July 17, 2014
Chippewa
Four inmate raisers took the podium during the Chippewa Puppy Days program. Morrison, Scott, Ro, and Doug opened up to the crowd about what the puppy-raising program has meant to them personally.
There was not a dry eye in the place.
I asked the men if I could have a copy of their speeches. Morrison wanted to rewrite his speech to include things he edited out. Unfortunately, I never got his rewrite. Scott, Ro, and Doug immediately handed me their written words, and gave me permission to share.
Here is Scott's speech...
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| Inmate raiser Scott reads his testimony to the interested crowd. |
My name is Scot Libby
also known as Winburn. As a seasoned insider with 25-years in, and having lived
more years in confinement than as a free person in society, I can stand before
you and credibly say that of all the educational, vocational and cognitive
therapy based programs I’ve been in, our Prisoner Puppy Raiser Program has
been, by far, the most nourishing and rewarding thing. I’ve done as an
individual.
As some of you may know,
my puppy’s name is Drummond and he and I well be officially separated tomorrow.
Thus, it is odd for me to be at the podium with both feelings of impending loss
and the never-ending gratitude I have for being selected as one of the first
prisoner’s in this state to spear-point something so good and being blessed with
the opportunity to help someone gain a sense of freedom and independence of
their own.
In life, what sometimes
seems to be the end is really a new beginning and that holds true for Drummond
and I. He is off to guide school so he can lead, and I have been issued a
parole where I can lead by example using the life lessons taught to me by all
the volunteers, instructors and mentors I have been in constant contact with
over the past 12 months.
Admittedly, incarcerated
persons have plenty of free time on their hands. They can utilize it by
watching television, sitting around complaining or associating with others who
choose to do nothing constructive. Or, they can utilize “time” (the best
resource they got) to their advantage by working to acquire a skill and improve
their employability prospects. With the puppy raising program, time is well
spent and most people give you consideration for what you’re trying to
accomplish, the manner you conduct yourself, the way you speak, etc. Even
hardened correctional officers show you respect. when a CO tells you that
you’re doing a great job raising and training your puppy, even though he’s the
meanest guy in the prison, that’s when you see that this program is a good
thing and that you’re really breaking down barriers. Furthermore, when you’ve
been in prison as long as I have and identified as a number, you want positive
feedback because it lets you know you’re doing good and it ain’t hurting
nobody.
Interestingly, the
Prisoner Puppy Raising Program is done with no financial aid from the state,
and is kept afloat by donations, volunteers, and even support from our own
prisoner benefit fund. At the same time, our veterinarian services are
delivered pro-bono by one of the smartest vets in the Midwest. We get monthly
visits and top-flight care, along with the most gracious education and teaching
by our mentor (Doc Bennett and his wife Deb). Alone, these people have given us
so much. Doc Bennett’s got class, courtesy, charisma, and compassion in his
heart that is second to none.
All in all, this program
meets the MDOC’s goal of reducing redivisim, enhancing public safety, and
saving the taxpayers’ money. In the same vein, together we are all taking a
part in making a difference in a blind or visually impaired person’s life,
igniting our passion to do something good and inspiring the best in us. Plus, I
am now armed with new tools to give me an advantage in the jobs market upon my
release. I have learned kennel and house training procedures, received over 12
sessions of dog training techniques, developed ways to apply obedience
training, socialization, and how to desensitize canines for different stimuli
challenges facing people with dogs. Additionally, I have been taught and
watched videos and DVD’s on Karen Pryor clicker training methods and read lots
of books on capturing, luring and shaping techniques. Most importantly, I have
learned the benefits of “positive reinforcement” training methods, which not
only taught my puppy how to be an independent thinker, and trusting, reliable and
confident teammate, but also taught me patience, understanding and care.
In closing, I want to say
think you to everybody that’s been involved in this program, because there are
so many to name. Dave and Paula Bardsley had the vision, Warden Woods had the
wisdom and intelligence to try something new, and ARUS Batho brought us to the
Grand Canyon and told us to look over to the other side because he was going to
build us a bridge to get to the mountaintop. He raised attention to this
program, he carried out the Warden’s will, held out two jobs, and created a
phenomenon that set Michigan for a destiny in its prison system to give back to
communities, and help prisoners become better people, not better ciminals. In
years to come, I know his legacy will will not be forgotten and I m so inspired
by his leadership, professionalism, and willingness to give his all to
something so great. And to Kim, Tammy, Patti, Deb Donnelly, Jessica, Elain, and
everyone else, I’m going to make you proud.
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| And here is the puppy Scott raised, FLD Drummond. |
