WNY Heroes program holds graduation for service dogs trained by inmates
The WNY Heroes program recently celebrated a graduation for service dogs trained by inmates at the Niagara County Correctional Facility in Lockport. This program has been providing therapy dogs to veterans with medical needs since 2013, and this graduation marked the third graduating class. The dogs, which are named after fallen soldiers or honored community members, are paired with veterans who have PTSD or other service-related disabilities. The program is considered a “win-win-win” by Sheriff Michael Filicetti as it benefits the inmates, the veterans, and the dogs themselves. Founder Chris Kreiger, who created the program after his own service dog saved his life, believes in the power of these animals to provide support and companionship. The graduating class included an African Boerboel, a St. Bernard, and a poodle, and four more dogs will begin training in October. Both the dogs and the veterans are carefully matched based on personality and needs, ensuring a successful partnership. In addition to the dogs, the veterans receive a journal documenting the dog’s behavior and feeding habits. This recent ceremony saw four veterans receive their service dogs, providing them with a source of support and assistance.
WNY Heroes program holds graduation for service dogs trained by inmates
The WNY Heroes program recently held a graduation ceremony for its latest class of service dogs trained by inmates at the Niagara County Correctional Facility. This unique program aims to provide therapy dogs to veterans with medical needs, particularly those with PTSD or other service-related disabilities. The dogs undergo extensive training, certification, and are then paired with veterans who can benefit from their companionship and assistance. The program, which began in 2013, has already made a significant impact and continues to grow with plans for expansion in the future.
Program overview
The main objective of the WNY Heroes program is to provide therapy dogs to veterans with medical needs. These dogs are carefully selected, trained, and certified to ensure that they can meet the specific requirements of their veteran recipients. Each dog undergoes a rigorous 160-hour training program, which includes obedience training, task-specific training, and socialization. After completing the program, the dogs receive their certification, qualifying them to serve as fully-fledged service dogs.
An interesting aspect of the program is that the dogs are given names that honor fallen soldiers or esteemed members of the community. This serves as a tribute to those who have made sacrifices for their country and community and adds an additional layer of significance to the dogs’ roles as service animals.
Inmates at Niagara County Correctional Facility train the dogs
The WNY Heroes program is a collaborative effort between the organization and the Niagara County Correctional Facility in Lockport. Inmates at the facility are responsible for the training of the service dogs, which takes place over a period of 16 to 18 months. This arrangement not only provides valuable skills and rehabilitation opportunities for the inmates but also ensures that the dogs receive the necessary training and socialization required to become effective service animals.
The program also focuses on rescuing dogs from shelters and the SPCA, giving these animals a second chance at life while also providing them with a meaningful purpose. The inmates are involved in all aspects of the dogs’ training, from basic obedience to specialized tasks tailored to address the specific needs of veterans with disabilities.
Dogs are paired with veterans with service-related disabilities
The most significant outcome of the WNY Heroes program is the successful pairing of the trained service dogs with veterans who have service-related disabilities. This process involves carefully matching dogs with veterans based on their personalities, needs, and compatibility. The ultimate goal is to create a mutually beneficial relationship where both the dog and the veteran can support and uplift each other.
For veterans who struggle with conditions like PTSD, depression, or anxiety, the presence of a service dog can make a remarkable difference in their lives. The dogs are trained to provide emotional support, comfort, and companionship. They can also assist with various tasks, such as retrieving medication, turning on lights, or alerting their owners to potential dangers. The therapeutic benefits of the relationship between service dogs and veterans are well-documented and have been proven to significantly improve the overall well-being and quality of life for the veterans involved.
To ensure that veterans have all the necessary information about their service dogs, the program provides them with a journal detailing the dog’s behavior and feeding habits. This helps veterans to better understand and care for their dogs, strengthening the bond between them and promoting a healthy and fulfilling partnership.
Background of the program
The inception and creation of the WNY Heroes program can be credited to Chris Kreiger. Inspired by his own life-saving experience with a service dog, Kreiger recognized the immense value that these animals bring to the lives of veterans with disabilities. He founded the program in 2013, with the aim of not only providing much-needed support to veterans but also offering rehabilitation opportunities for inmates and giving shelter dogs a purposeful role in society.
Since its launch, the program has grown steadily and achieved significant milestones. The recent graduation ceremony marked the third graduating class of service dogs. The positive impact of the program is reflected in the testimonials from veterans who have received service dogs, as well as the support and recognition it has garnered from community leaders and officials.
Future plans for the program
The success of the WNY Heroes program has paved the way for future expansion. Plans are already underway to bring in four more dogs for training in October, allowing the program to reach and assist more veterans in need. However, sourcing dogs for future training is a crucial aspect that requires careful consideration. The program relies on rescuing dogs from shelters and the SPCA, and efforts will continue to ensure that suitable dogs are available for training.
The collaboration with the Niagara County Correctional Facility is also set to continue, as it has proven to be a valuable partnership that benefits both the inmates and the dogs. The training program’s duration will remain consistent, lasting between 16 to 18 months to ensure that the dogs receive comprehensive training and the inmates have ample time to develop their skills.
As with any expansion, there are both potential benefits and challenges to consider. The program’s growth will undoubtedly lead to the availability of more service dogs for veterans, fulfilling a crucial need. However, it will also require additional resources and support to maintain the high standards and quality of training that the program upholds.
Conclusion and testimonials
The WNY Heroes program has received an overwhelmingly positive response from all those involved, including Sheriff Michael Filicetti, who describes it as a “win-win-win.” The program benefits veterans by providing them with much-needed support, inmates by offering them valuable skills and a chance for rehabilitation, and the community by rescuing and repurposing dogs that may have otherwise remained in shelters.
Testimonials from veterans who received service dogs in the recent graduation ceremony highlight the tremendous impact that these animals have made in their lives. Many share stories of improved mental health, increased stability, and a renewed sense of purpose. The WNY Heroes program has proven to be a source of hope, companionship, and transformative change for both veterans and the dogs themselves.
In conclusion, the WNY Heroes program is a shining example of the power of collaboration and compassion. By harnessing the skills and dedication of inmates, and by rescuing and training dogs, the program not only addresses the needs of veterans but also creates a positive ripple effect within the corrections system and the community as a whole. With plans for future expansion, the program is poised to continue making a significant impact and changing lives for the better.