RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — It takes intense effort to teach service dogs the skills they need to help people with disabilities or alert them to dangerous medical issues. Some service dogs are getting that training in North Carolina prisons.
In March 2025, CBS 17 got a look at how the program works and how it changes the lives of both inmates and recipients, but not all of the training happens inside prison walls. Now, we are hearing from a former inmate and one who is preparing for release about how training these dogs can help them adjust to life outside of prison.
At a house in Hillsborough, a group of puppies is learning the skills needed to become service dogs. It’s the home of Eyes Ears Nose and Paws, or EENP, a nonprofit that places assistance dogs with people who have disabilities or medical needs. The puppies are just two months old, and they’re getting familiar with following commands, taking turns, and learning their way around a kitchen. Two trainers work with the puppies…