By Florida Sun Review Staff
BUNNELL, Fla. — Eleven puppies from the Flagler Humane Society have found an unexpected temporary home inside the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where they are now part of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s nationally recognized Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment (SMART) program.
The litter recently moved into the facility and is being cared for by seven male inmates participating in the SMART program, an evidence-based initiative designed to help inmates address mental health and substance abuse challenges while preparing for successful reentry into the community.
Program participants are responsible for feeding, cleaning, exercising and socializing the puppies. The daily routine provides structure and accountability while teaching skills such as patience, responsibility and consistency.
How the Partnership Benefits Inmates and Puppies
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the puppy project benefits both the inmates and the animals. While the puppies receive socialization and care before becoming available for adoption, participants gain hands-on experience caring for another living being and developing habits that support long-term recovery.
The partnership also helps the Flagler Humane Society by freeing kennel space at the shelter and preparing the puppies for future adoption into permanent homes.
The initiative builds on an ongoing relationship between the SMART program and the Humane Society. Earlier this year, inmates in the men’s program designed and constructed four large dog shelters for the organization. The shelters provide shade and a safe outdoor space for dogs while kennel areas are cleaned.
Animal care is also part of the women’s SMART program. Female participants are currently fostering seven orphaned kittens, providing around-the-clock care that includes bottle-feeding and socialization.
Sheriff Rick Staly said the program continues to demonstrate how caring for animals can support personal growth and rehabilitation.
“These puppies went from homeless to having seven personal trainers overnight — that’s no ruff deal,” Staly said. “But make no mistake; this is more than puppy love. Caring for another living thing teaches our inmates responsibility, patience and purpose, and those skills help our SMART participants turn their lives around. It’s a win for the inmates, a win for the Humane Society, and a win for the puppies.”
The puppies will remain with the program until they are ready for adoption.
Residents interested in adopting a puppy, kitten or other pet can visit the Flagler Humane Society’s website for more information.
Photo Credit:
Courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
