Passion for Paws

Corrections Officer Amanda Ross has spent her life around dogs and has always had a fondness for animals.

Corrections Officer Amanda Ross with Hocus, a Paws With A Cause dog in training at Cooper Street Correctional Facility

So when Cooper Street Correctional Facility partnered with Paws With A Cause last year to train service and assistance dogs for individuals in need, Ross was quick to volunteer for a role in the program.

“This came along and I thought it was such a fantastic opportunity,’” said Ross, a 25-year veteran of the department.

The first Paws With A Cause puppies arrived at the facility in June 2016. Cooper Street has trained four classes of dogs so far, and is currently training eight dogs, which each have two prisoner handlers.

Ross helps select the prisoner handlers, who must apply to become trainers and need to be misconduct free for at least a year.

The dogs stay at the facility for about 16 weeks and follow a training curriculum provided by Paws staff. Prisoners typically have more time to focus on training and troubleshoot problem behaviors the dogs might have, which has given Paws the ability to reduce the amount of time spent in formal assistance dog training.

Ross said the program has also had a calming effect on prisoners.

“These dogs have been tremendous,” Ross said. “It’s a wonderful program and it’s great for the prisoners. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Resident Unit Manager Jimmy Jarrett said Ross is passionate about her involvement with Paws at the facility.

“It’s a great program because of her,” Jarrett said.

Ross said she loves watching the dogs grow up during their time at the facility, and she often serves as the eyes and ears for Paws and gives the organization updates on how the dogs are doing. She said she is excited to come to work knowing she is involved in a program that supports individuals in need of assistance.

“I get to do something as part of my job that helps people all over the United States,” Ross said. “I’m so honored to be doing this because I know the great job they’re doing.”

She and prisoners get attached to the dogs during their time at the facility, but they know the dogs leave destined to help others.

“We’re happy to see them go because we know they are going to be a fabulous dog for someone who needs them,” Ross said.

A mural painted by prisoners at Cooper Street Correctional Facility inside the housing unit that includes Paws dogs.
MI Dept. of Corrections

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The Michigan Department of Corrections provides the greatest amount of public protection while making the most efficient use of the State's resources.

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