Posted on Wednesday, May 14th, 2008
The Helping Paws Program at Dwight Correctional Center in Illinois was the state’s first service dog program involving inmates. And Jake was its first graduate. Jake was placed at ManorCare Health Services in Hinsdale, where he provides social and loving service. He is a Golden Retriever blend and a perfect “poster pet” for the importance and benefits of the rescue and rehabilitation of unwanted dogs. 
Jake assists the wheelchair-bound in a gentle and reassuring way. As reported in the January 2001 issue of the Illinois DOC newsletter, Perspectives, Jake became the home’s “Patch Adams.” Patch Adams, the doctor played by Robin Williams in the movie of the same name, was known for his loving, upbeat, and caregiving nature that healed the hearts and spirits of the sick, especially children. He helped people feel better through humor and a deep concern. Patch Adams engaged with patients on a human level, and never allowed medical protocol to harden his heart.
Jake’s talents and patience encourage patients to exercise by playing ball with him or simply brushing him. He provides physical therapy by just allowing patients to safely walk with him, and social therapy by allowing patients to simply enjoy him.
Helping Paws is a result of the original collaborative cooperation between the Illinois Department of Corrections, the Clarence Foundation and Lake Land College. Through this joint effort, service dogs are provided free of charge to recipients, an extraordinary gift to those in need. The Clarence Foundation, which was named after the guardian angel Clarence, in the movie “It’s A Wonderful Life,” sets its roots in the belief that dogs and people are good for each other.
Lake Land College adds a wonderful benefit to its female inmates’ training program. A 200-hour program prepares inmates with marketable dog grooming skills that they can use after parole. They learn how to properly groom dogs, including bathing, clipping, and toenail trimming, along with other basic procedures and health issues.
The programs have expanded and partnerships have changed in some cases since initial research. The Helping Paws program has graduated and placed well over 100 service dogs with folks whose lives have been changed as a result.
Tags: Dwight Correctional Center, Helping Paws, Illinois DOC, Patch Adams, Service Dogs
