Prison Inmates Caring for Shelter Pets

In a small town in Louisiana, a group of prison inmates is caring for the pets that come into a shelter built right on the Dixon Correctional Institute campus. The shelter came about after a grant from the Humane Society of the United States.

[@paintpink7300]

"I haven't never put my two cents in before but I will put my two cents in for this shelter" Awesome.

[@ShadeSlayer1911]

Yeah, that's a hardhitter right there.

[@wb7786]

One step forward to a new prison system. Sorry to say but America's prison system is very outdated. It shouldn't be focussed on punishment, but on rehabilitation. Helping convicts with picking up a normal life. Treating them as human beings like this is the first step.

[@grytlappar]

And they have an actual job in prison. That has something to do with the 'outside'-it's not swabbing floors, sth that is just _prison_ chores. They have responsibility, they need to be disciplined; no slacking off or I bet they're outta there real fast! And like the chief said: it has made them "nicer", a little softer, and isn't that nice when they get out. I love that the big tough looking black guy loved that little floofy dog most of all! Daww.

[@noneofyourbusiness4294]

Sam Love dogs, cats, parrots, rabbits, generally animals you can interact with are good for that purpose. Those animals require attention to be interacted with, that attention brings responsibility with it. Generally I like the idea of this

[@crunchb3rry]

At the very least, somebody who is locked in a cell for years/decades/life can give a full life to something that is locked in a cage for 3 *DAYS* before it's killed just because the cage needed to be emptied for another one.

[@MrChowTheTroll]

yeah, that a fair investment.... even the prisoner or their family choose to adopt one of the pets that they bonded with in prison after they release

[@aapuri2480]

W B The worst people deserve a punishment.

[@bubblinbrownsugar616]

This is absolutely a great idea. This needs to be put in place all over the country.

[@hsus]

Hi bubblinborwnsugar616! Thanks for watching the video!

[@tinasally379]

ABSOLUTELY!!!!

[@ivegottaluvlikewoe]

We have a program at the Humane Society in my county called the Ridge program :) We send dogs that are difficult to adopt out due to behavioral problems to the prison to work with inmates. They teach the dogs basic obedience and manners and really make a difference :)

[@hsus]

ivegottaluvlikewoe Hi! What a great program! We are happy to hear about it. Keep up the great work!

[@wh3nderson95]

What state is this and do you have a website I can see? I'm doing a research project for my English class and I want to do something that is great rehabilitation for the US inmate population.

[@willtemo7142]

+wh3nderson95 it's in Louisiana and I'm pretty sure the site is just the humane society of the United States

[@chowder8802]

ivegottaluvlikewoe are there a lot of pits/terriers? Some inmates with experience in pit bulls would be their own chance... I wish we had programs in Texas that weren't only punishment based

[@FacheChanteDeux]

ivegottaluvlikewoe Wonderful story. Animals are magic and everybody deserves another chance in life.

[@a.m.arteaga8369]

Beautiful program! A second chance for both the inmate and dog.

[@marcusw2187]

Taking care of animals is a great step towards rehabilitation, one of these in every prison!

[@kennethhedden1846]

Yes,the dogs are great at taking care of animals:)

[@kennethhedden1846]

Been there,done that,not going back. I want to start a shelter but it takes money and hard work,and passion for it. Got everything but the money,maybe soon.

[@hagamapama]

You have to have the right kind of prisoner. Letting a sociopath loose among these animals will do more harm than good. You should note in the video where the colonel said that the prisoners here are carefully selected. This will NOT work with all prisoners. But it should be expanded where it makes sense and prisoners who could benefit from it should get that chance.

[@elimacfly1]

Just further proof that love is the most powerful magic in this world. It transforms people, it redeems them, it saves them. I've seen these programs work for prison inmates and our returning vets from Iraq & Afghanistan, all the way to the Comfort Dogs who are first responders in hurricanes, school shootings and earthquakes. Talking to a therapist can sometimes only do so much.

[@willshedo]

this is a win-win program! I visited the website of prisondogs and found it incredible sad that they feel it necessary to mention that no taxpayers money is used for the program. what if not such programs is worth every cent? enough tax money is wasted on death sentences and other impossible senseless things...

[@grytlappar]

Prison is just storage, punishment. While they're there, wouldn't it be smart to try to rehabilitate them? Or they will just let out the same person that came in (or a worse one)-a criminal-into society. That's real smart...

[@Saturnia2014]

grytlappar Thats how it should be. There are people, with the right program, can really change. Now there are some people who honestly cannot change (serial killers, pychotics, etc) but thats rare. Most people in prison are a lot of times non violent offenders with addictions. But according to a lot of the good ol' folks of this country, even if you commit the most harmless crime, once you're in prison thats it, whatever happens to you in there is what it is, even if that means torture.

[@jaylynnbauer2219]

willshedo I couldn't agree more!❤💙💚💛💜

[@victoriadavidson442]

The best idea ever helping dogs and broken men learn love and compassion

[@CraigMansfield]

There's nothing like a furry cuddle to soothe your heart, and calm your nerves.

[@fantastic7heaven]

I just love this, I wish every prison could have a program like this. There may not be any more stray pets!

[@dawnbaker9808]

This program is a WIN WIN for the dogs and inmates. A lot of people are there because of ONE BAD DECISION!!! Most deserve a chance

[@germanylicious]

SUCH a great idea! Another place for shelter animals to go when many shelters are already full, a purposeful task for inmates while both give and get attention and affection. Win-win situation.

[@0118-z4b]

this is an amazing idea that needs to be funded and done in EVERY prison possible. second chance for animal and prisoner. helps them both out. something needs to be done so that this is more common.

[@anikdotes]

What a fantastic way to help on both sides - who could possibly empathise with the plight of animals stuck in shelters. Gives the convicts a purpose and they benefit from the unconditional love and affection animals offer those they trust.

[@igbleh_itz_kenzie227]

my dad is a C.O and this made him cry because hes never seen anything like this GO INMATES!!

[@Anna-ql9gl]

What a great program. This actually helps in rehabilitating prisoners and not just punishing them. They may come out better people as a result. The animals get a second chance and this will help so many homeless animals. So many inmates have abuse backgrounds and have never known love.

[@mac2173]

Look at this! this is what needs to happen! the animals are changing the inmates and teaching them love, responsibility, respect, trust, and kindness. They are helping each other. This is what works!

[@anniefromthetdot3721]

This is amazing! The inmates and the dogs are vulnerable and yet they grow and get stronger together. Beautiful.

[@thetoxicbadger9202]

All they need is something or someone to love on

[@bbspooks]

The ToxicBadger that's not necessarily true. The first cat I ever owned came from a prison yard where the inmates were trying to drown it AS A KITTEN in a puddle....So no, some people are just garbage.

[@mack7963]

i hope with all my heart that this program produces tangible results and that this kind of program becomes the norm, beautiful video, that black guy at the end brought a tear to my eye, i hope hes on the road to recovery.

[@gregGould]

Jackson Galaxy visited a prison in South Carolina where they had dogs in one wing and cats in another wing of the prison. All being cared for by the inmates. Just watched it on KZbin, very good program. Should be duplicated nationwide.

[@cultofmalgus1310]

Puppy+Bible+Consoling+Educational Programs= a REAL chance for these people to be rehabilitated. A lot of these guys missed one thing in their youth, LOVE. We need more love in the world if we ever want peace.

[@ChakkyCharizard]

Except prisons are government institutions, so in America they can't promote the Bible (or any other religious text) due to separation of church and state. But programs like this one, counseling, education, etc. are wonderful ideas!

[@gilaschannel1855]

Wonderful! Every prison should have one. Great for all involved.

[@Mus1c1luv]

Love this idea. It helps alleviate two huge societal problems.

[@pattiellsworth6190]

This video is so awesome. It makes me cry with tears of joy. It never ceases to amaze me how animals after being so neglected and abused can still have so much love to give.

[@jessicawwesavani]

Every! prison should be like this, have Puppy time with the animals, so they can have someone to talk to and be with. is very touching. i love this.amazing story

[@Asphikenna]

This is a beautiful program. The dogs get their rehab and the prisoners get theirs. There's no better rehabilitation counselor than an animal :-)

[@imrlaps7097]

Im very happy for shit like this. For so many reasons, this gives life back to the inmates and to the animals, it kind of makes sure theyre all taken care of, everyone who is involved and all the animals they care for, it adds another resource for animals and another place for them to stay, it lowers the amount of animals being euthanized, its therapeutic for the inmates and any of the guards who care about it. It allows any inmates who spend time with the animals to be away from the prison life, kind of gives them a second life to live while incarcerated. And im very glad they brought up the fact that not everyone is suited to do the work, you have to remember some people really are in prison for very good reason. And of course some guards and wardens arent good people either. I hope the shelter facility is being well monitored.

[@hang1iderswing]

I also appreciate that they let the inmates wear normal looking cloths. Some prisons don't want the prisoners to wear normal looking clothing because they say it makes them "too confident," which I think is a pretty disgusting attitude to take towards another person, even if they may have broken the law.

[@Jackholiday1025]

As someone who has served time, it’s not disgusting at all and kind of silly for someone to say so.

[@elizabethsmith9624]

You should try working as a prison guard for a day. You’re painfully naive

[@PianoDisneygal10]

Actually most times they don’t want them wearing normal looking clothes because it makes it that much easier for them to escape and stuff.

[@nalaterry2136]

Nice idea thatll still show the inmates responsibility and love for another life

[@probablymalware9904]

There is a thing like this at a prison near where I live. Dogs that were victims of dog fighting, neglect, or abuse go to the prison, and the inmates get to help socialize the animals. I think that these privileges given to well behaved prisoners are great. It is also an opportunity for the dogs to be adopted, which is awesome, too.

[@billinindiana1]

This is a beautiful story of healing power.

[@kathyrogers1703]

Thank you for the good work that you do with the animals and helping these men have a positive purpose in their lives!

[@gigivalenti]

In every prison they should have dogs and cats, it's good for the inmate and for the dogs because they are loved by the inmates...... It's a very good job!!!!

[@f.f.f.5407]

From Spain..THE HUMAN SOCIETY OF STATES UNITED.. ADMIRABLE.. AMAZING,VERY NECCESARY FOR THE WORLD.THANKS

[@gulamvira3644]

Thanks to all inmates for takings care and the love you give them will make God to forgive your sin instead give better future. be blessed

[@HITCHICARUS]

I like that the dogs can run outside if they wanted to.

[@jeannette4879]

thus is wonderful!! Animals are the therapist in the world! in a matters of a second they can teach you so much that no other human teach you in a lifetime

[@bigknuts7565]

I love that animals can do what corrections officers cannot. I love the rehabilitation process while the punishment is necessary too.

[@MorixMemento]

It is truly amazing how animals impact people in various positive ways.

[@idontseemtohavealife]

Every prison needs to have programs to actually enrich the lives of prisoners. Or else prison will just make them harder. Most likely these guys never learned responsibility or care for other beings.

[@rocioaguilera3613]

One of the greatest programs to rehabilitate those inmates and to give them and the pets a second chance

[@sezd47]

Every prison and jail should have a program like this because it benefits all of us. The recidivism rate is always lower when these types of programs are in place. I'm sure it must be less expensive than re-housing re-offenders. Maybe it's a case of "More than my jobs worth"

[@grytlappar]

But then the private prisons won't make any money!

[@shavaunaronan3188]

This is amazing. I think that more prisons need to do this. It is such a positive for everyone. A win win situation,

[@pikapikanuuu7262]

Is it weird that this got me crying? Most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

The inmates who have a history of violence can be problematic. But non violent offenders really can have enormous benefits, helping a dog, and giving back to the community.

[@Stopthisrightnow560]

My favourite part of this is seeing grown men in positions of authority doing their baby voices to the animals and modeling a behaviour to the inmates that they can emulate without feeling embarrassed.

[@keriwhitmire3239]

have to say this tore me a little seeing all these sweet babies. I am so glad they are able to be adopted out. I hope they all find good loving homes and the ones that were in the pins outside I really hope they get to come in when it rains. Cause it looked like there was no cover for them to get out of the rain. Sure was a lot of cute dogs and those kittens were SO SO SO cute.

[@phoenixrising5088]

This is a brilliant programme and should be in every prison across the country. It's a No-Brainer - A win win situation. A Dog teaches you a lot about yourself that you weren't aware of. They teach us to think about the energy that we give out if it's positive or negative and you can't fool a Dog on that.

[@carmenm.478]

Great idea, and these beautiful animals and the inmates heal each other.

[@dorenemellene2201]

This is so sweet, and a great thing. Thanks for sharing.

[@JM-ij1om]

So many lives saved with this program.

[@fucknow333]

This accualy made me cry. I love to see the inmates are doing something positive and thinking that thay did indeed changing for the good. One love to you humane society thanks for the love for animals and the inmates 😢☺.

[@summersky2458]

Good for the prisoners, good for the animals .... love it.

[@giannavettese4566]

I’ve literally never cried so hard in my life someone send help

[@helenaguilar4138]

so beautiful it just about brought me to tears i pray there more programs like this great for the animals and people in jail or prison

[@catand5200]

thankyou. God bless

[@cherrylgallo-trapolsi261]

Excellent program! I've known about it 4 some time, but grrreat seeing results...the men & animals r rehabbing one another! I DO love a WIN - WIN, baby!!! Yesss 😘😘😘

[@corilong8412]

I've heard of this program. I think it gives the inmates as much as they give these animals. The inmates get unconditional love which they probably didn't get in their lives as well! It makes my heart sing for everyone who is involved with this program. God Bless you all!

[@ChrisFWebber2222]

Reciprocal relationships! A true Win/Win! Love, Love, Love!!!

[@tamorap1614]

Everyone wins with this. Dogs are happy and prisoners too.

[@lindacaldwell9017]

Thanks to all the guys!!!!

[@meemawpapa-juan8998]

I think this is wonderful for both so happy for them

[@miaomiaochan]

So much good can come out of giving prisoners meaningful work and a source of unconditional love and affection.

[@Lsxzr1]

What a great program!

[@foreverandaday8185]

I LOVE THIS!!!! Friggin awesome. Win win situation/program!!!

[@carladatri3505]

I recently adopted 2 dogs that were trained in this program. They are extremely well trained! This is a wonderful program! Please support their work.

[@3873236]

Fantastic ! Wish every Prison was willing to do this.

[@lindacaldwell9017]

It gets ya right in the feels!!!

[@tinasally379]

Love how the prisoners are being rehabilitated through the love of taking care of animals ❤❤❤

[@marandasmith1495]

It’s beautiful to see that hard criminals and care for small helpless animals. More prisons should invest in this

[@rosesweet1967]

I worked in a lvl2 and we had 2 Different dog rehab units, 1 housing unit was for shelter dogs and another was for Greyhounds, I was lucky to work in both those units, the inmates would stop at the office to bring their dog in to see me before going outdoors in the morning, and I love dogs... These programs are very good programs for these shelter dogs, so glad to see so that many prisons participate... The dogs and the inmates need this...

[@casst346]

Soo good to see this! Such a great program!

[@ancestralblue]

Beautiful! Cultivating the good that's in every human being just waiting to come out.

[@stacysatterfield2154]

Love these videos. Puppies, Kittens melt even the hardest of hearts.

[@randumbtimes3]

this is perfect. if anything, this is therapy for the prisoners. it opens them up to love and trust

[@samcodymoon1]

dci thanks for what you do

[@Carolesoriginalpieces]

What a great program

[@kkensh]

At the end is it a life saving life for both. Circle of life. Love it ♥️

[@rachelcuellar2900]

Everyone is worth love..

[@caterinarivanor33]

Way to go!! Many other countries, Sweden e.g., should learn from this! Beautiful!

[@KarenRodriguez-cg4lg]

this is great! gives them something positive to do!

[@Hadlad90]

Animals wont judge them I guess, just love them

[@ernstthalmann4306]

This is the best thing to happen to American prisons, which are generally awful. Imagine if these men had this type of love early in life. Even the guy who admitted he didn't give a shit before, but now he has something to live for. This is heartwarming 💖

[@NomadicWanderer11]

I was a bit concern about giving a convicted criminal a dog as well. When doing so more research I found of that before an inmate is given the dog they have to gone through a program and need to be approved. Many will be turned down if the higher ups are not a 100% sure that the convict will take good care of the dog.

[@grytlappar]

For one thing, they never let violent prisoners take part in these programs. These guys are probably in for dealing pot or breaking and entering... Stuff like that. Or, my favorite, some bullshit charge like "resisting arrest." (Why the hell is that even an offense? I don't get it.)

[@theohiocalls]

This is adorable. I miss my dog since I'm away this summer.

[@dandanthebabyman]

I've had a family member locked up here, and whenever I visited i would wonder about the dogs.

[@zr3012]

very moving and beautifully documented!

[@OverIt822]

That CO is a gem! And that says a lot on my part! The kennel attendant inmates are too!

[@elwoodamie2007]

Awee, the animals are so cuteee! Such a great program they have :)

[@deborahgate965]

Awesome! Such a great idea!

[@AKSoapy29]

Wow, what a neat idea! Those animals need people to care for them, and if it helps anyone who is locked away, I think it helps everyone. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to send an inmate off with an animal when they get released, so they continue to have something to care for and work towards, and it also helps empty the shelters a bit. Might help lower the number of repeat offenders as they have the responsibility of an animal to care for. If the animals grow on them and they love animals and want to help out, I'm sure there could be something arranged. Maybe offer them a paid position to help with the animals so they can support themselves, their animal, and the animals in the shelter, and offer it through the government / police district so they can get help and support to stay out of trouble instead of end up back in jail. Could help the overcrowding issue as well.

[@lilypond3839]

This wonderful, brilliant win, win program needs to be rolled out all over the world! Well done and congratulations to all involved. A great number of people who end up in prison have had deep, deep haunting scars hidden inside them from when they were babies and they did not develop the strong emotional bonds (**what psychologists call “secure attachment” - with their parents which is crucial to success later in life). Compounding this, many had difficult childhoods; where they experienced child abuse, mal treatment by adults who are supposed to care for and protect them, neglect and being preyed on by paedophiles . Most people who are abused (especially so as children) have huge trust issues and hidden pervasive PTSD. (They just can’t risk loving and then being discarded again (stemming from weak attachment, lack of commitment to them by parents, and later partners; and in reverse) despite yearning for a love that is unconditional, protective, mutual and ongoing). These overlooked shelter dogs and cats (street dogs and dogs yet to be rescued all animals really too have suffered the same awful traumas of abuse and mal treatment. Through this excellent program both the inmates and their dogs together will experience possibly for the first time unconditional love and a moment to moment union; in the now; through close contact, even if it is only until the dogs are adopted (this “love and be loved in return experience” will stay in both inmate and animal. (I am speaking from my own truth and experience). This wonderful, brilliant win, win program needs to be rolled out all over the world! Well done and congratulations to all involved. Kind Regards Sez Cardis ++Four in ten babies don’t develop the strong emotional bonds - what psychologists call “secure attachment” - with their parents thatis crucial to success later in life. Disadvantaged children are more likely to face educational and behavioural problems when they grow older as a result, +++www.casaforchildren.org/site/c.mtJSJ7MPIsE/b.5525017/k.5115/Justice_Study_Prior_Abuse_Reported_by_Inmates.htm

[@Anna-ql9gl]

Hope you don't mind, but I used some of your comment to email Governor Jerry Brown of California and a link to this video to try an implement this program for California. Its worth a shot. Many thanks, Anna

[@tharun960]

Maybe we should email every state?!

[@janetcaton3503]

I completely agree w you on this Lilly Pond! I wrote a comment about this stating basically the very same thing about 10/15 mins ago. The problem w this is that it needs to go through Federal Govt. and that’s where the buck usually stops! I believe if every prison system across the USA& OVERSEAS incorporated this system it would take away most of all the problems they have in the prisons bc it would give these Men &Women that are incarcerated something to look forward to and work for. Knowing they have to keep there behaviors in constant check will make them more cognizant of doing the right things. And this is the key to reform for all these inmates. Thus creating an environment that will help them learn a new skill that will help them to get a job once they are released from prison for those that are not in for life sentences or multiple life sentences!

[@ireneidonotknowwhosevilwit9864]

thankyou for this please continue this and make it bigger please never put dogs to sleep

[@identification133]

How touching. I like this concept.

[@DorothyDollLee]

So wholesome 😭

[@buckyscastle]

M glad that even people who committed crimes can learn to care for animals. I'm glad the inmates are hand picked, though. Great job HSUS!!!

[@Mytube777]

Please give every inmate that qualifies a shelter dog to free up the shelters and you really will be doing a humane thing!

[@arson8157]

Best thing a inmate can do for there rest of there life