Oklahoma Corrections partners with “K9s For Warriors” to train service dogs for veterans

GRANITE, Okla. – Inside the walls of Oklahoma State Reformatory, a new kind of rehabilitation is taking shape – one built on second chances for both people and animals. Through a partnership between the Oklahoma Department of Corrections and K9s For Warriors, inmates are helping train rescue dogs that will one day support veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The program brings together three groups often in need of support – rescue dogs, incarcerated individuals and military veterans – creating a powerful cycle of purpose and healing that extends far beyond the facility’s perimeter.

“I love every minute of it,” inmate Steven Stricker said. “Veterans training dogs for veterans is a great thing.”

Through the initiative, carefully selected inmates serve as handlers, working daily with rescue dogs that have often experienced abandonment, neglect or abuse. Over the course of several months, the dogs are socialized and trained to perform specialized tasks that help veterans manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, including interrupting anxiety episodes, providing grounding during moments of distress, and offering steady companionship during recovery.

“Most of these dogs have been abandoned and abused,” said Daniel Clavel with K9s For Warriors. “Now, giving them that second chance, knowing the next step is saving the life of a veteran, is huge!”

The program's impact stretches nationwide. K9s For Warriors has already matched more than 1,000 veterans across the country with service dogs, restoring independence and stability while helping reduce isolation and risk factors associated with veteran suicide.

“Saving two lives at the end of the leash is what this program is all about,” said David Clavel. “K9s For Warriors is really changing lives and saving lives.”

Program leaders emphasize that the work carries urgency and purpose, especially as communities continue searching for solutions to support veterans facing mental health challenges after service.

“Twenty veterans a day are committing suicide,” Clavel said. “We are trying to decrease that at every chance, and it is such a huge part of what we are trying to do.”

At OSR, officials say the initiative is also creating meaningful change among the incarcerated men selected to participate. The responsibility of caring for and training service dogs builds discipline, empathy and accountability – while allowing participants to contribute to something larger than themselves.

“Inside these walls, they are giving back to the public,” said Chris Rankins. “This is helping people who sacrificed everything for everyone in the United States. Not everyone in prison is a bad person. People make mistakes.”

For the inmates involved, the opportunity to participate is deeply personal and often transformative. Many describe the experience as one of the most meaningful parts of their incarceration, offering both purpose and a chance to contribute positively to society.

“I’m enjoying it,” another inmate said. “Doing something you have a passion for is fun. I have a great passion for animals.”

Handlers spend months building trust with the dogs, reinforcing obedience skills and preparing them for advanced service work before they continue training with K9s For Warriors specialists and are ultimately matched with veterans in need.

Program leaders say that’s what makes the partnership so powerful: it creates a chain of healing that begins with a rescued dog, grows through the hands of an inmate, and ultimately reaches a veteran working toward stability, independence and hope.