PENDLETON — Thirteen people met the service dogs who will change their lives Monday, April 8, during a “Leash Passing Ceremony” at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution, Pendleton.
The twice-yearly ceremony was the culmination of 18 months to two years of work by incarcerated handlers with the Joys of Living Assistance Dogs program inside the prison and a set of socializers who live on the outside, all of whom train and prepare the dogs to help people manage physical disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder and more.
Summer walks with her handler Richard Phelps on April 8, 2024, at the Leash Passing Ceremony at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton.
Joy St. Peter, founder of Joys of Living Assistance Dogs, gives a speech April 8, 2024, at the Leash Passing Ceremony at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton.
Erika Jones, right, of Portland, learns a few training tips from Clint Hylton on April 8, 2024, at the Leash Passing Ceremony at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton. Jones is the recipient of Patty, who Hylton trained.
Melanie Barnes, of Bend, pets Ozark on April 8, 2024, at the Leash Passing Ceremony at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton. Ozark is trained to aid Barnes with her left peripheral vision.
Federico Jimenez demonstrates how Jasper is able to help someone take off their sweater April 8, 2024, at the Leash Passing Ceremony at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton.
Family and friends join together to celebrate the Leash Passing Ceremony on April 8, 2024, at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton.
Justin Jameson, left, receives a certificate of training from Capt. Jeff Frazier on April 8, 2024, at the Leash Passing Ceremony at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton.
Larry Wilt demonstrates how Tia, 10-months-old, is able to stand still April 8, 2024, at the Leash Passing Ceremony at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton.
Larry Wilt, middle, embraces his daughter Holly Wilt, left, and his sister Cheryl Jordan, on April 8, 2024, at the Leash Passing Ceremony at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton.
Capt. Jeff Frazier receives a special golden leash from Lt. Sina Vaafusuaga on April 8, 2024, at the Leash Passing Ceremony at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton.
The Joys of Living Assistance Dogs graduation class pose for a group photo April 8, 2024, at the Leash Passing Ceremony at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton.
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