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Cell Dogs Get a New Leash on Life

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They’re called last-chance dogs, and they’re learning manners and basic obedience from inmates at the Lee County Jail.

The Cell Dog program takes dogs that Lee County Domestic Animal Services has had for a while- the ones that don’t get adopted because they’re too rambunctious or too shy- and pairs them with inmates who spend their time grooming these canine companions for “life on the outside.” After the training program, the dogs go up for adoption. 

Today on Gulf Coast Live, we’ll talk with Lee County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Dunn about how the program changes the men who work with them. We’ll also talk with Karen Fordiani with Lee County Domestic Animal Services about how the training helps Cell dogs get adopted.  And, we get to meet a recent graduate. 

Matthew Smith is a reporter and producer of WGCU’s Gulf Coast Live.