Cesar was part of the "Pups on Parole" program and used to visit the jail regularly to be trained and socialized by the inmates and then have the chance to be adopted.
But Cesar had a big problem: crippling anxiety that was too daunting for people outside the prison.
"César would get so restless when he got out that he was really only happy when he was here, so his prognosis for that kind of life was not good," says prison officer Wayne Schulze.
"He's up and down the landing all day, gets patted all the time, which is perfect for him because he has separation anxiety, so jail has been great because he's never without a human," says Cesar's caretaker.
Inmates at the minimum security prison banded together and raised A$14,000 (US$9,500) to adopt the eager dog. Now, dog and prisoners have a great time together for the benefit of all.
"He's from the family, he's the closest thing we have to a family," says César's trainer. "I've seen troubled men come to this place and hang out with César and, yeah, it's amazing what he can do," says Schulze.
A few months ago, Caesar received a surprise: eight-month-old Zeus, who was also adopted by the prison. He is still being trained and taught to behave well by Caesar.
Dogs Home of Tasmania, the organization that runs the jail foster program, had to suspend operations due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but there are now plans to restart it.
"The puppies keep us alive and give us back a bit of dignity, we are doing something for the animals, not for ourselves," says César's caretaker.
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