(photo from Ohio Wildlife Center.)
This is an oversimplification but it’s also true. There are many people in this world who haven’t found a purpose. They don’t know where they fit in or feel that they don’t. And lots of those people end up in prisons.
There’s such power and promise in getting outside of one’s own head. In caring for someone or something less powerful than yourself. It’s a big wide world and we all have things to be grateful for.
Purpose and possibility are flourishing in Ohio prisons where some inmates are caring for vulnerable animals. The Ohio Wildlife Center depends on volunteers to rehabilitate sick and injured wildlife. Most of those volunteer hours are now coming from inmates in five correctional institutions.
The program started twenty-five years ago and its success has been obvious. Some of the inmates behave better because if they don’t, they will lose this privilege. Others simply miss being around animals and this gives that back to them. There’s a clear sense of satisfaction in bringing a sick animal back to health. There’s a purpose to getting up in the morning.
“That is the beauty of this program– the animals and the inmates are both being rehabilitated.” Clara Golden-Kent, public information officer for the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Right now, bail reform is a hot topic in our province and with good reason. Some judges are letting violent offenders back out on the streets and there have been deadly consequences. But I’m not one of the “hang ’em high” types about all prison sentences. Most murderers and those who harm children, are exceptions. I’m actually in favour of capital punishment in some cases. Paul Bernardo is one of them. But I digress.
But when there’s little to nothing being done to rehabilitate the prisoners? We need to demand more effort in that regard.
I think of Dr. Larch in the film and book, the Cider House Rules. (It’s not a prison story but it’s my absolute fave novel.) The doctor tells Homer the orphan that, “I expect you to be of use.” Being “of use” was of paramount importance to Dr. Larch. It always stuck with me. Everyone needs a purpose and helping others, even birds and chipmunks, can give that to them.
On a similar note. Several guide dog schools about two decades ago started a program call puppies behind bars where low risk inmates were given the opportunity to be part of the socialization of future guide dogs. Given their situation the inmates focused on behavior and obedience training. The program continues today giving the inmates purpose. Animals provide immediate feedback and love.
That’s wonderful.
This almost made me cry. What a beautiful idea. I love it.
As for capital punishment, I am torn.
I don’t think the government should have the power of life and death, that’s giving too much power to the state.
Then again, I think some crimes are so awful that if you commit them, you should pay with your life.
The way I see it is, we count on the government to put our health on the front burner. Someone like Paul Bernardo sharing our air is unhealthy. And keeping him alive wastes our money. In cases where it’s cut and dried, there’s video evidence, and the crimes are absolutely abhorrent, I could pull the switch myself.