For almost 20 years, the Animal Protection League has provided a way for dogs scheduled for euthanasia to receive a second chance at a new life in a safe and loving home. Established in September of 2008, the Animal Protection League’s F.I.D.O. program (Faith + Inmates + Dogs = Opportunity) allows Indiana inmates to train, care for, and bond with dogs.
Their mission is simple: to rescue healthy shelter dogs, rehabilitate inmates, and promote and encourage pet ownership and adoption. The dogs receive training and socialization from the inmates, and the inmates receive unconditional love from the dogs. After the dogs go through the F.I.D.O. program, they are open for adoption.
Since its establishment, the F.I.D.O. program has seen more than 100 dogs complete the program, and 90 have been adopted.
Another program at the Animal Protection League, F.O.R.W.A.R.D. (Felines and Offenders Rehabilitation with Affection, Reformation and Dedication), helps shelter cats become socialized with people to help with their adoption. The inmates take care of the cats, build play structures for them, and give the cats a much better chance of being adopted.
The mission of the Animal Protection League is to provide shelter animals a chance at a safe and loving home, but the inmates helping with this process see countless benefits as well. They learn responsibility, how to work well with others, and they become productive members of society once they are released.
Members of the South Madison Community Foundation’s Open Hearts, Open Purses organization voted to award the Animal Protection League $10,000 in 2010 to fund their animal shelter inmate programs.