09/30/2026
We have officially wrapped up all 8 weeks with these amazing dogs! All 4 dogs have graduated, and we couldn’t be happier for them! They have excelled at this program, and we are sad to see them go, but so excited for their new futures! Bingo, Estelle and Kingsley have been adopted, but Mr. Tank is patiently waiting for his new home. If you are interested in Tank, please contact the New Nodaway Humane Society for information!
We have recently gotten quite a few new handlers; they have been doing a great job at training the dogs! We sat down with them and asked them why they chose to be in this program, here’s what they said…
Handler Poynor shared “The reason I became a trainer was because I want to be able to give the dogs a real chance that they wouldn’t have without this training. I love to watch them grow and learn. The training makes myself and the dogs better. They give me hope that I can become better than I was.”
Handler Gegg shared “I became a dog handler to help get me out of my comfort zone. I was shy and wanted help working on that. Another reason was to help the dogs. I wanted to help teach them obedience so that they have the best chance of being adopted.”
Handler Lynch shared “I began with the dog program 9 years into my sentence, for the most part to learn responsibilities. I feel as when you are in prison you have no real responsibilities, you don’t have to worry about rent, bill, your car or even a real job, it’s really east to get the “Nothing I do matters” mentality. However, the P4P program changes that. You are now being depended on by a living breathing creature. You very quickly learn to have structure and what it means to have responsibilities. You also now learn what real love means, they don’t care what mistakes you have made, they just know you are playing and taking care of them. I am now at the end of my time, and I truly feel that this is the only thing I have done with my time that has been worthwhile; it has given me a sense of accomplishment. This is the best program.”
Handler Proffitt shared “I wanted to be involved in the P4P program so that I could give back to my community and make good use of my time while incarcerated. I wanted to be apart of something bigger than myself.”
Handler Hendrix shared “I wanted to be involved with P4P so that I could give back to my community in a positive way. Not only in helping the dogs find new home and helping the dogs be better but it brings happiness into MTC. This program also helps me when I get to be with my family, I have been incarcerated a long time and P4P is teaching me patience and how to take care of more than just myself. The responsibly this program has given me has not only allowed me to help the dogs thrive, but it is also allowing me to thrive. This program is making me a better person for my wife, kids and community. I signed up for this program to be apart of something bigger than me and bring better to all who is touched by it.”
Handler Fenton shared” When I first joined this program my main goal was to learn responsibility for something other than myself and to help the dogs get reformed and ready to be adopted. Since I’ve been in the P4P program I have learned to be more responsible, be on time and how to communicate better with the people around me.”
Handler Knighton shared “I applied for this program because I believe it is one of the most rewarding programs the Missouri DOC has to offer. I wanted to learned more about training dogs and to learn responsibility for more than just myself. The dogs are always a work in progress; they come from the shelter which in a sense is like a prison, so training for the perfect home is the ultimate reward. I look forward to working with the next group of dogs.”
Handler Ballard shared “I signed up for P4P for multiple reason, first and foremost because I wanted the chance to give back. After being incarcerated for a long time, it has given responsibility past just myself. This program has helped me help my community, myself and a great dog. My first ever dog was in this group, and I feel proud to know he’d adopted.”
Handler Shortino shared “I became a P4P handler because I love animals. I want to see all the dogs we get in go to a great home. In my opinion P4P is the best program Missouri DOC has, to be able to help with the care and training of these dogs has really helped me grow. The P4P program has been the best thing I’ve done since coming to prison and I’m proud to be part of it.”
Handler Henderson shared “I became a handler because I have also had a deep love for dogs. I love learning about their personalities, understanding their behavior and watching them grow through training. What motivates me is knowing that some of these dogs have come from very bad situations, I want to take part in changing that for them. I want to teach them that people can be kind, patient and trustworthy. I know what it feels like to overcome a difficult experience and I want to give these dogs the same chance to heal, grow and have a better life.”
We want to thank everyone who take part in this program for all they have done and all they continue to do each day for these dogs, it means a lot to us and to them!
