The dogs, named Charlie and Linus, arrived at the correctional facility thanks to a partnership between Dogs of the Michigan Department of Corrections, Northwoods Animal Shelter and Delta Animal Shelter.

“Their journey toward a brighter, happier future starts here, and we’re honored to walk beside them every step of the way,” said a statement from Dogs of the MDOC. “The staff and handlers at Alger Correctional Facility are proud to play a role in their healing, growth and new beginnings.”

Dogs of the MDOC is a program through the Michigan Department of Corrections which matches shelter dogs with incarcerated people, who provide them with obedience training.

“Each handler is chosen based on misconduct history and staff recommendation,” said the Dogs of the MDOC page on the MDOC website. “Individuals interested in a dog program must apply and participate in an interview process before being selected. Once selected, participants are trained in providing basic obedience training, command training, pre-task training, and much more to the dog they are paired with.”

One of the beagles at the Alger Correctional Facility stretches his legs on a recent walk.(Image courtesy of Dogs of the MDOC)

The MDOC’s dog programs benefit the trainers, the facility staff, the communities and the dogs.

“During training, if the dogs prove to be better skilled for a different type of service, they experience a career change,” said MDOC. “Canines trained in MDOC facilities have been placed with U.S Customs and Border Protection, Police Departments, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Crisis Response Dogs and schools and hospitals for support dogs.”

Last fall, Ridglan Farms reached a settlement with Dane County, Wisconsin, that all of the dogs in their breeding program had to be rehomed by this upcoming July, after they were found to be in violation of Wisconsin state animal cruelty laws. Several Upper Peninsula animal shelters have since taken in beagles from Ridglan Farms.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.