Montcalm County Shelter partners with Central Michigan Correctional Facility for dog training program

The Montcalm County Board of Commissioners meeting on May 12, 2025, featured a significant proposal to partner with the Central Michigan Correctional Facility for a program aimed at training shelter dogs. Autumn Pumford, the Animal Control Director, and Christy Hesbrook, a program coordinator from the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), presented the initiative, known as "Positive Futures."

The program seeks to place shelter dogs with inmates for training and socialization, preparing them for adoption into permanent homes. Pumford highlighted the success of a previous partnership with Dallas To The Rescue, which ended in February, and expressed enthusiasm for the potential collaboration with the correctional facility.

Hesbrook elaborated on the program's structure, noting that dogs would typically stay at the facility for about eight weeks, during which they would receive training from inmate handlers. The program aims to take in up to ten dogs at a time from the Montcalm County shelter, with a successful track record of adopting out dogs in the past.

Commissioners raised questions about the program's impact on both the dogs and the inmates. Hesbrook emphasized the positive effects on inmate behavior and morale, sharing testimonials from previous handlers about the transformative experience of working with the dogs. The program is designed to be cost-effective, relying on donations for supplies like dog food and treats, with minimal financial burden on the county.

The proposal received unanimous support from the commissioners, with Vice Chairman Peterson moving to approve the partnership. The collaboration is expected to enhance the welfare of both the dogs and the inmates, fostering a rehabilitative environment within the correctional facility while addressing the needs of the local animal shelter.