SAVANNAH — Two dogs rescued near the edge of death more than a month ago have joined the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office Operation New Hope program to give them another shot at life.
Charlie and Lola were in such bad condition when they were found on Oct. 3 along U.S. 17 in Bryan County that they had to undergo a series of medical treatments to restore their weight and health. Now they will be trained by jail inmates to hopefully transition them into normal lives.
Recently, Jeffrey Oliver and Jermaine Ladson, Chatham County jail inmates, greeted their new roommates for the first time. The dogs were active and friendly toward their new handlers.
“They help us just as much as we help them,” Oliver, 56, said while petting Charlie.
In April, Operation New Hope began as a way to allow low-risk inmates to train six to eight unadoptable dogs at a time from the Humane Society for Greater Savannah, teaching them basic commands and behavior skills. At the conclusion of the four-week program the dogs are typically put up for adoption.
Sgt. Roberts Brooks said the idea came from his wife, Petra, a Liberty County Animal Control volunteer, who told him about similar programs at other sheriff’s offices. Brooks said Sheriff Al St Lawrence was receptive to the idea.
“It benefits the inmates by primarily teaching them some responsibility,” said Brooks.
The program is funded by the humane society at no cost to taxpayers, he said.

Read more in the Dec. 1 edition of the News.