Canine Cellmates

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Canine Cellmates

New program is using shelter dogs to break the cycle of incarceration

Handler Roosevelt Micher Jr. talks to the reporter while sitting with his dog Merrell before the start of the graduation ceremony Friday, Sep. 09, 2022. Steve Schaefer/steve.schaefer@ajc.com)

Handler Brandon McGill talks to the reporter before the start of the graduation ceremony Friday, Sep. 09, 2022. (Steve Schaefer/steve.schaefer@ajc.com)

Susan Jacobs-Meadows signs diplomas for the handlers after the graduation ceremony Friday, Sep. 09, 2022. (Steve Schaefer/steve.schaefer@ajc.com)

Handlers run their dogs through a series of tricks during the graduation ceremony Friday, Sep. 09, 2022. Steve Schaefer/steve.schaefer@ajc.com)

Handlers receive congratulatory hugs after the graduation ceremony Friday, Sep. 09, 2022. (Steve Schaefer/steve.schaefer@ajc.com)

Handler Brandon McGill's dog, Louis, enjoys a toy before performing at the graduation ceremony Friday, Sep. 09, 2022. (Steve Schaefer/steve.schaefer@ajc.com)

Susan Jacobs-Meadows hands a diploma to Inmate/handler Brandon McGill during the graduation ceremony Friday, Sep. 09, 2022. (Steve Schaefer/steve.schaefer@ajc.com)

Handler Erick Smith gives Susan Jacobs-Meadows a hug after receiving his diploma during the graduation ceremony Friday, Sep. 09, 2022. (Steve Schaefer/steve.schaefer@ajc.com)

Handler Roosevelt Micher Jr. treats his dog, Merrell, for performing a trick properly during the graduation ceremony Friday, Sep. 09, 2022. (Steve Schaefer/steve.schaefer@ajc.com)

Handler Jewrrard Hannah sits with his dog Yeezy before performing in the graduation ceremony Friday, Sep. 09, 2022. (Steve Schaefer/steve.schaefer@ajc.com)

Handler Brandon McGill runs his dog, Louis, the obstacle during the graduation ceremony Friday, Sep. 09, 2022. (Steve Schaefer/steve.schaefer@ajc.com)

Participants in the Canine CellMates program attend one of their weekly classes on Monday, August 08, 2022. The curriculum covers a range of topics from financial literacy to to conflict resolution and effective communication. (Natrice Miller/natrice.miller@ajc.com)

Participants in the Canine CellMates program attend one of their weekly classes on Monday, August 08, 2022. The curriculum covers a range of topics from financial literacy to to conflict resolution and effective communication. (Natrice Miller/natrice.miller@ajc.com)

Darnell Hudson puts his dog Jake in the kennel after a training session on Monday, August 08, 2022. (Natrice Miller/natrice.miller@ajc.com)

Kai, a dog in the Canine Cellmates program, listens to a command from his handler on Monday, August 08, 2022. (Natrice Miller/natrice.miller@ajc.com)

Darnell Hudson, a participant in the Canine Cellmates program, works on training exercises with his dog Jake on Monday, August 08, 2022. (Natrice Miller/natrice.miller@ajc.com)

Mario Knight, a participant in the Canine Cellmates program, is pictured with his dog Buttercup on Monday, August 08, 2022. (Natrice Miller/natrice.miller@ajc.com)

Mario Knight, a participant in the Canine Cellmates program, gives a treat to his dog Buttercup on Monday, August 08, 2022. (Natrice Miller/natrice.miller@ajc.com)

Susan Jacobs-Meadows, founder of Canine Cellmates, pictured on Monday, August 08, 2022. (Natrice Miller/natrice.miller@ajc.com)

Justin R., a participant in the Canine Cellmates program, trains his dog Kai on Monday, August 08, 2022. (Natrice Miller/natrice.miller@ajc.com)

Sara Foltz (left), a dog trainer at Canine Cellmates assists Darnell Hudson (right) with his dog Jake on Monday, August 08, 2022. (Natrice Miller/natrice.miller@ajc.com)

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New program is using shelter dogs to break the cycle of incarceration

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