**SAN QUENTIN, Calif. (AP)** – An emotional reunion unfolded at San Quentin prison as two black Labradors, Wendel and Artemis, met the incarcerated men who had trained them as service dogs. The heartfelt gathering took place on Friday, marking the first time Chase Benoit and Jared Hansen saw their former canine companions after helping to launch the prison's puppy training program in April 2023.
The meeting was filled with hugs, tears, and the joyous barking of the dogs, creating a powerful moment as the men connected with the dogs’ disabled handlers for the first time. Benoit, who is serving a 15 years-to-life sentence for second-degree murder, expressed how meaningful the program has been for him. "It’s given me something that I think I’ve searched for my whole life, and that was meaningful purpose, doing something that’s good, better, bigger than myself,” Benoit said.
Robert Quigley, a deaf individual, became emotional upon seeing Wendel, who excitedly recognized Benoit. Through an interpreter, Benoit conveyed his happiness about their bond, while Quigley shared that Wendel is a gentle companion who stays with him constantly. Quigley adopted Wendel in November after the dog finished another six months of professional training.
Benoit and Hansen were among the first trainers in a program that has grown to include 16 trainers and two dog sitters, currently training eight puppies. Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization based in Santa Rosa, runs the program and provides free service dogs to those in need.
Meanwhile, Artemis was matched with Benjamin Carter, a veterinarian from Portland, Oregon, who uses a wheelchair. The reunion became an opportunity for Carter and Hansen to discuss Artemis’s gentle nature and her role in assisting with daily tasks. "Seeing him in action and actually serving somebody in the community, it’s just... I’m at a loss for words right now. It’s amazing!" Hansen remarked, highlighting the dog's impact.
Artemis, affectionately referred to as Artie, helps Carter by pushing door plates, pulling open doors, and fetching items, thereby making daily life more manageable for him. Carter praised the structure and affection that the incarcerated trainers provided, stating, “I’m just super grateful to them."
The puppies enter the training program between the ages of 2 and 4 months and stay with the incarcerated trainers until they are around 16 to 17 months old. They experience regular socialization outings and learn over 20 essential skills, such as fetching and walking on a leash. After their time in prison, they undergo additional training with professionals.
Participants in the puppy training program at San Quentin are selected from those residing in an "earned living unit," ensuring that only individuals committed to rehabilitation and self-help programs are involved. Inmates with records of animal or child cruelty are excluded to maintain the program’s integrity.
James Dern, national director of puppy programs for Canine Companions, noted that dogs trained in prison settings have a 10% higher success rate at becoming service dogs. He emphasized the transformative effect of caring for another being, allowing incarcerated individuals a chance to give back and address their past actions. San Quentin transformed from housing the largest death row population in the U.S. to facilitating rehabilitation programs, inspiring the growth of similar initiatives in other correctional facilities across the country.
During a celebration event at the prison chapel, Benoit praised Canine Companions for fostering love, care, and the sense of community within the incarcerated population. He highlighted the significance of including them in such life-changing programs, emphasizing the powerful impact that service dog training can have on both the trainers and those they ultimately assist.
