LINCOLN, Nebraska - A local program that partners with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services is celebrating a major milestone. For 15 years, Second Chance Pups has been working with trainers from the Nebraska State Penitentiary to prepare dogs for adoption. Recently, the program wrapped up on its 50th rotation and has already launched its newest class.
Second Chance Pups selects dogs taken in by animal shelters and rescue facilities and adopts them out, after they have been thoroughly trained by program participants at the penitentiary. To date, 350 men have taken part in the program. More than 450 dogs have been adopted out to new homes. The program first launched at NSP in 2004 and has been going strong ever since.
“The interaction that participants experience when working with their dogs is transformational,” noted NDCS Director Scott R. Frakes. “The responsibility of caring for and training an animal allows each participant to gain new skills and feel a sense of purpose.”
The dogs come from Nebraska, Iowa and Kansas. During nine weeks of obedience training, they are taught how to sit, heel and stay, as well as more complex skills like maneuvering through a crowd and greeting strangers.
All dogs selected for the program are vaccinated, groomed, spayed or neutered and are up to date on their heartworm prevention. All dogs are micro-chipped. Those that are ready for adoption can be viewed on the Second Chance Pups Facebook page. Anyone interested in adopting a dog can find an application on the program’s website: www.secondchancepups.com. Once selected, the person adopting the dog will also undergo a brief training session with their new pet.
“Second Chance Pups has been a tremendous partner to NDCS. Everyone who has been part of the program can feel a sense of pride and accomplishment in its success,” said Director Frakes.