MACON, Ga. — You can add a paw-some pup to your pack for free this month! The program hopes to save lives at both ends of the leash.
The Bibb County Sheriff's Office has a Bondable Pup Program, and they are waiving adoption fees for the month of April.
The program is for community members and Bibb County inmates to come and find their friends for life.
During the month of April, they are waiving the $100 adoption fees, spaying and neutering these pups and giving them all the right vaccinations so they are ready for their fur-ever home.
But there is also another facet to the program.
The Bondable Pup Program started in 2017 with the help of Animal Enforcement and Sheriff David Davis, who has also had a bondable pup named Max for eight years.
The program is open to everyone, but it focuses on pairing homeless dogs with Bibb County inmates, who are serving time for non-violent offenses.
These inmates care for, train and prepare these dogs for their next families.
Brandi Smith supervises Bondable Pups.
"When you look at the dogs, they deserve a second chance also," Smith said.
That is what the Bibb County Sheriff's Office hopes to do: give these animals a second chance.
"Bondable pups doesn't normally waive our adoption fees but the reason we have is because adoption numbers are down the euthanasia rates and intake rates at the shelter are steadily climbing," Smith said. "With our shelter being full, we get puppies every day, we get pregnant moms every day, and these babies don't deserve to be here."
Lt. Linda Howard helps train with the inmates.
"We're sad to see them go, but we're happy to see them go because that means that they got their forever home," Howard said.
Howard said she helped a friend adopt a dog through bondable pups, and to see them create that bond is something she looks forward to.
"They're walking the dogs, they're feeding the dogs, they're giving the dogs water, they're playing with the dogs, they're training them how to sit, how to come to them, teaching them how to be a dog like go play and be free," Howard said. "The thing is, they're teaching the inmates also how to go play and how to feel free."
Howard says she has two dogs of her own, but it takes a group effort to help get the dogs off the streets and into a loving home.
"The best dogs are shelter dogs because they get a second chance," Howard said. "They need love, and once they get in that home, they're going to give you their all."
If you're looking to adopt or want more information, you can contact Macon-Bibb Animal Welfare at www.BibbSheriff.us or at 478-319-4195.