Maryland inmates training guide-dogs to benefit wounded veterans

HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Maryland's prison agency is teaming up with a guide-dog group to have jailed veterans train service dogs for wounded and disabled military veterans.
 
Public Safety and Correctional Services Secretary Gary Maynard and leaders of America's Vet Dogs announced the program Monday at the Maryland Correctional Institution near Hagerstown.
 
Maynard called the project "one of the most significant restorative justice projects I have ever been involved with."
 
The prison agency says the trainers will include specially selected  incarcerated veterans and other inmates at three institutions. They will care for the puppies, which will then get more specific service dog training.
 
America's Vet Dogs is a nonprofit organization based in Smithtown, N.Y. It provides guide dogs for blind or visually impaired veterans, and service dogs for those with other disabilities.