People in custody at HMP & YOI Polmont have donated handmade Christmas gift bags to dogs waiting for their forever homes at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.
For a month, young men at the prison worked with local non-profit organisation Paws for Progress to create handmade tug toys and treat bags for dogs at the rescue centre.
The prison’s residents work with Paws for Progress throughout the year through their dog-assisted learning programmes.
These programmes give those in prison an opportunity to learn in alternative ways than formal education.
A particular highlight is their rescue dog programme, where they train and socialise dogs to help them find their forever homes.
The programme benefits both the dogs and the residents, as they have a chance to gain animal care qualifications, whilst getting all of the mental health benefits of working with their four-legged friends.
With Christmas looming, the young people were concerned for the rescue dogs who would be waiting on their forever homes over the festive period, and wanted to do something nice for them.
It was decided that handmade fleece tug toys would provide them a fun gift, accompanied by a yummy treat bag.
This gave the individuals in custody an opportunity to learn a new skill in crafting, and work towards a shared goal as a team.
For a whole month, a group of seven individuals in custody gave up their time to make over 50 toys from fleece blankets that they cut up.
They considered the vast range of different dogs in the rescue, making toys in all sizes to suit them.
One participant suggested that they would make even more toys than their original target of 50, to ensure that other dogs who come into the rescue centre after Christmas would have something nice to arrive to.
Paws for Progress delivered the treat bags to Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home on 19 December, on behalf of the group.
One of the dogs who enjoyed receiving their gift was Millie, who recently completed the rescue dog training programme.
Roy was also one of the grateful recipients, who is currently still looking for his forever home. More rehoming information is available here: https://edch.org.uk/pet/roy031224/
One of the participants said: “This project gave us an opportunity to give back to an organisation which helps with the overall mental health of us in prison, giving us enjoyment and a lasting experience while making the animals happy at the rescue.
“It’s a nice feeling to give back and make them feel wanted again.”
Megan Wilson, Education and Wellbeing Specialist at Paws for Progress, said: “This was a heart-warming project for everyone to be involved in. We have been so impressed by the enthusiasm and care shown by everyone. As a team, we have all really enjoyed making them!”
Jamie Simpson, Director of People and Services at Edinburgh Cat and Dog Home, said: "The hand-made toys and treats from Paws for Progress and HMP & YOI Polmont was a delight to receive at this time of year and our dogs were thrilled.
“Our partnership with Paws for Progress has helped many of our own dogs find their forever homes thanks to the work they do with the people in custody at HMP & YOI Polmont.”
