"We're locked up just like they are, and we understand how they feel."
In Florida, Osceola County officials have come up with one of the most creative ideas I've heard all year. It's a voluntary program in which non-violent offenders are used to staff an animal shelter that's struggling to survive in this depressed economy. Kris O'Donnel writes on ZooToo News: "Without them, it would almost be impossible," Assistant Veterinary Technician Vickie Dryer said. "They have assisted us in so many areas we couldn’t do alone." The inmates work all day at Osceola County Animal Control, doing everything from cleaning cages to refilling water bowls. "It makes me feel good to give them clean water and food every day,” inmate Michael Betancourt said. "The biggest thing is taking care of the animals, the cleaning, also exercising them, giving them a lot of human companionship and contact," Dryer said. ...For every 30 days they serve, they get five days taken off their sentences. In addition, they’re happy to be outside and working with the animals. "It’s been a real good experience," inmate Benjamin Stallman said. "I’ll wake up at 4 a.m. and want to come out here and clean up after the dogs. I mean, they’re sweetheart dogs." (Heartwarming Video Alert.)
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