Four-legged unconditional support: Pet Therapy in Stony Mountain’s SIU
July 19, 2024
Within the four walls of Stony Mountain Institution in Manitoba, a unique kind of rehabilitation is taking place. Here in the structured intervention unit (SIU), where freedom is limited, the weekly arrival of therapy dogs is bringing inmates an unexpected sense of liberty.
These four-legged furry companions aren’t there to just wag their tails; they’re helping to smooth away worries, stress, and loneliness. Thanks to the pet therapy program introduced by the Winnipeg Humane Society just over a year ago, staff have observed remarkable improvements in inmates coping with the mental and emotional strains of incarceration.
Joshawa Elsner, an acting social programs officer who oversees the pet therapy program at Stony Mountain, has been struck by its impact on inmates’ daily lives through providing unconditional support and acceptance. “These dogs and their owners have made inmates feel loved and affirmed despite their past actions,” he says.
“As a result, they’ve shown improvements in self-worth, social skills, empathy, and self-awareness. We definitely see a lot of inmates coming out of their shell, letting their guard down and smiling when they don’t normally smile.”
Pet therapy also allows inmates to experience a level of introspection and emotional connection that may be challenging to achieve in human relationships. But the positive impact of the program extends beyond emotional well-being; it also encompasses practical aspects such as improved behavior within the unit, which temporarily houses inmates who have had to be separated from others for safety reasons or are transitioning to maximum security.
“I know the stress release provided from pet therapy has helped in many aspects in the running of our SIU,” says Joshawa.
Sessions take place over one to two hours every Friday afternoon in Joshawa's office, a 15x25-foot room with a couch and chairs. It’s large enough for multiple inmates to participate simultaneously, chat and reminisce about their own pets.
A variety of breeds, including a bulldog, two types of poodles, a husky and a dachshund are rotated regularly through the program. What they all have in common is extensive training to ensure they remain non-aggressive and unfazed in a range of situations, such as loud sudden noises or when being petted simultaneously by multiple people.
Their owners, who are vetted by the Winnipeg Humane Society, bring treats for the inmates to feed them and to encourage them to perform tricks. The success of the program wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of these volunteers, who bring their dogs to the institution every week in addition to other sites ranging from nursing homes and elementary schools.
Lorelle Selinger brings her Siberian husky, Meika, into the dog therapy program in the structured intervention unit (SIU) at Manitoba’s Stony Mountain Institution up to three times a month.
For Lorelle Selinger, who brings her Siberian husky, Meika, into the institution up to three times a month, her main motivation is seeing the impact on the inmates.
“One day an inmate stopped by just so he could tell Meika that he was learning to read,” she says. “He was taking some basic reading skills classes for school, and he was so genuinely happy and excited just to tell us about it. That’s what makes it seem like it’s a little more worthwhile, when you know it’s having a tangible impact on people.”
Often the inmates will tell stories of their childhood dogs and how important they were to them.
“Talking about dogs is pretty easy—they don’t have to divulge any deep secrets but they still get to share stories that are a part of them,” says Tim, another regular volunteer at Stony who brings in his English bulldog, Gordon.
“Numerous times I’ve had inmates looking him in the face, petting his jowls, and saying ‘I love you, Gordon—can you please bring him back?’
“It’s quite touching to watch an inmate drop the whole façade and become just another human around a puppy—it gives them a mental break of not having to think about protecting themselves from someone and makes the rest of their day easier to deal with.”
One inmate who was suddenly hit with the realization that he hadn’t petted a dog in six years broke down crying, Tim recalls. “These moments really mean something to them—it’s such a privilege and they don’t take it for granted. Often, they say they’re going to get a dog again when they get released, which is a great way to meet new people and fit into society again, as well as help them stay away from those who got them in the lifestyle they were in before.”
Mukwah Jordan-Wade Land, a 37-year-old inmate who participated in the program, said the pet therapy program has been “cathartic” for his mental health.
“When I saw this service provided a weekly opportunity to engage, my heart not only rejoiced because I’m an animal lover, but also because I immediately recognized how much of a difference and impact that intimate physical contact can have,” he said.
“The spiritual and mental rejuvenation that can manifest from reciprocated affection through animal-human contact (petting, hugging and kisses) isn’t just an intangible emotion. The physiological response could have been viewed in real time had a camera been recording me. Life saving even.”
For inmates like Mukwah and others in the SIU, therapy dogs serve as a reminder that there is room for light and love even in the darkest places. The pet therapy program is a testament to the transformative power of human-animal bonds, offering a path to healing and a glimpse of hope for a better future.
Gordon, an English bulldog, is a regular participant in the dog therapy program in the structured intervention unit (SIU) at Manitoba’s Stony Mountain Institution.
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