Transforming Lives on Both Ends of the Leash

Inside Brigadoon’s Prison Programs

Behind many Brigadoon service dogs is another story of transformation unfolding inside Washington’s correctional facilities.  

In partnership with the Washington Corrections Center, Stafford Creek Correctional Center, and Coyote Ridge Corrections Center, Brigadoon’s prison program pairs carefully selected incarcerated handlers with dogs in training.  

Daily life in the program is focused on hands-on training, care, and skills development. Handlers teach foundation skills and reinforce manners that the dogs’ future partners will rely on. The work demands consistency, patience, and compassion—qualities that often grow in the handlers as much as in the dogs.  

Participants share that working with the dogs offers purpose, responsibility, and a sense of connection during a difficult chapter. The program builds skills, pride, and hope while helping raise dogs that will go on to change lives in the community.  

“I have learned that patience and kindness go further than rushing and stubbornness. You get better and quicker results. Training dogs encourages us to recognize the selfless aspect of ourselves and helps increase our sense of being part of a larger community.”  — Carl B., program participant since April 2019  

“I don’t feel like I’m just wasting my time in prison—I’m learning a lot.”— Robert L., program participant since July 2025  

“Prisoners are productive members of our communities. We are not the worst thing that we have ever done.”  — David D., program participant since August 2024  

2025 Program Impact:

• 3 Prison programs: Washington Corrections Center, Stafford Creek, and Coyote Ridge  

• 40+ Incarcerated handlers worked with Brigadoon dogs in 2025  

• 25+ Incarcerated handlers are veterans

Through these partnerships, the impact of a Brigadoon dog begins long before placement. On both ends of the leash, lives are transformed.