Larch program helps felines become more social and adoptable

Correctional Cats

Photo courtesy of Larch Corrections Center
James Resop, an inmate at Larch Corrections Center, in Yacolt, is among the handlers in a cat adoption program. The effort, which started in 2012, involves volunteers training the offenders to care for the cats. After the cats are trained and socialized, they are placed for adoption.

Photo courtesy of Larch Corrections Center James Resop, an inmate at Larch Corrections Center, in Yacolt, is among the handlers in a cat adoption program. The effort, which started in 2012, involves volunteers training the offenders to care for the cats. After the cats are trained and socialized, they are placed for adoption. Contributed by Larch Corrections Center

James Resop is learning patience through a cat adoption program at Larch Corrections Center.

Resop, a 39-year old inmate in the minimum security facility, in Yacolt, said he is enjoying learning what "his" cat likes and dislikes and being responsible for something other than himself.

Challenges include getting Butterfly, the cat, to exercise.

"Butterfly loves ice water and has mood swings," Resop said.

For more of this story, see the Camas-Washougal Post-Record print edition.