State of the City

F.I.D.O.

Gives Prisoners Purpose, Homeless Dogs Hope

BY ALEX AUBUCHON

Less than two years ago, Waco was struggling to survive. The terrier mix and five other dogs were locked in a filthy, wet shed together, starving and neglected.

Now, Waco has a loving forever home.

His transformation, and that of more than 90 dogs like him was made possible thanks to the Florida Inmates and Dog Obedience (F.I.D.O.) project in Marion County.

The brainchild of program specialist Wendy Hillyard, F.I.D.O. has been a part of Marion County Animal Services since 2015 and places neglected and unwanted dogs with talented inmate trainers and, eventually, loving families.

The program pairs inmates at Marion Correctional Institution with dogs rescued by Marion County Animal Services. The dogs live at the prison and are trained by inmates during an eight-week program with the goal of each dog passing the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen test, the gold standard for dog behavior.

Hillyard takes great care in assembling each F.I.D.O. class, making sure they’re all compatible. “There’s not really much of a science to it,” said Hillyard. “I’m always trying to put together a group with a range of colors and sizes that will all get along and won’t put anyone at risk. I also try to choose animals with experiences these men might be able to relate to, where they can all benefit and heal.”

Waco and the five other dogs in his F.I.D.O. class were all rescued from the same cruelty case and brought into the program together, dubbed the “Fixer Puppers” by Hillyard. (Names for the other dogs in the class? Chip, Jo, Magnolia, Demo and Granite – all after the popular HGTV show.)

Inmates apply to be part of the program and work their way up from helpers and handlers to full-blown trainers. The men keep a detailed journal of the dogs’ training progress and setbacks, daily schedule and notes on their behavior, weight, personality and other fun details.

The program culminates in a graduation ceremony, where the inmate trainers, new owners and F.I.D.O. students all gather.

“I remember it was the first day I had taken off work in this job,” said Bland. “I told my boss, ‘Yeah, I have to go to my dog’s graduation…’ But I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

The inmates share their life experiences, demonstrate the skills they’ve taught the dogs, and pass the reins and their journals on to the dogs’ new families.

“It’s a very emotional experience,” said Hillyard. “The men often tear up, giving advice to the new owners and talking about what the dogs have meant to them.”

Bland says the experience of taking all the effort, dedication and love the inmates poured into Waco and continuing it was deeply humbling.

“I just want to make sure we could provide the best and most loving home we could, and I know we’ve done that. And Waco gives it back to us tenfold.”

Aside from initial sheltering costs, F.I.D.O. operates solely on donations.

If you would like to help, contact Marion County Animal Services at 671-8700 or visit MarionCountyFL.org/FIDO.

Alex AuBuchon is the Public Information Officer for the Marion County Board of Commissioners.