The first-ever puppy graduation at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center celebrated four resident handlers and the puppies Artemis and Wendel, whose hard-to-miss presence the residents, correctional staff, and administration noticed.
The handlers said the nation- al nonprofit dog program Canine Companions empowered them in a meaningful and purposeful way.
“I am able to give back to a community that I took so much from. This dog ‘Artemis’ is going to help a veteran or someone with a disability. He has a job to do and I had a hand in that,” resident Jared Hansen said.
The dog’s journey as a service animal for disabled persons began with the residents training the puppies for one year with a co-raiser—an out- side handler—from the community. Upon completion of the program, the animals will go to a professional training campus in Santa Rosa.
Canine Companions CEO Paige Mazzoni said around 50% of dogs graduate to professional level. Companion dogs from prison have a success rate higher by 10 percentage points, which she attributed to the strength of the bonds built in prison.
“There is a love for the dog, a care for giving back and the structure of the prison environment, which we have heard helps the focus and consistency of the handlers.”
Hundreds of guests, administration, and residents acknowledged four resident dog handlers Aaron Ramzy, Travis Fendley, Jared Hansen, and Chase Benoit. They said they experienced some growing pains in the process but attributed the program’s success to a multifaceted support network.
Graduates thanked the Dmarlou Foundation, puppy program director James Dern, and the northwest regional puppy manager Susan Porteous, who came in weekly to help with training. The graduates credited administration, co-raisers, and fellow residents for the program’s success.
“Everyone here had a part in training the dogs. Everyone honored and respected the process and training guidelines. We [handlers] get the attention but residents and staff were behind the scenes,” Benoit said.
Porteous acknowledged the resident handlers and spoke about their learning of canine body language. The handlers and their service dogs showed the crowd ten commands such as dress, hip flips, speak, roll, back, touch, and lap.
“These handlers exhibited heart, dedication, and commitment to making the dogs great,” Mazzoni said.
“We see you as individuals, as names and not numbers, and as the men you are today, no matter what happened in your past,” Porteous said.
“Being in the program has taught me accountability, awareness, and compassion,” Ramzy said.
He said he felt appreciative to have taken part in the culture change at San Quentin through the Canine Companion program.
Chance Andes called the Canine companions one of the showcase programs that have brought a sense of normalcy to the carceral environment.
“A number of staff go visit the puppies for peace of mind,” Andes said.
Correctional officer C. Wilson, a second-watch officer in the building in which the dogs reside, said he appreciated the presence of the puppies.
“It is a good way to start your day when you can come in with a smile on your face. I am carrying less stress with me.” He said the communication lines between residents and correctional staff have opened up, too.
Benoit’s grandfather Marv Tuttle, a Canine Companion client, visited to acknowledge his grandson’s achievement. He spoke to the attendees about the importance of having a companion dog.
“It is hard to lose them [the puppies] but as long as you know what you are doing is life-changing for someone like me, it is worth it. We [disabled persons] respect forever more what you have done for us.”
“My favorite thing about a companion dog is the social- ization,” Tuttle said.
He told a story about how people would avoid and walk right by him because he uses a wheelchair.
“People may not be looking at me, but at my dog, which gives me a chance to engage and socially interact with them.”
Benoit’s grandmother Connie Tuttle also attended the event and told San Quentin News how the program has deepened the connection between Chase and his grandfather.
“Knowing what the companion dog does for his ‘poopy’ makes Chase think and do his best.”
Fendley said the canine program has made him pro-social, patient, polite, and provided him with an effective coping mechanisms for stress management. He said he has a disabled relative and now understood the importance of having a companion dog in times of need.
“I am professional when it comes to the dog’s success,” Fendley said.
