Pawsitive Impact: How Animals Aid Rehabilitation Behind Bars

In the heart of Bartlett, Texas, the Bartlett Unit stands as a beacon of innovation. For the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s (TDCJ) first Innovation Unit, a few unexpected and unique additions have transformed the atmosphere.

For the first time, the unit has embarked on two heartwarming initiatives: the introduction of a supervised petting zoo to its visitation area and a unique partnership with the Williamson County Animal Shelter to train deserving dogs with the dedicated help of inmates. These ventures signal a bold step towards fostering connection, compassion and valuable skill development within the unit.

The crash of a gate, a radio going off and excited voices are all normal sounds for visitation, but at the Bartlett Innovation Unit, an unexpected symphony of sounds is about to unfold. The bleat of a goat, the neigh of a horse and cluck of chickens. Feeding animals is now a part of the family experience for visitation. This addition to visitation provides families with a unique experience they can all enjoy together.

First, a rabbit was brought out for the kids to pet. Next, they fed a miniature horse named Charlie and a goat named Esther. This was the experience that Quinn, 4 years old, and Declan, 2 years old, will likely remember while visiting their uncle, Chris Bolton, an inmate at the newly reopened unit.

His sister, Kathryn Driver and her husband Daniel are happy for the new bonding experience. “My brother has been in for 15 years, and we’ve never seen animals, especially at visitation. It’s kind of exciting for the children because I know they get bored. They brought toys, which keeps the kids busy, and the animals are helpful. It’s exciting,” Driver said.

The adults are given a cup of Cheerios, and they distribute them to the kids as they feed Esther and her friends through a gate in the outside visitation area. For Driver, it helps the kids connect with the uncle they rarely see.

“It’s a bonding experience that we would never have the opportunity for because no other unit offers it. I can bring my kids here and know that they’re getting a close experience with their uncle that they never had otherwise.”

For Uncle Chris, it’s about making memories of their visits.

“It’ll give them a memory when they come up here to visit me. You know, they won’t feel down the whole time. I just think it’s a great thing. It’s good for the families and brings everyone together.”

The program not only fosters connections between inmates and their families but also provides a nurturing environment for the animals.

As the animal family continues to grow, Bartlett inmates are teaching basic commands to foster dogs from the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter to help give them a second chance at finding a home. Eight inmates, all veterans, spend weeks training dogs from the shelter. Right now, there are four dogs in the Leashing Hope program, but they are expecting the program to grow. Through this program, they are gaining experience and learning new skills that aid in their rehabilitation journey.

The unit’s warden, Lorie Larson, loves how the animals add to the unit.

“The inmates are experiencing a newfound sense of joy and fulfillment with their interactions with the animals showing them love and care. They are dedicated to training the animals to be their companions. The animals themselves have become beloved members of the unit, transforming the space into a comforting and welcoming home for all of us.”