Several highly-skilled service dogs will soon visit the UALR campus in an effort to raise awareness about the Arkansas Department of Correction’s Paws in Prison program.

The canines — Mugsy, Sophie, Corey, and Jasper — will show off their skills at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, in Room 119 of Ross Hall (the Arkla Room) at UALR. There is no cost to attend.

“This is a program that all students can be involved in and contribute to, and therefore we are hoping that students from all fields and disciplines will attend,” said Jacob Laan, a UALR student who is coordinating the event.

According to the ADC website, selected inmates have the opportunity to become trainers of rescue dogs through the program. Inmates teach the dogs basic obedience skills and properly socialize the animals, making them more adoptable.

There will be a brief presentation about Paws in Prison, then a demonstration involving the service animals, followed by refreshments.

Several toy and treat donation boxes have been stationed around campus prior to the event to support Paws in Prison.

The event is hosted by the Criminal Justice Department in collaboration with the Criminal Justice Society and the Student Government Association.

Contact Laan at jmlaan@ualr.edu for more information.

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