T
he Burruss Correctional Training Center (BCTC) in
Forsyth is home to the Vision Guide Dog Program, which
allows BCTC inmates to begin the rudimentary training
of Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles and first-
generation Goldador mixes. These dogs will hopefully become
guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired.
The Guide Dog Association of America breeds the dogs in
Smithtown, New York, and transports them, at about 8 weeks
old, to BCTC, which is the only prison that raises guide dog
puppies for the organization. There are several prisons in the
northern U.S. that raise pups for America's Vet Dogs, a sister
organization to the Guide Dog Association.
Inmates in the program work with the dogs on basic
training commands, as well as grooming and socialization.
While the dogs learn skills, the inmates are able to earn a
veterinary-helper certificate from Central Georgia Technical
College.
On weekends, the young pups stay with families and
individuals across Central Georgia who take them into their
homes and continue the socialization training.
In their vests and on leashes, they visit the grocery store,
movie theater, hair and nail salon, shoe store, school events,
athletic events, parks, public transportation, classrooms,
doctor's offices, restaurants, etc. By law, businesses must
allow the trainer and the dog inside the establishment.
Shannon McCormick and her family, from Macon, have
volunteered as weekend trainers for years.
"When we picked up our dog, we were given the right amount
96 maconmagazine.com | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2022
