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.

[@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 Sorry to say but America's prison system is very outdated.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.

[@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.

[@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!!!!

[@a.m.arteaga8369]

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

[@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

[@caparcher2074]

They probably relate to those dogs better, since they've been deemed a danger to society as well

[@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

[@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.

[@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!❤💙💚💛💜

[@user-vf8nj8jp8j]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@anniefromthetdot3721]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@gilaschannel1855]

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

[@Mus1c1luv]

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

[@HITCHICARUS]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 :-)

[@nalaterry2136]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@igbleh_itz_kenzie227]

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

[@billinindiana1]

This is a beautiful story of healing power.

[@tamorap1614]

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

[@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!

[@Jackerlernychannel]

This is nice for a change, very smart.(: good job America !!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@summersky2458]

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

[@catand5200]

thankyou. God bless

[@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

[@victoriadavidson442]

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

[@rocioaguilera3613]

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

[@dorenemellene2201]

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

[@rachelcuellar2900]

Everyone is worth love..

[@lindacaldwell9017]

It gets ya right in the feels!!!

[@3873236]

Fantastic ! Wish every Prison was willing to do this.

[@shavaunaronan3188]

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

[@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!

[@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 😢☺.

[@Lsxzr1]

What a great program!

[@kathyrogers1703]

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

[@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.

[@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 😘😘😘

[@Arkiasis]

This actually sounds like a good idea. Having qualified prisoners care for animals can help them learn responsibility and compassion. And if these animals were going to be euthanized anyway, why not? They get a home and an owner instead of being killed.

[@RedColdRitsu]

Look at those good boys.

[@meemawpapa-juan8998]

I think this is wonderful for both so happy for them

[@foreverandaday8185]

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

[@deborahgate965]

Awesome! Such a great idea!

[@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.

[@f.f.f.5407]

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

[@carmenm.478]

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

[@KarenRodriguez-cg4lg]

this is great! gives them something positive to do!

[@pikapikanuuu7262]

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

[@lindacaldwell9017]

Thanks to all the guys!!!!

[@giannavettese4566]

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

[@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.

[@arson8157]

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

[@dandanthebabyman]

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

[@MorixMemento]

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

[@riley.theradish8260]

Amazing.

[@trixiebiggs3317]

What a great idea!

[@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.

[@marandasmith1495]

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

[@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!!!!

[@miaomiaochan]

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

[@dontlookatmyprofilepic1241]

Now the realist question of them all is... Is the dog/cat gonna save the inmate or..... Is the inmate gonna save the dog/cat?? That's some deep shit....

[@stacysatterfield2154]

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

[@sallykouba2352]

It is just a wonderfull idea to help abandonned animals and humans who have made wrong things... these humans can find another look for lifes and there lifes and it will get them a chance to find a better way of their lifes, and they will hep abandonned animals to find a good family.. Just why this programm is not in my country, France, I just don't understand...

[@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.

[@ancestralblue]

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

[@tinasally379]

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

[@Ermwhothefart]

You can really see how much they care about the dogs, running and playing with them, treating them like they’re their own dogs. It’s so sweet.

[@Mytube777]

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

[@JM-ij1om]

So many lives saved with this program.

[@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!!!

[@PrimxInxTeal]

Wouldn't it be lovely if those prisoners adopted the dogs they liked best after being released?

[@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.

[@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...

[@ChrisFWebber2222]

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

[@failtolawl]

I would totally get a dog at these places if there was one close.

[@bigknuts7565]

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

[@kkensh]

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

[@CuriousGoodsJessica]

Why don't prisons have animal shelters within them? That would be a wonderful rehabilitative thing for prisoners, they have plenty of time, there are SO many animals that need help, and most people seem to respond so well when they have something that needs them? Dogs provide so much unconditional love, they don't care why the person is in jail, they would just love the company and a place to sleep and eat. We waste money on programs that don't really help mentally, this would make such a difference in human & animal lives!

[@finjavollstedt394]

Awesome idea

[@identification133]

How touching. I like this concept.

[@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

[@bariskoe1]

best idea ever!!

[@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.)

[@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

[@ireneidonotknowwhosevilwit9864]

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