Last year, a no-kill animal shelter charity launched an inmate dog training initiative at the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility, bringing newfound joy and purpose to both inmates and their canine companions.
This ongoing program has fostered empathy and discipline among inmates, who are responsible for socializing the dogs and teaching them basic obedience—key skills that increase the dogs’ chances of being adopted.
Currently, eight inmates at the Las Cruces facility are caring for four dogs in the program. Their dedication to the cause has been so profound that they even organized a fundraiser to cover the program’s expenses.
Diana Bell, a volunteer with Deming Animal Guardians—the charity overseeing the program—shared with GNN that one of the initial requirements was to hire a professional dog trainer: “This was a significant expense for our small organization, but we believed it was worth trying because of the mutual benefits it offered.”
Their commitment was rewarded when the inmates themselves contributed by raising funds.
The inmates devised a plan to sell “toiletry kits” by purchasing items from Sam’s Club, packaging them, and promoting them within the prison. Their efforts raised $350, which will cover two weeks of training sessions—an impressive feat, given that many inmates, even those not directly involved, enjoy seeing the dogs around the facility.
The program not only teaches the dogs boundaries—like avoiding furniture—but also basic commands such as ‘stay’ and fetch.
Inmates are trained in grooming, dog first aid, and potty training, with professional guidance provided once or twice a week. Throughout the week, inmates work closely with the dogs, living and training together 24/7. The dogs are taken outside four times daily for exercise, bathroom breaks, and command practice.
“This experience has transformed me,” wrote an inmate named Antoinetti, also known as ‘Coolie,’ in a letter. “I believe these men will leave here better prepared for life, having learned to take responsibility for another living being.”
“These dogs are extraordinary in their own ways. None of them are beyond saving.”
Jaime Banegas, the program’s current trainer from WorkDogWork, added, “We’re building something special here. Dogs that were once abandoned are now being cared for by people in a place where love and care are scarce. The dogs are shedding their fears and loneliness, and the inmates are breaking through emotional and mental barriers, becoming better equipped to make a positive impact.”
As for the charity, the program has indeed been a win-win: Every dog but one that has completed the program has found a forever home.
To learn how you can support this cause, visit their website.