Inmates train dogs, repair bikes for kids

When Bella arrived at the prison, she was afraid of her own shadow, probably the work of an abuser.
But, when it came time to perform, she put on a show – well, two shows – with a roomful of strangers' eyes lingering on her every move.
She crawled across a plank, jumped and sat on command and, with a treat on each paw, almost (but not quite) made it until her trainer told her she could eat them.
Through Marion Minimum Security Unit's A New Leash on Life program, Bella went from a low dog to a show dog.
The program takes unwanted animals from the shelter and pairs them with inmates. With the help of professional trainers Ron and Judy Rowand, the prisoners work with the canines for several weeks, teaching the pups obedience. The dogs are then adopted out to new homes.
Four inmate trainers and their three pups displayed all their tricks during an event at the small prison on N.C. 226 South on Friday, Nov. 20.
Jason Yoder took Bella's reigns, Mark Gunter had Jada, Roy Turner was partnered with Peanut and Daniel Sellers helped with all three canines.
"I have been in three different (A New Leash on Life) programs at three different facilities," Turner told the crowd. "This is by far the best.
"I love that dog," he exclaimed as he pointed to his pal Peanut. "When you're involved in this program, the stress of being incarcerated goes down. With the skills I've developed, I'm going to be a dog trainer when I get out. I don't do this just to make the prison look good. I will do it for the rest of my life."
The Department of Corrections' Western Region Program Services Manager Roger Patterson was the guest speaker that day.
He told those in attendance that, statewide, only 6 percent of inmates who participate in A New Leash on Life return to prison. That's compared to 36 percent of the remaining population that isn't involved in the effort.
Patterson added that DOC wants its prisons to help the areas in which they are located.
"We want them to establish a relationship with the community," he stated. "Marion is a prime example of this."
The inmates, as well as the community and the dogs, benefit.
"This program has helped me learn responsibility," Yoder stated. "It's almost like taking care of a child. … These dogs are getting what I want: a second chance."
Yoder is scheduled to be released in July.
"I've been in the program for three years," he said. "Every dog has its own personality. No two are the same. … I will miss it, but I have skills I will be able to use when I get out."
Sam Dotson, Marion Minimum Security's unit manager, described Gunter as the shyest inmate at the facility.
"This program gives me confidence and the ability to achieve," Gunter stated. "My prayer life and this program have helped me so much."
He laughed as he told the story of his highly intelligent (maybe too much so) Jada. The canine faked an injury one day to get out of training. When everyone turned and left her alone, she was up running and playing with the other two. But when Gunter and the others were around, she hobbled and pretended she was hurt.
Gunter, Yoder and Turner are seasoned veterans with A New Leash on Life. Even though Sellers is new to the program, it has had the same effect on him.
"I get a lot of fulfillment out of this," said Sellers. "I grew up around dogs. They are all so different. You have to be very patient."
In addition to the Rowands, prison officials thanked Drs. John and Jennifer Owens of the Animal Hospital of Marion, Marion Moose Family Center, the McDowell County animal shelter and McDowell County Animal Outreach for their assistance with A New Leash on Life.
The same day as the cell dog program, prison administrators handed out 181 bikes to Project Christmas, Marion Moose Family Center and Old Fort Ruritan for distribution to needy children this holiday season.
With this program, Wheels of Love, inmates take old bikes, refurbish them and give them to the three organizations for Christmas.
This year, 14 inmates worked on finishing the 181 bicycles. One hundred of them were presented to Project Christmas, 50 to Marion Moose Lodge and 31 to Old Fort Ruritan.
Keep McDowell Beautiful's Board President Linda Paquin said, in the process of revamping these bikes, 4 tons of materials were recycled.
Dotson added that Wal-Mart donated 40 or 50 of this year's bikes, as well as any parts needed to fix them.
In addition to Wal-Mart and the three organizations that received the bicycles, prison officials thanked Keep McDowell Beautiful, Partnership for Children and Families, Marion Kiwanis Club, PRIDE Committee, Women of the Moose, Patton's Imports, McDowell Technical Community College, McDowell County Department of Public Works, McDowell Board of Realtors, SUEZ Energy Bio Power, Haldex Brake Products Corp., R.L. Greene Surveying & Mapping, P&R Produce and Garden Center, Tri-State Scrap Metal, Marion Foothills Cyclists, N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, Fuller's Action Cycles and ProRider.