The Denver Dog Magazine – Dogs Behind Bars

Specialty dogs placed through joint venture with programs such as the Stink Bug Foundation and Freedom Service Dogs are the reinforcement we all sometimes need.  A trip to the web page of these organizations tells more about the special work a dog is capable of doing.

The first of the Stink Bug placements was one of the most touching experiences ever.  Meet Lucky Bug, a five year old black Labrador retriever.  Big, tail wagging, gentle brown eyes, wondering, waiting for the man that had owned him since the day he left his mother, his master, to come get him.  He did not understand, the man whom he had always served, had passed away, leaving him behind to his children who did not want him.  So they took him to the Humane Shelter, where as an older dog, he had a chance of never leaving that shelter.  His real name, “Lucky”, ironically his owner called him “Bug”.  The program has had many dogs named “Lucky”.  So “Lucky Bug” he became.  He leaves the shelter and goes to prison.  An offender in a prison reinforces the basic obedience he already knows and teaches him a few tricks.

The first application from the Stink Bug Foundation is received.  It is from a two-year old girl whose world became visually black because of the infringement of a malignant tumor on her optic nerve.  The tumor is removed but the damage remains.  She will always be blind.  Other children find her different, a dog does not care, and will be her best friend. Her mother is single and cannot afford a dog, much less one that comes complete with training.  Stink Bug helps her with the original expenses and helps set up support in her home community.

The day comes for Lucky Bug to meet his new master, so different from the first.  The meeting is to take place at the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility.  The little girl’s mom enters the lobby holding her hand, she says, “It’s your puppy”.  The sweetest, most angelic little voice questions, “My puppy, Mommy?” as she reaches out feeling Lucky Bug’s fur gently hugging his neck and burying her nose in his fur to smell him.

Teaching and training done, Lucky Bug accompanies his new family to their little car.  As his new master is strapped into her car seat, Lucky Bug jumps into the back seat laying his big head on the side of the seat.  A little hand reaches out and gently holds and strokes his ear.

Colorado Correctional Industries, Prison Trained K9 Companion Program…a win, win, win from the Colorado Department of Corrections!