First Dog Graduates from Cedar Creek Training Program

Littlerock, WA - Bodie, a gentle black lab, was the first dog to graduate from Cedar Creek Corrections Center's new program where offenders train dogs to be service animals for Veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan.

DOC partners with Brigadoon Service Dogs and the Department of Veterans Affairs for the program which was recently featured in The Olympian.

There are nine other dogs in the program that are being taught basic obedience training by the offenders at the minimum-security prison.

DOC has dog training or adoption programs at all 12 of its prisons. The programs help increase staff and offender safety by providing offenders with an incentive to complete treatment programs and remain infraction-free, which are requirements to remain in the program.

Photo: Dog handlers Thurman Sherrill and Don Glaude trained Bodie in basic obedience. Bodie will finish his training with Brigdoon Service Dogs in Orting.