Dog works with detainees in juvenile detention

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Maxx E. is in demand now, but just two years ago he was, well, an underdog.

The Great Pyrenees was underweight, had heartworms and had been dumped at the Memphis Animal Shelter.

But a loving family, which includes veteran Memphis City Schools teacher Peg Holton, adopted him in 2009 and soon realized he had an affinity for attention and a patient nature that could help human underdogs.

So, Maxx E. found a home and a job.

His résumé includes a stint cheering up residents at an area nursing home and at the FedEx Family House, for families of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital patients.

Recently, the certified therapy dog headed to his new gig at Shelby County Juvenile Court, volunteering with juvenile detainees -- many of whom are charged with repeat offenses or violent crimes.

First, Maxx E. met the court’s alpha male, Judge Curtis Person, who signed off on the Pets Assisting With Students program.

Then, the first canine volunteer in the court’s 101-year history headed to the section of the building that houses the Juvenile Detention Center.

When the 100-pound dog with the long, thick coat strolled into a detainee common area, he was greeted with gasps, smiles and laughs.

“Oh, wow,” a 13-year-old boy said.

He tried to yank on the dog’s leash, but Holton showed him that gentle behavior was more effective.

A 16-year-old who has a dog at home knew to scratch under Maxx E.’s chin.

An 18-year-old was initially afraid, but when Maxx E. sprawled on the floor, the teen also sat on the floor and leaned against him.

Maxx E. seemed content as the boy read a book aloud, but when the reading stopped, the dog nudged the reader then gently pawed him on the side as if to say: “Come on, read some more.” The boy complied.

Rick Powell, who oversees the detention center, stood in the corner and grinned.

“The kids want to please him,” he said.

Powell said he was willing to try a new approach in hopes of sparking an interest in reading and learning -- something too many of the juvenile detainees are lacking.

Animal therapy programs have been used at juvenile facilities in California, Virginia and Idaho and can have a calming effect while teaching empathy and responsible pet ownership, Powell said.

“This is definitely outside the box,” Powell said.

When it was time to leave, Holton thanked a large group of boys.

Several of the boys began to clap and shout back: “Thank you.”