Shelter Dogs and Inmates Transform Lives Through Training Program in LaBelle

The Caloosa Humane Society in LaBelle launched a program where prison inmates work with rescue dogs, teaching them skills. Second Leash on Life brings together people from the GEO prison in Moore Haven and animals who need help.

"The residents get nine hundred and twenty hours of training before they get their master training certification. And then the dogs earn their good canine citizen certification," said Erin Hitsman, executive director at Caloosa Humane Society, according to Fox4.

Trainer Toddy Kean watched Jake change. The Belgian Malinois couldn't sit still when he arrived. "All of the staff, when he came in this morning, were commenting on what a different animal he is," said Kean.

The program does two things at once: inmates learn skills they can use later, while dogs become easier to adopt. Kean hears participants talk about what the experience meant to them.

"They all were commenting on how wonderful it was to have these dogs as a part of their lives for some months, and the kindness and compassion that they taught them," said Kean.

Steve Kaufman runs the shelter board. He says the program opens up space for more rescues. "We just keep plugging away and trying to do what we can do to help the animals in our community," said Kaufman.

Eight dogs go through at a time. Two graduates from 2025 have already found homes.