Puppies from the Flagler Humane Society are being cared for by inmates in the Flagler County Sheriff's Office SMART Program. Photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
Puppies from the Flagler Humane Society are being cared for by inmates in the Flagler County Sheriff's Office SMART Program. Photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
Puppies from the Flagler Humane Society are being cared for by inmates in the Flagler County Sheriff's Office SMART Program. Photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office rolled out the red carpet and several puppy pads as it welcomed an entire litter of puppies from the Flagler Humane Society into its nationally recognized Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment (SMART) program at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.
The 11 puppies have a new pack of seven handlers: male SMART Program inmates who are learning that a little puppy love goes a long way. In a short time, the partnership has proven to be a natural fit, creating benefits for both the animals and the people caring for them.
SMART is an in-custody, evidence-based treatment program designed to help participating inmates work through mental health and addiction challenges. The program has earned national recognition for its innovative approach, pairing structure, accountability and hard work with the simple companionship of animals that do not care about a person's past mistakes.
For the men in the program, caring for 11 wiggly, hungry and occasionally mischievous puppies means managing feeding schedules, cleaning up messes and practicing patience. Those responsibilities mirror the daily routines, accountability and sense of purpose that experts say are essential to successful recovery.
Every dog has its day, and so does every person willing to put in the work. Within the SMART program, participants are given opportunities to develop responsibility, compassion and life skills that can help them succeed after their release.
The arrangement is also a win for the Flagler Humane Society. Housing the litter at the detention facility frees up valuable kennel space at the shelter while ensuring the puppies receive constant socialization, attention and care before becoming available for adoption.
“We are so pleased with our partnership with the Flagler County Sheriff's Office Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment program,” said Flagler Humane Society Executive Director Amy Carotenuto. “Our sweet puppies are receiving nonstop attention and playtime while the guys in the program are the recipients of unconditional love that some may have never known. We hope to keep this portion of the program going long after these pups get adopted. There are always dogs that need this kind of care.”
This is not the first time SMART Program participants have stepped up to assist the Humane Society. The men's SMART Program recently designed and constructed four large dog shelters for the shelter, providing dogs with shade and a safe place to play while their kennels are cleaned.
Inside the women's SMART Program, participants are currently fostering seven orphaned kittens. The inmates bottle-feed, socialize and care for the kittens around the clock, helping prepare them for eventual adoption.
“These puppies went from homeless to having seven personal trainers overnight, that’s no ruff deal,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “But make no mistake; this is more than puppy love. Caring for another living thing teaches our inmates responsibility, patience and purpose. It’s a win for the inmates, a win for the Humane Society and a win for the puppies.”
The puppies will remain in the care of SMART Program participants until they are old enough and ready for adoption.
