A guest blog article by Molly Bina (student, world citizen)
For as long as there have been misunderstood criminals, there has been reasons behind their anger and sadness. Were they not given enough attention at home? Did they ever get told I love you? The beautiful aspect all animals share is the fact that they don’t care if your covered in tattoos and robbed a liquor store. They just want your unconditional love and in return, they will give it to you too. There has been a long tradition of inmates keeping birds, rats, and other pets in jail secretly. Even the most rugged, tough as nails murderers can have their heart melt from a companion animal, and society is now finally seeing this (Carpentieri 2001).
The emotional bond anyone has with animals is unbreakable. Studies are now revealing that allowing prisoners who are in medium or minimum security prisons are allowed companion pets allowing them to keep their head above water and develop an affectionate aspect to their psyche.
Staff at the Oakwood Forensice Center, which is a maximum security prison from the criminally insane, noticed their prisoners were becoming more sociably friendly and charismatic (Carpentieri 2001). They delved deeper and discovered some of the inmates were nursing back to health a sick sparrow they had found in the prison yard. The center became intrigued with the idea and started allowing certain patients to keep compared pets for a research study. The results were remarkable. The prisoners in the pet ward became less violent, more cooperative, and only needed half the medication they were once prescribed.
The story spread and more prisons began allowing certain wards to keep animals. One of the most effective rehabilitation tactics that is being used today is dog training programs in prisons (Flynn 2011). Purdy Correctional Centre for Women in Washington is famous for this. Prison Tails, a program founded in 2004, uses this center and a few others across the United States to give these pups a second chance. They take abandoned, “unadoptable”, end-of-their-rope dogs (much like the women in the prison) and give them a new chance. It’s a win-win situation.
These women receive their dog training certificate – a small amount actually get accepted into the program. Not only does this program help the emotional aspect with the prisoners, it teaches them a trade. When they are released into the real world they have a degree that can get them a career in almost any industry with companion animals.
These inmates receive a new “untrain-able” dog every four to six weeks. They give their new friend 15 to 20 minutes of training five times a day and on their off times are responsible for grooming, feeding, and of course, affection. These dogs live in the cells with the prisoner, and most of the time sleep in their bed with them. After developing such an emotional bond to these dogs, you can see why the trainers work their hardest to make them pass the American Kennel Club Obedience test at the end of their time together. Dogs that are unable to pass this test will not be adopted out and put to sleep (Flynn 2011).
Prison Tails, Prison Pet Partnership, Freedom Tails, and Wisconsin Correctional Liberty Dog Program are some of the many foundations now blooming from this recent success in prison welfare (Blackman 2012). Almost every state in America allows some sort of animal therapy in their prisons, and its no surprise that the industry keeps getting bigger. These dogs, much like their trainees, have been through difficult times, spending most of their lives on the street. They come together and learn to love and both leave the program happier, full of love, and a new passion for their life.
What you should think about now, would you adopt a dog that was trained by an inmate?
Works cited
Blackman, Diane. 2012. “Prisons and Other Animal Facilitated Rehabilitation Programs.” Dog Play. 4 January 2012. Web. Date accessed 29 Nov. 2012. <http://www.dogplay.com/Activities/Therapy/program.html>.
Carpentieri, J. D. 2001. “Jail House Flock.” The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 24 August 2001. Web. Date accessed 29 Nov. 2012. <http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2001/aug/25/weekend7.weekend3>.
Flynn, Kaitlin. 2011. “A Second Chance For Dogs and Prisoners.” Global Animal. 1 August 2011. Web. Date accessed 29 Nov. 2012. <http://www.globalanimal.org/2011/08/01/a-second-chance-for-dogs-and-prisoners/27820/>.
Social Evolution Reborn 
I think this article is very interesting because I have never heard about this before. I agree that having an animal around does bring the best in people, and can carry an unbreakable bond. For me if I were thinking about adopting a dog that was trained by an inmate at first I would feel skeptical. But after reading this article I think I would adopt . In the article it says it is a “trade off” between the dog and the inmate. I think it is a fair trade, because they are both getting a second chance. The dog gets a chance for being adopted, and the inmate can get a career in almost any industry with companion animals. I love that it is a win win situation for both and they can learn from the experience. This is why I would adopt a dog that was trained by an inmate.
Thanks so much for your feedback, alisana! I feel like posting this article would open more people’s eyes into the possibility of adopting a dog from a prison trained inmate. Animals ABSOLUTELY bring out the best in people, and I am not surprised that as first you would be skeptical. I hope more people read this article to understand the important benefits prison dog trainers have.
I think that this article is very interesting, based on the fact that I have never heard of inmates being able to have pets in jail. I would have to agree with the author when she states, that most criminals do the things that they do because they were never shown love as a child or at home. I also find it very interesting that the prison guards give some inmates the oppurtunity to train a dog. I believe this should not be acceptable based on the fact that this issue is so unheard of. Even though that inmate may have an emotional bond towards an animal, the fact that he or she is still a criminal should not be ignored. So No pets should not be used for rehabilitation.
I’m confused, you think “this shouldn’t be acceptable based on the fact that the issue is unheard of?” That sort of sounds like your against free thinking of new ideas. Whether your against it or not, with my research I have found almost EVERY single state in the US has some form of prison dog training. It’s not the guards that give the inmates the dogs. Programs that work WITH the prisons do it, but first make sure the criminals fit a very tight profile. They have to be in minimum or medium security wards, on excellent behavior and not serving time for any sort of violent or sex crimes. It’s not like they’re giving puppies to rapist and murderers. I probably should have explained that more in the article I suppose. It’s not ignoring the fact that the dog trainer is a criminal. It’s giving them (and the dogs) a second chance to redeem their lives and hopefully leave jail and not come back. Everyone makes mistakes, some are just bigger than others. A dog will forgive a prisoner for pushing drugs to afford to feed himself, even when society doesn’t. That’s all I’m trying to say.
Mollybina I never said I was aganist FREE THINKING OF IDEAS, that’s my opinion and everyone is entited to one right? As I stated prior this is new to me hearing about, based on the fact that I have not did research on this topic like you. After reading your response to my comment I see that animals are not given to just anyone {what a relief}. All I was saying that inmates should not be given any extra privileages like that unless it’s a petty crime.
yes you are absolutely entitled to your own opinion! I guess the way you phrased it through me off, I read it as you were against this because you have never heard of it before. Sorry for that. I understand your realistic fear and I looked deeper into it to calm both of our nerves. From what I just read, all of the prisoners in all of these programs go through said extreme evaluations. Prison guards have to vouch for them saying they are worthy. They have to be on excellent behavior. Most of these programs work with women penitentiaries, i think because they think they have the motherly touch? (just a matter of opinion, not saying I support that reason). The people who run the dog training programs (not the inmates) surprise visits to the inmates in the 4 to 6 weeks to “check up on their progress”. I think this is to make sure nothing bad is happening.
Although I agree with the majority of your response, I do believe that the last sentence needs further explanation. The whole point of state penitentiaries is to one, withdraw them from the public for the safety of society, and two, to in some cases rehabilitate the said criminal and possibly send them back into society when deemed “ready”. I am a strong believe in the power of healing that pets have on humans in many cases, and I love the fact that this article highlights the point that pets have been successfully used for rehabilitation in prisons and other state institutions. Overall, like I said I do agree with you, but I do disagree with your ending statement.
which last sentence are you referring to? the last sentence of the article (They come together and learn to love and both leave the program happier, full of love, and a new passion for their life.) or the last sentence of my reply? ( A dog will forgive a prisoner for pushing drugs to afford to feed himself, even when society doesn’t.) This program gives the prisoners a sense of passion in their life, and almost makes them “ready” to face the real world because they now have something positive and productive to do with the rest of their life.
Sorry for the miscommunication i was directing my last paragraph towards johnsm01 regarding his last statement about how “No pets should not be used for rehabilitation.” I must of hit comment instead of reply!
@Mollybine51 I think that Johnsm01 comment meant that criminals should not have the opportunity to be rehabilitated by animals. The fact that they are criminals should not be ignored. They are being punished for what they did and having an animal is giving them something else to think about while they are in prison instead of thinking about the crime that they committed. I believe you are over thinking what she said. My personal opinion is that certain inmates should have the right to this, but others should not have this right.
this is exactly what happens with these programs. Certain inmates, ones that are in for petty crimes (aka minimum security wards) are allowed to train the dogs. I think why these programs are so successful is that they aren’t ignoring the fact that they are criminals. They are trying to give them a trade and a second chance when they are released. One of the main goals for prisons is for the inmates to steer away from deviant acts so they don’t want to return. If they receive a degree and find a passion while behind bars they won’t want to get arrested again.
Are more prisons starting to do this? The more I am understanding and reading into this type of rehabilitation the more I am liking it. I agree that prisoners who are allowed this type of rehabilitation will steer away from deviant acts so they don’t want to return. How far have these studies gone. What happens to the dogs as they get older? Do they give them to different prisoners?
yes, a prison in Springfield, Pekin, and Dwight Illinois all have dog training programs, so it is expanding! It’s awesome. It’s fairly new, most prisons have only done this for about 5-6 years now, so not too many studies haven’t yet to come out to reveal if it steers them away from deviant acts for good. Basically what happens is they receive a new dog from typically a kill shelter (the type that euthanize animals quickly if they don’t find a home) that is un-adoptable because its un-trainable. I’m pretty sure certain dogs are the exception, such as very old or sick dogs, who they don’t let enter the prison program.
more inmates with cute puppies! https://s3.amazonaws.com/adai/PrisonPuppyProgram041.jpg
mchalesmith13 yes im glad that molly cleared that up, now I see where she was coming from. It’s nice that the prisoners are given an opportunity to do something nice, and can be trusted while in jail. I like the fact they are given a second chance.
@mchaelsmith13, I posted a response earlier about an episode of the MSNBC show Lock Up and I found a clip on youtube. this video really shows indepth the way that prison inmates react to interaction with animals. Really anyone who was wondering the effects that pets can have in the prison system should check the video out.
This is a very cool article, the rehabilitation for the dogs, and the inmates. Personally I think that this program should be expanded, and I am curious if they could use this as a form of prevention programs for Juvenal criminals, and prevention programs. First hand I understand the connection that you can form with animals, as someone that has grown up with dogs. However, I do have reserves with the extent of people you allow to get the animals (there are some fairly sick people out there).
The programs are expanding! I’m so glad that it is. I like your point about using it for Juvenal criminals. This would work because it gives them a trade and gives them a passion before they become deviant adults with a life of crime. I’ve grown up with dogs which is why I have such a unbelievable passion for them 🙂 I realized in the article I didn’t necessarily mention the qualifications that the prisoner must meet. If you look at my reply from john’s comment, it explains what types of prisoners they allow to be apart of the dog training programs. Thanks for reading austin!
That is pretty awesome that this is working. From reading it at first I was a little hesitant on this program. I also have a passion for dogs that is why I was so hesitant on this program that they could possible be abused. Knowing that this is working is a relief and I support this.
Looking at johns it clarified some questions that I had. Also Conner’s video from msnbc showed how the inmates reacted to the animals even though they where not sposta be there, but still it is a good example of the effect it has on them.
I do agree with you on the extent of people you allow to give the animals too. The whole idea of this program is to rehabilitate criminals, that in mind some of the people you give these dogs are really messed up in the head. So there is that sense of can you actually trust the people that you give the dogs to and if they will treat the dogs with respect and care from them.
Mchalesmith I do agree with you, that prisoners should not be given the privilege to train dogs, unless their petty crimes. If you look at my earlier response I was worried about the same thing some of these criminals are sick in the head, but if their records shows no major offense then I agree with molly that nothing is wrong. I also agree with Molly last comment that dogs forgive even when others won’t.
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_l5XttUJEWTk/SnJVbRZ_FAI/AAAAAAAAByo/8zvjA8v1pAw/s400/Warden+and+Major++inmates+and+pups.jpg prisoners with cute golden retriever puppies!
@mchalesmith13, yes their are some really messed up people in the prison systems, and I think it is clear that not everyone should be able to receive a dog. But i also do believe in second chances and i have watched a show called Lock up on MSNBC which showed the way extremely positive effects that animals have on almost all prisoners. My point is that maybe the program should be expanded. Their will never be an end to all of the sick people who run puppy-mills and illegally sell and mistreat dogs, and this could really help the poor animals. I think that even in criminals who have records of crimes deemed worse than others, that they could still find benefits in having a companion. But I also think the best place to start would be with supervised sessions with the dogs first before you release the animal to a more “dangerous” prisoner.
But once again like I said in my other response to a comment, I am an extremely strong believer in the effects that animals have on the human psyche, and I think that this programs is revolutionary in the prison systems.
bscaustin1406 Yes I think that would be a good idea as well, especially if some inmates love animals. I wonder is this a program that Illinois use as well. I’m glad that Molly posted this blog I learned something new, and interesting. Some of us were a little skeptical at first, but i’m glad that now we all see the point she was trying to make.
This is a wonderful program. I love the idea of creating a bond that could change a humans life that has been full of crime and punishment. I hadn’t heard of this being implemented in prisons but i have personally seen the healing effect that pets can have on humans. I used to volunteer at Edwards Hospital in Naperville. They have a program there that brings in dogs to patients rooms who are in recovery. Its amazing to see how quickly someone’s spirits can be lifted. I would assume that this same feeling is shared between the inmates and their pets. Allowing the selected few to take in these pets and train them would bring about drastic improvements in behavior and cooperation. After all, prison shouldn’t just be mean’t to punish (minus the murderers and rapists etc.) . They should be able to take something out of their time spent there. Something that will better themselves and thus better our society. Sometimes sitting in a cell and pondering on your past mistakes isn’t enough.
@Jeevan M. you bring up a good point about the healing effects that animals have on humans by “raising their spirits”. But in the case of prisons using animals for rehabilitation, I think the effects on the inmate may be greater than that of on a very ill person. Like it molly said in the article, it creates an effect of change in the inmates personalities. Animals, especially dogs, make most people happy regardless of who they are. But for the inmates, dogs bring out a side of themselves that they have never seen before in their lifetime.
I found this article interesting because it may have unitentionally found an alternative treatment to mental disorders. Medications commonly prescribed to the mentally ill tend to have rough side effects. They also are usually accompanied by drug dependencies. The fact that inmates needed only half of their prescriptions after receiving a pet is astonishing. It indicates that perhaps the meds prescribed may not be nearly as necessary as previously thought. On top of all of that, the inmates became more social and cooperative!? I’m sold.
I think that this is a great idea, especially if the inmates become friendlier. The only concern I have is for the dogs, because some of the inmates don’t have conscious, for example the people who make dogs fight or mistreat them. To combat this they will need extensive background checks, I personally think the only way to get a dog is to adopt one, and not have a dog breeder make one for you. My families first dog is a black lab whose parents lived together and they were not spayed or neutered and she was a part of an “accidental” litter. So in short I would adopt a dog trained by inmates, and it is a plus that the dog will have already passed the A.K.C. obedience test.
I ABSOLUTLY love this idea of rehabilitation. I am a firm believer of the powerful affects that animals have on humans and what they can do to help. You hear about dogs aiding those who have disabilities such as being deaf or blind and the amazing things they can do, what stops them from helping other people. In my sociology class in high school I visited a prison in Indiana where we talked to an inmate, a sincere man who was falsely put into jail for crime at a young age. He began explaining how within this facility they have class rooms with high school and college classes where they earn the chance to acquire a degree of some sort. He emphasized the point that it gave inmates a chance to become something that they didn’t have a chance to before, find themselves, and put their time to something good and that when they get out, those who went through this system didn’t return as opposed to those who didn’t get schooling. Granted these are animals and not education but I truly believe that animals have the power to do the same things that education does. It gives them a chance to feel loved, put their time into something, and have someone care about them. A little love goes a long way and when you look at a majority of the people in prison the things they lacked in their youth was affection and care. Just as the education process, not everyone was able to receive this luxury which is exactly the same as those who are not able to have a pet in jail.
Great article!
I personally think dogs being trained by inmates is a really good idea. Not only does it seem to be benefiting the inmates but it benefits the dogs as well. By having the prisoners train the dogs you save money by not having to pay actual trainers and you in turn save the dogs lives if they end up being adopted. I know I would definitely adopt a dog that was trained by an inmate for the simple fact that it doesn’t matter who the dog was trained by, only that they behave accordingly. With the dogs growing and learning you also have the inmates who are learning more about themselves and how to better socialize. I truly believe that if more prisons adopted this system there would be a greater number of prisoners getting out on parole and less dogs being put to sleep because they weren’t adopted.
This is a very well written article with great information presented. I have never thought that such thing existed. However, after reading this article, I feel comforted for both the prisoners and the abandoned dogs. This method have given a second chance to both. Furthermore, it may give someone else a second chance to having a better life by adopting these dogs. Also, I am sure the prisoners’ family would be extremely glad that now their loved ones have changed for the better and are able to take care of themselves. I believe that this method of rehabilitating should promoted all over the world so that more dogs and people can be helped through the process. Lastly, if I was not deathly scared of dogs, I would definitely adopt them.
I have always been interested in the world of criminal justice, and the lives of those in prison. So this article was of great interest to me. Well done. I am completely on bored with this practice of allowing inmates to rehabilitate these animals that, sadly, no one else would want. I am a huge animal lover, and this idea is a great one. I saw a documentary about a prison in Indiana that allowed its best inmates, those who did not get into trouble, have cats. At first I really questioned this, because of the safety of the animal, but it truly does give these inmates something to live for, and really changes their personalities all together, revealing a more nurturing side to these prisoners.
Before reading this article I was unaware this was happening in prisons. It has been said that a dog is a man’s best friend, and in this case it’s true. I really do agree with much of the things you have stated and really do feel it benefits the inmates and dogs. Also, you mention a dog won’t judge a person for being a prisoner; rather a dog is going to love that person unconditionally. I imagine spending day after day in a prison cell could get lonely, but when a pet is added to the cell, the loneliness can easily disappear. In my own experience, being home alone with a pet companion can add a sense of security. To further answer the question of would I purchase an animal that is trained by a prisoner I would definitely answer yes. The prisoner would spend their entire day giving attention to the dog and training it. They are obviously going to put 100 percent of their effort into making sure this animal is trained to its fullest ability so there is a very good chance you’re going to get a well trained dog.
Prior to reading this article I have no clue that this was actually going on in prison. I haven’t heard anything on the news or the radio about these events happening so that was actually a shocker for me when I read this. I think this is a great way; it can never hurt to help someone and an animal most of all. Humans have this unconditional love for their pet that really can’t be explained, pets just show so much love to their owner to the point where it doesn’t matter if you yell at your dog or hit your cat, they still love you. I feel like it is a lot more sadder to watch an animal die than a human and I think it is the saddest thing when an animal dies, even if a movie. Even the toughest of people own a pet and would kill for their pet so I think inmates should train hopeless animals to recovery while also learning in the process. It’s giving both the human and animal a second chance at life, it gives them something they were lacking in the beginning. We all want to be love, which will always be our ultimate goal in life.
This is such an interesting article, and I believe it really fits well in the socialization category. Just because we live in a society dominated by interactions with other humans, doesn’t mean that other organisms don’t come into the picture every so often. This is why I feel that this article is so unique in and of itself, and it’s a great topic of discussion. Personally, I am a huge fan of dogs, and I feel like some people do not understand how much of an impact they have on humans. I understand that there are individuals that have their fears and I get that not everybody likes dogs, but I have done research on the effects of owning a dog. Most of my findings were in support of the idea that dog owners and individuals that spend time with dogs have a tendency to be much happier about their lives and remain healthier throughout their lives as well. With that said, I’m sure other pets have these same effects, and I ultimately think that these pet rehabilitation services in prisons are great for the emotional and psychological well-being of the inmates.
I also agree with your comment. On that note I would also like to add the fact that dogs are not the only ones that can be considered a good companion. I used to own a cat, after a long period of time my father learn to show compassion towards that cat and I think that it helped him in the long run with communicating with the rest of the family.
I think that having pets for prisoners to care for is both a good and bad idea. I believe that it is a good idea because animals show love and affection no matter what. They don’t understand mistakes and definitely don’t account for the prisoner’s criminal history. It also allows the prisoners to be focused on providing care for the animal, which can eventually transfer to their community, once out of prison. It can also be a bad idea because some people have a very violent nature, and may cause harm or abuse to the animal. The process of socialization throughout the prison system plays a big role in their success outside of prison. Overall I think it is a very good idea, whether it works out the way it is planned or not.
This was an inspiring article to read, especially to see how much the inmates benefitted from the interaction. It has been proven by numerous studies that animals can help bring up emotions of compassion while diminishing feelings of depression and anxiety. One friend of mine is studying Anthro-zoology (therapy with animals) at her University, in which they just took a field trip to a prison where female inmates were also in the process of training puppies. My friend explained to me that not only was it great to see these women that our society has deemed criminals having such wonderful happy interactional experiences with these animals, but it was also teaching them a sense of responsibility to care for something; a lesson that was great to introduce in a correctional facility. Also, I like how the article mentions that for those who received a degree or certification, they would be able to have a career to peruse once they got out of prison, reinstalling a little bit of direction beck into these women’s lives.
This is awesome. I had no idea that some prisons did this. This makes me happy especially for those who are wrongfully imprisoned. Many prisoners are not even looked at as human beings any more and are treated so poorly. The fact that they are given this opportunity to have something to love and love them back while they are in that environment is so cool. Don’t get me wrong, of course there are some people who have done such horrible crimes that don’t deserve anything close to that. But for certain people it can be very beneficial for them mentally and may even lead to not having to stay in prison as long.
I really enjoyed reading this article because I can make a lot of connections to it. Of course I have never been sent to jail for breaking a felony but, I have been there plenty of times to meet up with an uncle of mine many years ago. Everybody would agree that everybody that goes to jail is a bad person and that they should not be trusted or given a second chance. But, I know that my uncle and many more people go to Jail and are not evil inside. My uncle Eleazar has told me multiple times how bad life is in there and how lonely and clustered phobic he gets so, I knew if the dog program was in that jail he would do it. Taking care of a dog is like taking care of a child you wish you had. Of course a lot of people miss there family and know what they did was wrong and I with that I would expect very good dog training on the dogs. Yes, I would still get a dog even if a jail inmate trained it.
Animals are some of the most loving souls on this planet. I work at an animal hospital and have seen some really heart broken cases of animal abuse. The animals are scared and nervous at first in our new care, but once that fear wears off, they are so sweet and loving. It amazing to me how an animal that has been badly abused by humans still be so loving towards other humans. They have souls of gold. I am not surprised that the connection between the inmates and the pets are helping because when older citizens get pets it has been seen that they live longer and happier lives.
I really do love this idea. It’s the most creative non-violent way of helping criminals I have ever heard and I would love to see conclusive evidence of whether or not it can actually “cure” people of aggression. Plus the animals themselves have also come from abuse or neglect so it is solving two problems with one solution. If more criminals were helped with treatments like this instead of just being thrown in a prison cell for the rest of their lives I believe we would live in a much better society.
Wow this article is great! Thank you for sharing because I love animals. I think it’s great that people today treat pets in a manner way. I also think its a great way to kill time for inmates. It’s a great idea for animals and humans.
I found this article very interesting because I never thought about rehabilitation this way. Although it does seem like a good idea, I would be worried about the safety of the animal. If an inmate is sentenced to life in prison for first degree murder, and is given a pet for companionship in prison, who is going to monitor the inmate 24/7 to insure the safety of the animal? Who is to say that the inmate won’t become enraged and preform harm on this innocent creature. I feel as if by letting inmates own pets, it is giving them a sense of freedom, that they should not be allowed to have in prison or jail.
This intrigued me a lot in the way that the prisoners are showing their soft and compassionate side. While most of these inmates would say they regret what they did, others would say that what they did was fine and can live with it. I wonder if these inmates have these animals and pets. If they do, it may show a side of them that many have not seen in quite a while. It is crazy what an animal can do to person, as any time you hear a news story about an animal getting killed, most become immediately become overtaken with sadness.
After reading this article it made me smile. Because it is very true, all that an animal wants is love and affection from someone. The animals do not care what you have and don’t have or how you look. And it also gives the inmates a second chance on loving someone or feel real love from someone even if its from an animal. It give the inmates and the dog hope that the world is not a bad place after all.
To begin, I would adopt a dog that was trained by an inmate. I believe these dogs are just as well trained, as one that was raised by a non-prisoned citizen. I do believe that animals help heal and keep humans stable. I have 5 dogs myself and have had other pets though out my life. They have always been loving and supporting to me and my family. Prisoners are in jail for a reason, but that doesn’t mean they can’t learn from their mistakes and become a better person. Letting them have a companion is great because they get lonely, but a pet is always by your side. I agree that it will help them learn how to care for another and teach them skills so they will be more prepared for civilian life when released. Not only does it help the prisoners, but it will save some animal’s lives as well.
I think this is a great article and an awesome idea. I do believe that having an animal can change a person. It also gives the inmates something to look forward to day by day. It gives responsibility back to them a little bit. It’s also saving an animal that might not of had a chance at life other wise.