I adopted my dog, Emma, on November 25, 2003. I worked at the women's prison in Topeka as a corrections officer and witnessed the Blue Ribbon Program in action. The program is a rewarding experience for the inmates who train the dogs and a way for them to give back to the community. Additionally, the program increases the probability these dogs will be adopted without any expense to the community.

I enjoyed visiting the dogs on a daily basis so much that I adopted one. My adoption experience was a blessing. Once I brought Emma home she was potty trained and basically over chewing. I did lose one pair of shoes and a remote control due to her chewing but she learned quickly what was hers and what was not hers.

Emma knew how to sit, shake, lie down, roll over, heel, down, sit pretty, high five, stay, and leave it. When I got home I taught her how to crawl, give hugs, and hold a treat on her nose and catch it when commanded.
Although Emma knows all of her tricks, she is much happier when she is on a car ride with her head out the window or playing with other dogs at bark park. She loves her ball but much rather prefers to play keep away as opposed to fetch. She hates baths but manages to get through them anyways. Even though she hates the water, it does not stop her from retrieving her ball if it drifts in a water embankment, as you can see in the picture.

I always recommend to people who want to adopt a dog to give the Blue Ribbon Program a thought. My husband, who works at the prison, also thinks highly of the Blue Ribbon Program. Each time we consider adopting again, he always begins scoping out the dogs in the program that are available. I would not do it any other way. The program is a circle of love. The inmates give back to the community, the dogs benefit, and you get a new addition to your family with the excellent obedience training you would have otherwise had to pay for.

Jodi Johnstone

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