These Dogs Were Trained By Prison Inmates - And Will Now Serve Veterans In Need

Dec 19, 2018

Redemption is one of the greatest gifts given to humanity. No matter how far you travel down the wrong road, there’s still a chance to seek forgiveness for bad choices.

For some individuals, the road to redemption can begin at jail. While incarcerated, inmates are given time to examine their life and look for a new path.

In Camden County, New Jersey, inmates are given one such opportunity at the county’s Department of Corrections.

The Camden County Department of Corrections created a program called Friends 4 Vets. In the program, rescue dogs are adopted by the county jail. Inmates then train the dogs, who are given to veterans of the War on Terror who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Department of Corrections has been running the program for the past three years.

The Friends 4 Vets programs helps numerous groups. Dogs that were once in danger of being euthanized in shelters are now guaranteed a forever home with a veteran. Veterans are given the emotional support that comes with having a companion in their life.

Inmates are given the opportunity to serve the public good and work through some of the problems that brought them to jail.

Anthony Saulters, an inmate participating in the program, applauded Friends 4 Vets in an interview with WTXF. Saulters told reporters that training the dogs provides inmates an outlet for their grief and anger. Most importantly, training a dog makes an inmate more responsible.

Organizations throughout the state have also lauded Friends 4 Vets. John Young, a Camden County freeholder, told reporters that the county was looking for new ways to expand funding to the program. Young feels that the Friends 4 Vets program helps not only inmates, but the county as well.

Reverend Floyd White of the Camden County Office of Veterans Affairs echoed Young’s assessment of Friends 4 Vets. White expressed his gratitude to the organization, seeing its success as a product of hard work from the inmates, the dogs, and the veterans.

What do you think of the Friends 4 Vets program? Are you aware of any programs in your area that allow inmates to contribute to society? Let us and the other readers know, so everyone can benefit from your knowledge! Don't forget to pass this story along to your friends to let them know about this program.