WHAT: ABEL Leash Ceremony
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m.
WHERE: Warren Correctional Institution Visitation Area
379 Collins Road
Manson, NC 27553
ABOUT: After 18 months of training dogs to become service dogs, a “leash” ceremony where the dogs will go to new owners will take place as part of a “At Both Ends of the Leash” (ABEL) Program at Warren Correctional Institution. The program, a partnership with nonprofit Eyes Ears Nose & Paws (EENP) of Carrboro, allows offenders to train service dogs, working with EENP to develop the training regimen. The program’s end goal is to place the dog in a home of an EENP client with assistance needs.
The ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments and skills of not only these amazing animals but their offender trainers as well. Demonstrations will show the dogs’ skills in life activities geared to assisting their new owners. Speakers will include EENP Program Director Deb Cunningham, as well as officials and dog trainers from Warren Correctional Institution.
Should media wish to cover the event, please contact Communications Officer John Bull (984-255-6021, john.bull@ncdps.gov). Visitors will be subject to a search of personal items and a pat/frisk search prior to entering the facility’s visitation area. Tobacco and cellphones are prohibited.