimum unit will be on your left. DATE & TIME: July 7, 2004 @ 11 a.m. BLACK MOUNTAIN Black Mountain Correctional Center for Women LOCATION: Black Mountain, North Carolina Take I-40 to the Black Mountain exit, old U.S. 70, drive through the town of Black Mountain for about two miles. You will see the Black Mountain Center on your right. At the stop light turn right onto North Fork Road. Take the 2nd drive to the right and the prison will be on the right. DATE & TIME: July 7, 2004 @ 2 p.m. NOTE: If you plan to attend, please notify the Public Affairs Office at (919) 716-3700. Reporters and photographers should bring a valid photo ID. # # #