Rescue dogs at the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home (EDCH) received a special Christmas delivery. People in custody at HMP/YOI Polmont had made every present.
Young people and women on the Paws for Progress dog-assisted programmes at Polmont made tug toys and treat bags. The gifts went to dogs still waiting for permanent homes.
Paws for Progress is a community interest company. Its staff delivered the presents to EDCH for the participants, in time for Christmas Day. Among the recipients was a dog called Belle.
Residents at the prison work with Paws for Progress all year. The programmes offer a different way to learn from formal education. Participants can also work towards qualifications in animal care.
One highlight is the rescue dog programme. Participants train and socialise EDCH dogs so that they stand a better chance of adoption. As Christmas approached, they wanted to do something kind for the dogs that would spend the holiday at the shelter.
“I enjoyed making toys for the dogs at the shelter, because I knew they would get pleasure and comfort from them at Christmas,” one participant said.
June McPhillips, Training and Behaviour Specialist at Paws for Progress, said the organisation works with Polmont residents throughout the year. That work relies on its partnership with the Scottish Prison Service and EDCH. Before Christmas, she said, the residents wanted to do something extra special for the dogs at the home.
She said the participants’ commitment and care in finishing the gifts on time had impressed staff. The project gave learners a chance to inspire others and give something back, she added. Celebrating the bond between dogs and people lies at the heart of Paws for Progress, according to Ms McPhillips.
Nonnie Kent, Head of Animal Welfare and Operations at EDCH, praised the participants’ work. “The care and effort that has gone into creating these gifts is amazing,” she said. The dogs received the gifts gratefully, she added, and they gave the team some great fun moments too.
“One of our most striking and rewarding partnerships is the joint work with Paws for Progress. The benefit to the individuals who take part is huge,” said Scott Cringles, Head of Offender Outcomes at Polmont.
Some participants find prison life hard to engage with, he said. As they spend time with Paws staff and prison officers, their self-confidence grows. They learn more about themselves and see the difference they make to the lives of the rescue dogs.
