Prison Program - KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc.

Topeka Correctional Facility (TCF) and KSDS Assistance Dogs, Inc. (KSDS) have had a collaborative relationship since March 1996. The program is called Pooches and Pals. This relationship helps further the mission of KSDS to provide professionally trained guide, service and facility dogs for people in need of a canine partner to enhance their independence, to fully function in society and or to enrich their professional career responsibilities with the ongoing support of our trainers to ensure proficient working partnerships.

The dogs and puppies in training at TCF are owned by KSDS, but Pooches and Pals is responsible for all aspects of the dogs care while at TCF, not just training. They hold fundraisers to pay for routine and emergency medical bills, medications, all training equipment, dog crates, linens, enrichment toys, grooming supplies and other necessities. Training these dogs is voluntary and is completed in addition to their assigned jobs. The members of Pooches and Pals send reports about each dog’s health and progress in training every two to four weeks for the duration of the dog’s stay at TCF.

Although Pooches and Pals members train the dogs on a daily basis, special training sessions are supervised by Adell Aubert, a trainer contracted by KSDS. At least once a week, Adell goes to TCF to assist in specific skill tasks with the dogs-in-training and Pooches and Pals members. Adell also takes the dogs individually to area businesses and events to socialize them for experiences they may encounter with their partner. KSDS is grateful for all those who work with our dogs at TCF and help make the Pooches and Pals program successful.

Pooches and Pals Mission Statement

We are created in an effort to give back to society by training assistance dogs for persons with disabilities with fostering and promoting growth and sense of responsibility of each member.

“Assistance dogs have a lot of purpose, not only for the community, but with us as inmates too. It gives us a chance to help others as well as a chance to work on ourselves to grow and become better individuals.”

Testimonies from Pooches and Pals members

“Pooches and Pals has given me more to look forward to. The teams/animals and the people who train the dogs need us to be committed. I have grown up by being a part of Pooches and Pals. I love our teamwork. I feel like we are all one big family!”