At San Quentin State Prison, an emotional reunion unfolded as two black Labradors were joyfully welcomed back by the incarcerated men who had a hand in raising them as service dogs. The occasion was marked by heartfelt embraces, tears, and happy tail wags. This touching reunion featured Chase Benoit, Jared Hansen, and the two-year-old dogs they trained: Wendel and Artemis. For the first time, the men were able to see the dogs they had bonded with and also meet the handlers who rely on these service animals.
Held in San Quentin’s main courtyard, the reunion was a full-circle moment for Benoit and Hansen, who were instrumental in the inception of the prison’s puppy training program in April 2023. Benoit, serving a term of 15 years-to-life for second-degree murder, expressed that the program had given him a profound sense of purpose, allowing him to engage in something valuable and bigger than himself.
Robert Quigley, who is deaf, could not hold back his tears when he watched Wendel energetically greet Benoit, his former trainer. Communicating through an American Sign Language interpreter, Benoit noted that the dog seemed to remember him. Quigley shared that Wendel is a constant presence in his life, praising the dog’s gentle nature and good companionship after completing an additional six months of training away from the prison.
Initially, Benoit and Hansen were among a group of four incarcerated individuals who shared their small cells with four-month-old puppies. They took on the responsibility of nurturing and teaching the dogs essential commands over a year. This puppy training initiative is part of a program managed by the nonprofit Canine Companions, which provides service dogs at no cost to individuals with disabilities. The program has grown at San Quentin to involve 16 trainers and two dog sitters, currently working with eight puppies.
Artemis, another black Labrador, found his way to Benjamin Carter, a Portland-based veterinarian who uses a wheelchair. Carter traveled to California specifically for the reunion. The pair exchanged stories on Artemis’ role as a loving companion and his helpful nature. Hansen, incarcerated for 15 years on a bank robbery conviction, was overjoyed to see Artemis in action, fulfilling a meaningful role in the community.
Artemis assists Carter with tasks that are challenging for him, such as fetching items and opening doors. Carter conveyed gratitude, acknowledging the foundational love and trust built by the trainers, which now translates into Artemis being responsive and cuddly.
Puppies enter the program between the ages of two and four months, remaining with their trainers until they are about 16 to 17 months old. During their time in the program, the dogs experience socialization activities and are taught approximately 20 skills. Following their prison training, the dogs undergo further professional training.
Participation in the puppy training program is restricted to inmates who have not committed crimes involving animal or child cruelty and who currently reside in enhanced living units participating in self-help programs. According to James Dern, national director of puppy programs for Canine Companions, the prison-trained dogs show a 10% higher success rate as service dogs due to the dedicated time and care from the trainers.
Being a part of this program offers the incarcerated individuals a chance to care for something beyond themselves and contribute positively, representing a step toward redemption. San Quentin, formerly home to the United States’ largest death row population, has embraced transformations towards education and rehabilitation parallel to initiating this puppy program. With the success at San Quentin, the program has expanded to include a total of 24 correctional facilities.
In a ceremony at the prison chapel, Benoit acknowledged the impact of Canine Companions by highlighting how the program brings out the best in the incarcerated community. By choosing to share such an opportunity within the prison rather than restricting it, the initiative has become a beacon of hope and progress.