Ind. dog-handling program gives ex-inmate a career

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. — A program that teaches prison inmates to care for and train dogs has led one former Indiana inmate to a career as a sought-after dog trainer.

Stephen Lackey was released last year from the Westville Correctional Facility. Before his release, he took part in the prison’s “Prison Tails” program that teaches inmates how to care for and train dogs, particularly ones that are hard to handle.

The 43-year-old former drug dealer now works as kennel manager at the Humane Society for Hamilton County — a position he earned at the Noblesville shelter by taking a dog considered unadoptable and retraining it to make it adoptable.

Lackey’s own dog-training and boarding business is booked through the end of the year.