-Press Release, NC Department of Public Safety

WHAT: ABEL Leash Ceremony

WHEN: Thursday, May 30, at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Warren Correctional Institution Visitation Area – 379 Collins Road Manson, NC 27553

ABOUT: After 18 months of training dogs to become service dogs, a “leash” ceremony where the dogs will go to new owners will take place as part of an “At Both Ends of the Leash” (ABEL) Program at Warren Correctional Institution. The program, a partnership with nonprofit Eyes Ears Nose & Paws (EENP) of Carrboro, allows offenders to train service dogs, working with EENP to develop the training regimen. The program’s end goal is to place the dog in the home of an EENP client with assistance needs.

The ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments and skills of not only these amazing animals but their offender trainers as well. Demonstrations will show the dogs’ skills in life activities geared to assisting their new owners. Speakers will include EENP Program Director Deb Cunningham, as well as officials and dog trainers from Warren Correctional Institution.

Visitors will be subject to a search of personal items and a pat/frisk search prior to entering the facility’s visitation area.

Cellphones are prohibited.