Gender: Male
Race: White
Status: Incarcerated
Minimum Sentence: 15 years
Maximum Sentence: 50 years
by> Peggy Kaplan
He was sentenced to hard time at a maximum security prison for crimes he committed; not the kind of roommate any of us would wish for. But for a yellow lab named Chase, Charles would become a teacher, life saver and best friend.
It was hard not to miss this bony 6 month old dog as he sniffed empty burger wrappers in the parking lot in March of 2009. Chase, as he would be named, weighed just 29 pounds when he was found outside a fast food restaurant in a small town in Central Ohio; at least 30 pounds underweight. In addition to starving him, someone had used him for target practice. He had either a bullet or BB lodged in the middle of his forehead. When his owners no longer wanted him, they took him for a ride, dumped him out and drove away.
A Humane Society worker got the call from an employee about this stray hanging around the restaurant. Like many shelters, already full, they knew he needed a place to stay and he would need special care. Chase was put in the Cell Dog program called A fresh Start; a partnership between a correctional institute and the inmates who have exhibited excellent behavior and a local humane society. He would become Charles’ cell mate for two months while a daily journal was kept of his progress.
“When I first got him, I didn’t think he would make it. I didn’t give up on him like the people who left him. I hand fed him for about a week, three times a day. I had to feed him slowly because I didn’t want his weight to be put on too fast.
As Chase got stronger the bond grew, “Chase pulls at my heart. He needs everything; trust, love and a caring person. I want him to know that I am not the same person that had him before, THAT I WILL NOT HURT HIM .”.
Charles began the training knowing within a month or two he would have to say goodbye. With a positive reinforcement Chase learned quickly. “He knows sit, stay, come, off, up, kennel, out, take it, drop it and I am still working on heel. He still has a lot of puppy in him and it is hard for him to heel all the time. He also knows shake. Man I love this dog! “
The Cell Dog Fresh Start program is a two way street; helping both dogs and inmates.
Chase got the love, nurturing and training he needed while Charles gained respect for himself.
“ I myself have been in a lot of programs to better myself, but let me tell you, this one has changed me more than all of them together. I have never in my life been proud of anything I have done or will do. I am now !!
Two months and 30 pounds later, Chase was ready to leave for his new adopted home with us. It was bittersweet for Charles. It always is. He cared, trained, and had to say goodbye to Chase, the 17Th dog that was fortunate enough to pass his way. We left with a smart, confident, and exuberant dog named Chase along with the original journal and a note to us from Charles.
“ I have never in my life really cared about anything or anyone. I never felt the love that I feel with the dogs that I help. Every one that I train means so much to me. I remember them all. I hope you like Chase as much as I do. He will soon be your best pal like he is with me. Take good care of him and I am sure you will fall in love with him too. Tell him I love and care about him, that I had to help more of his friends out there that needs help too. Please keep me updated and let me know how he is doing from time to time.
Thank you, Charles
Note from Peggy: It has been almost 3 months since we adopted Chase, “Charlie Chase” as we call him. Going through the Humane Society, we pen monthly letters to Charles from Chase and his big and small adventures. He always starts his letters of with “Dear Dad.” After all Charles was the first real family he ever had.
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