Centerpoint, the human society program has a “pawsive” impact | News

Centerpoint Recovery Center is an inpatient male drug recovery facility located just one and a half miles from Human Society. The center helps people who suffer from drug addiction to break their habits and reintegrate into society.

Part of the detox therapies at Centerpoint is for patients to walk for two hours each.

The program has been running for a few weeks and patients are taken to walk dogs in the fields near the animal shelter several times a week.

Traci Phelps, the director of the Humane Society shelter, said she could really say the program was helping the dogs.

“We started it only a few weeks ago, and I can say we’ve already noticed a big change in behavior in some of these dogs,” Phelps said. “They need time outside, they need socialization. Our volunteers can’t do it alone, so having these gentlemen come and do it for us is huge. It’s a big help to get them adopted.

The men who participate are also helped by the exchange.

“It’s been so beneficial for the guys,” said Centerpoint Recovery Center director Max Grantham. “A big part of recovery is giving back and helping others and I can’t think of a better way to help others than to do that.”

Some of the male participants have already started connecting with the dogs they also help.

“Centerpoint gave us the opportunity to come here and walk the dogs in conjunction with the Humane Society,” said Stephan Brown, who is in rehabilitation at Centerpoint.

“I love animals, and for some people it’s a small thing, but for me it really helps. I can definitely relate to animals, having been in prison and having had a second chance to change. I know what it’s like to be locked in a box. These animals are like us; they need love and compassion and to be able to go out.

The program was born out of mutual need, brought together by McCracken County Executive Judge Craig Clymer with a little help to pitch the idea of ​​the Humane Society Board of Trustees.

“One of the greatest things about running a community is finding ways to improve the community through a little creativity and a little ‘what-iffing’,” Clymer said.

“The men at Centerpoint and the dogs at this shelter share a need. They had struggles in life that knocked him out but didn’t knock him out. They are both recovering from their challenges and looking forward to a brighter future.

The announcement of the program comes ahead of the American Humane Society’s “National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day” on Saturday. The Humane Society currently has approximately 75 pets up for adoption and will be at PetSmart with many in celebration of the National Day.