Safe Harbor Prison Dogs

Safe Harbor – the sound of that gives one a feeling of safety after a difficult time. And that is just what Safe Harbor Prison Dogs is all about – providing a safe place for dogs who face euthanasia.

The dogs are rescued from high-kill animal shelters throughout the Midwest and brought to Lansing Correctional Facility in Lansing, Kansas. Over 100 inmates have been trained as dog handlers and the dogs and inmates create a strong bond that is healing for both the prisoner and the rescued dog.

The inmate/handlers take great pride in working with the dogs and the first job they do with the dogs is to address social behavior with these animals. Many of these dogs have been abused, neglected or treated badly in other ways and have lost trust in humans. Many of the prisoners have had rough lives as well – and the socializing behavior works for both the inmates and dogs.

Once the dogs become accustomed to their handlers and have become more sociable, then they get to work on house training, leash training and basic commands such as sit, stay, come, etc. Many of these dogs have never experienced this kind of attention and have not even learned these basics!

Safe Harbor has found a way to turn a heartbreaking situation into a positive one, with every dog you help and every life you make better.

The dogs live with the inmate/handlers until they are ready for adoption. Safe Harbor has a fantastic relationship with Petsmart in Shawnee, Kansas and most Saturdays of the month, the dogs will go to Petsmart and be ready to be adopted to a loving home. On occasion, Safe harbor will also hold other adoption events in various areas. Watch their website for scheduled places and times.

All of the dogs have been spayed, neutered, vaccinated and are current on heartworm preventative. They also come to the adoption table well trained, loved and ready to become loving companions in a home that is ready to receive them.

Safe Harbor is a win-win organization. The inmates learn how to be responsible for another living creature, learn self-worth and self-confidence and receive unconditional love from the dogs. The dogs receive much-needed love and affection and learn social skills that will have them adopted to a loving home.

“I want to thank everyone involved with the Safe Harbor Prison Dog Program, kudos to their handlers and be proud of what you do for them and yourselves and know Sheba and Finn are fine and loving their new home. Keep this program going and enjoy all your new future adoptees, we all need more people to care for these discarded animals, everyone deserves a second chance. I also want to thank everyone involved with the Safe Harbor Prison Dog Program, kudos to their handlers and be proud of what you do for them and yourselves and know Sheba and Finn are fine and loving their new home. Keep this program going and enjoy all your new future adoptees, we all need more people to care for these discarded animals, everyone deserves a second chance.” From a happy customer.

Please contact Safe Harbor for more information.