FPC Alderson Inmates Visit Hospice Patients
Alderson, WV
As part of the public access training conducted by the inmate of the paws4prisons Assistance Dog Training Program at FPC Alderson, inmates and their Assistance Dogs (in-training) visit a Hospice facility in Beckley, WV. These bi-weekly visits brighten the day for the Hospice patients and staff. They also provide an invaluable training environment for the dogs. They sometimes provide even more benefits to the inmates who conduct the visits, as is evidenced by this account by Inmate Kate H.:
Inmates Christy A. & Kate H. Ready MAPLE & HYDRO to Visit Hospice Patients
“Leaving the prison getting ready to enter the public for the first time in three years, can be overwhelming and anxiety provoking. However HYDRO and I were both very excited and looking forward to our task. I was especially looking forward to being able to brighten the day for the hospice patients because my husband receives palliative care back home. I had no way of knowing that our trip today would have such a profound impact on me. To be welcomed by the staff at the hospice center like a worthy person instead of a criminal touched me deeply.
Everywhere HYDRO and I went there were smiles and greetings on the faces of the patients, staff and visitors. HYDRO was so excited that his tail wagged non-stop and rapidly. He would whine and talk to greet everyone as he attracted the attention from people when they passed by. It was impossible not to smile and laugh when HYDRO was nearby. As a trainer, it was amazing to see everyone light up around him. As an inmate, it was unforgettable to be welcomed so enthusiastically. As a human being, it was extremely gratifying to be thanked for coming. What I really wanted to do was to thank them for allowing us the privilege of trying to brighten their day and increase their quality of life. As the wife of a hospice patient, it is awe inspiring to see the love and care provided to the patients, Every time I see the dogs at the prison they brighten my day.
I knew before today that I wanted to take a therapy dog to the dialysis center when I go home. This afternoon I know deep in my heart that I want to continue this work for the rest of my life. To have the opportunity to continue sharing blessings as rich as today would be a dream come true.
Today going to the hospice center with HYDRO was a day I will never forget. So, to everyone involved I say simply “Thank you!” because words can’t describe the impact this sunny day in September has had on my life and my future.
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Please Comment!
Savannah Barwick
It is amazing what a dog can do for and to people. They can change a persons prospective on another in an instant. Its nice to see that the inmates have a chance to get out and without being treated hostilely. It gives them the confidence that one they may be able to regain a normal life with respect and dignity. I wish them all the best.
David Riley
I think it is really great how the dogs are trained inside the prison. You guys do such great work for this dogs and it must be so hard to have to let them go after there training but it probably means so much to you becuase you now you are helping a person live there life to the fullest. Kate and Hydro keep the great work up you guys going to the hospice patients meant so much to them im sure. Im sure it was very big not just for Hydro, but also for you being it was your first time out in 3 years, but becuase of all your hard work you got to do that and hopefully you can keep going and cheering up people with the help of Hydro.
Kristina Nash
I’m glad that the inmate were able to have time in the public without any problem at all. A process like that can be a bit overwhelming and also nerve wrecking, but it seems that everything turned out for the best and it can also prepare them for the real world again without any hostility! In addition, she works very great with Hydro as well. It is unbelieveable how much a service dog can really improve and impact one’s life. I wish everyone the best!
Casie O'Rourke
It is so great to see that such an outing has such a big impact on everyone involved. As Kate shared, inmates get to escape the depressing prison walls while also helping the dogs with the public training they need. As the assistance dogs improve their skills, the patients of hospice get a special treat and a break from their everyday routine. Everyone benefits and as the assistance dog class has taught me, the effect a dog can have on a person and his or her life is limitless.
Georgianna H
It’s great that the inmates actually get to go out and see the effects that the dogs they train are having on people. I think it would be really encouraging to them to keep doing what they are doing. It seems like it really affected this inmate’s life and I’m glad that she wants to continue with this after she gets out of prison.