MaryBeth Head didn’t want to adopt a dog on Saturday.
But she still went to One Love Cafe to see the dogs and learn more about Paws on Parole, the program that trained them.
"We have a soft spot in our hearts for dogs," the UF telecommunication alumna said. "I was just really interested in this specific program because I just think it’s awesome."
The program works with inmates from the Alachua County Jail, who spend eight weeks training dogs from animal shelters. On Saturday, the program celebrated the dogs’ first outing since the beginning of their training, which gave social media followers a chance to meet with the dogs.
"It’s a great way to get sheltered dogs to get more adoptable," Hilary Hynes, the program coordinator, said. "The inmates learn how to care for someone else and how to care for animals."
The Florida Department of Corrections asked Hynes if she could start the program in March 2009, Hynes said. The dogs are trained by the standards of the American Kennel Club every day for a couple of hours.
Photos of the dogs are posted online in hopes of attracting future owners when the dogs finish the program.
Holly Buss, 9, may be one of those future owners after meeting 1-year-old Slinky Dog.
"She’s such a cute dog," Holly said, petting miniature pinscher/rat terrier.
Holly Buss, 9, and Heather Buss, 11, pet Slinky, an almost 2-year-old miniature pinscher and rat terrier mix at the Paws on Parole event on Oct. 24, 2015. Their family was considering adopting the rescue dog, who would be the household’s first.
