Friends of the Animal Shelter set to showcase new graduates of ‘Puppies for Parole’ program

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- A program started by the Missouri Department of Corrections in 2010 provides incarcerated individuals with the opportunity to work with rescue dogs.

The program also serves as a way to increase a dog's likelihood of finding a home through adoption.

Selected residents at The Western Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center in St. Joseph have the opportunity to work with dogs, thanks to a partnership with the Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS).

"So the program is all about second chances. You know, it gives residents the opportunity to learn skills that will benefit them in the future and help make them more, you know, productive citizens when they return to the community. And, you know, it gives our dogs opportunity to receive some training and be adopted," said Jennifer Kline, a FOTAS volunteer

The shelter provides the correctional center with dogs who need training. There are 14 dogs enrolled in the program at all times. The Puppies for Parole program lasts up to 14 weeks, where the dogs are taught behavioral skills.

Now, a new batch of dogs is set to graduate from the program and will be up for adoption at a discounted price.

These puppies will be featured this weekend at a local mini-festival event, which is being put on by the St. Joseph Trail Alliance and the Friends of the Animal Shelter.

"We'll be there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and have puppies for parole dogs that are available for adoption there with us," said Kline.

The River Bluff Trails mini Fest will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1st, at the River Bluff Trails Park, located at 4101 Huntoon Road.