ST. CHARLES, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Kane County Jail has a program pairing inmates with shelter dogs with the goal of getting the animals adopted and teaching the inmates tangible and intangible skills that can better their lives.
Dr. Keri Burchfield is a Professor of Sociology at Northern Illinois University and an animal lover. She has been involved in pairing animals and inmates for years.
Now, Dr. Burchfield is working at the Kane County Jail with Safe Humane and the organization’s Lifetime Bonds program.
"The program that we are running at the jail right now is women, and they talk about learning to be patient. You don't have to make them work the whole time, like you can just sit on a mat with them and pet them and take deep breaths," she said. "One of the women said, I didn't know a dog could feel anxiety. I have anxiety and I didn't know that by breathing together we could alleviate some of that anxiety."
Dr. Burchfield said aside from compassion and empathy they’re also learning marketable skills.
"It's really not just about training. It's about empathy, compassion, but also I really think patience is important, self-control, self-esteem, being able to see you can help this dog overcome some of what they are struggling with; how to be humane or compassionate dog owner and how they can help get the dog what the dog needs, but in turn helps them get what they need."
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