Whenever I’ve felt homesick or needed a smile, Pippa has always been there. It might seem like we’re training these dogs, but the truth is, we learn far more from them than they do from us.
God brought me to SQ for a reason, and I see it more clearly every day. When I first heard I was coming to SQ from my other prison, my initial thought was, “Hell no! Can I get out of it?” But then, God stepped in, filling my heart and mind with peace and faith. I knew God had a plan for me, and He had always been a blessing in my life. How many opportunities had I missed? How many times has God tried to protect and guide me? Yet, I chose my own path, and unfortunately, it hurt my community, my family, and the people I cared about, ultimately leading to a life sentence.
Not this time. I knew I was coming here for a purpose, but I also knew it wouldn’t be easy. However, my amazing friends, whom I was leaving behind, eased my mind during the two-day bus ride to SQ. At Cummingsville, I learned a lot and met incredible people. Now, having been incarcerated at SQ for seven years, I can say the staff here is amazing, unheard of, really. The level of support is beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. Despite all the resources, there’s still a feeling of despair, depression, and loneliness that can consume you if you let it.
On my first day on the yard, I saw a resident with a puppy. Keep in mind, I hadn’t seen or petted a dog in over 20 years. I immediately inquired about the Canine Companions program and made my way into it. Now, I’ve been part of the program for nine months, and it has been everything I hoped for and so much more. The first night with “Pippa,” my puppy in my cell was surreal and moved to tears. Far from home, I didn’t feel alone.
Being part of this program has helped me in so many ways. The responsibility of caring for my puppy has made me so much more accountable. No matter what my day consists of, my dog’s needs come first. I love my Pippa, and it will be tough to see her go on April 4th, but I know that when she graduates, she’ll be making a difference in someone’s life, just as she’s made a difference in mine. Whenever I’ve felt homesick or needed a smile, Pippa has always been there. It might seem like we’re training these dogs, but the truth is, we learn far more from them than they do from us.
