The California Men’s Colony Peer Support Team is welcoming new member Penny, a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever.
Penny graduated from the California Men’s Colony New Life K-9 Program as a facility dog.
Peer Support Team Capt. M. Thury discussed the benefits of adding a K-9 to the Peer Support Team with Warden Samuel, who gave his blessing.
The California Men’s Colony then had its first official K-9 Peer Support member.
“When conversations reached difficult emotions, having Penny there was like a reset.”
Sgt. A. Urias, Peer Support Team member
California Men’s Colony
Penny has been a tremendous addition to the peer support team, already participating in several service calls.
“When conversations reached difficult emotions, having Penny there was like a reset,” said Sgt. A. Urias, a peer support team member. “Her presence allowed the individual to temporarily distract themselves, giving the individual the time they needed to take a break, gather themselves, and continue when they were ready.”
Penny, who has become a celebrity of sorts at the institution, loves people and has an infectious smile. While on walks around the institution, she brings smiles to staff and the incarcerated population alike.
Submitted by Lt. T. Eilers
Learn more about CDCR’s K-9 programs.
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