Jason’s 15 years in prison changed him entirely as a person. He almost lost his sense of humanity. And then, an injured pit bull named Sugar Mama came along and taught him how it is to love and forgive once again.
Jason’s plight
Jason Bertrand openly admits he’s been in prison for 15 years due to battery and robbery. He isn’t proud of his past, but it’s been life-changing for him. That cruel environment he lived in 24/7 almost stripped him of his humanity.
But in 2016, Jason was qualified for Teaching Animals and Inmates Life Skills or TAILS, a program that pairs an inmate with a dog he needed to train. Through this program, he met Sugar Mama, a dog that also needed saving.
You see, Sugar Mama was rescued from a dogfighting ring. She sustained multiple injuries on her back. She was also deathly terrified. The goal of TAILS is to help Sugar Mama become better equipped for adoption, and Jason’s job is to train her and teach her some basic manners.
The love between an inmate and a rescue dog
When Jason met Sugar Mama, it was love at first sight. He carried her everywhere, unless they were training. He was always so gentle with Sugar Mama, whom who came to love since day one.
Jason was amazed at Sugar Mama’s disposition in life. Despite her traumatic past, she was still happy and exuberant. Jason learned from Sugar Mama that your past does not define your happiness.
Jason thinks Sugar Mama as his inspiration. This dog taught him what it was to love again. She brought back feelings of humanity he thought he’d lost while he was in prison. It’s amazing how one dog can make you feel so human once again, Jason thought.
Finally, Jason graduated from the program, and he was out of prison. He married his childhood sweetheart and has a job. And through it all, Sugar Mama was with him. They have each other’s back, and their friendship is truly one-of-a-kind.
Thanks to ABCNews
