Dogs Visiting Inmates at Ada County Jail

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The Ada County sheriff's office says life in the county jail has been calmer since a dog therapy program began.

For about a month, 2-year-old golden retriever Winnie and other dogs have been stopping by the jail for less than an hour every week. Authorities told KTVB-TV that inmates have been happier thanks to this one short visit.

The program started in the mental health unit last fall and then moved into one of the women's dorms about a month ago. One inmate was so excited about the program that she wrote a letter to jail administration to thank them.