I went to a visit last weekend and saw the craziest thing. (Besides my wife, I mean.) (just kidding!) A lady came in, walking her service dog on a leash. I love dogs, so that was something really cool for me. And I’ve only recently started seeing them at visitation, so it’s something new for me as well. He had a little vest on, that said emotional support dog on the side, and he was actually a beautiful dog.
When I think of the phrase “emotional support dog”, I tend to envision something benign like a Golden Retriever, or some other notoriously friendly breed. This dog was an American Bully! Clearly he also filled in as a guard dog, when necessary.
He was really calm and affectionate – and sat in his owner’s lap with his paws on the table, just like a visitor. It was almost therapeutic for ME, just to look at him! I’m sure that petting him would’ve been strictly forbidden (for me, I mean), but it was cool just to see him out there.
Undoubtedly there’s a special class they have to pass, to be officially certified as a therapy dog. It’s not like you can just buy any dog a vest and bring him in. (But it’s worth a try!) :-} You can probably find out more details about it on TDCJ’s own website – or they can at least tell you who in the Administration CAN tell you.
If any of my readers have those types of dogs, don’t be hesitant to visit your loved ones because of it. TDCJ is officially service dog-friendly, at least on the Wynne Unit, and bringing your dog can even help you deal with the stress of visiting a prison in the first place. (I wish I had one to help ME deal with the stress of being in prison!) Who knows – it just may prove to be therapeutic for the person you’re visiting as well… So says DannyBoy.
DannyBoyinExile 