Inmates in Springer work with puppies to build hope for a new life

SPRINGER, N.M. – Springer Correctional Center expanded Fosters in the Pen, where 10 approved inmates care for puppy litters from Espanola Humane.

The New Mexico Department of Corrections expanded its partnership with Espanola Humane to bring puppies not yet ready for adoption to the women’s prison in Springer.

The program started as an emergency solution at the state penitentiary while the animal shelter underwent black mold remediation last year. Mattie Allen, director of communications for Espanola Humane, said, “It was so successful that it became a permanent program.”

Espanola Humane expanded the program to Springer in August and dropped off the fifth litter this week. The puppies stay about two weeks and inmates in one unit give them round-the-clock care.

Vanessa Moya is one of the 10 approved inmates in the program. Moya is serving time for vehicular homicide after, in 2018, while in active addiction, she hit and killed a father of two.

“I’m like, oh my God, who gets a puppy in prison?” Moya said.

“I never thought I would make it this far. I started off very broken in a dark place,” Moya said.

Hope and rehabilitation

“To be sentenced to 10 years in prison, I thought there was no hope,” Moya said.

“Even though we’re inmates, we still have a second chance at life to make a difference. We’re still human,” Moya said.

Kyle Chavez, another inmate puppy handler, said the program connects with people at a low point and with puppies that need care.

“You’re lost. You don’t have anything. You have you’re at your bottom. These little guys too. They don’t have they don’t have anyone to love them. And it’s it’s amazing to be able to you know share that love with them,” Chavez said.

Warden Marianna Vigil said she had tried for years to launch a dog program at Springer Correctional Center. It is the last of New Mexico’s eight prisons to have one.

“Rehabilitation is like number one. You you gotta I don’t want to see these women come back. I really don’t,” Vigil said.

Allen said the puppies benefit too because they get care and arrive ready for adoption.

“They already have so many life skills and they’re highly adoptable when they come out of the program,” Allen said.

A call for help

Espanola Humane is looking for volunteer drivers to help transport the puppies to and from Springer. The shelter also wants puppy pads and other puppy-related donations.

Details on how you can help are available here.

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