So as most of you know, I work in a prison. And as some of you already know, I have recently become a coordinator for our Puppies for Parole program. The program consists of taking dogs who need a second chance from local shelters and pairing them with inmate handlers for an eight week training course. Once the cycle ends, the dogs are adopted out into new loving homes and then we get new dogs. It is a wonderful program as it gives these dogs a chance to find happy forever homes, and it also gives the offenders a sense of purpose while serving their sentences. Dogs certainly brighten up an enviornment that is angry and sad. They bring happiness to a place with gloomy old brick buildings and acres of razor wire. 

Obviously I feel as this was my calling and I have been really happy since I've started as a coordinator with the program. It's a lot of extra work (I don't get paid for) ..but I find it extremely rewarding. 

Here's our dogs this cycle!

This is the only dog on A side (the prison is split between A and B side) and he's the dog assigned to my offender handlers. He is a beagle mix and just about the sweetest dog there is. So loving and I am already attached! Bo is actually set to be adopted by our warden's daughter. 

Here is Mz. Red! She is a pitbull/german shepherd mix. Very shy, but she's coming along. 

This guy is one of my favorites. His name is Blaze and he's a shepherd mix. 

This is Birdie. She's a beautiful pitbull mix and really smart.

This is Meredith! She's just a puppy and is so adorable, with the brightest prettiest eyes. 

They are all so adorable!

That is awesome that you are able to coordinate this program. You're helping to make a difference in the lives of these dogs, and inmates!

Geat job nyt! ♥

:O I'm in love! Those pups are soooo cute!

I love this! I first found out about the prison adopting programs while watching pitbulls & parolees xD I love that show btw

cuuuuute!!! That's awesome, nyt!!

i wish more prisons particitpated in stuff like this. I especially like the few that take on mustangs and train them for adoption. 

That's awesome for you! They're all really cute :).

That's wonderful Nyt! YAY PUPPIES!!! :D

Animals are so important for people's welfare.

On a less serious note. AWWW PUPPIES.

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Thanks guys! I can't take any pictures of them since they're in prison. Maybe at their graduation! They're all really great dogs :) 

OMG!  So amazing to see the rescues that you are working with.  I am so happy that you are lead roll in an awesome program for the pups and the inmates.  We have a similar program here, and it works wonders.  It's amazing to see the inmates/dogs advance.  Good on you for tackling a hard but rewarding potsition!

Okay now that I'm like..... awake.

I think I fell in love with Meredith. She just looks so adorable and I'm a sucker for blues. I think any of these detainment programs involving animals is a blessing. Nothing softens the heart and soothes the soul like working with animals. Especially among people who've been proven that well... People suck.

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Thank you guys! I do find it very rewarding. Chao, you'd love Meredith even more in person. She's just so happy. She's just a puppy, but she knows all of her commands already. But every command she can't stop wagging her tail. You tell her to come and she comes right up to you and sits and stares up at you and her little butt is just going a million miles an hour. She's adorable :) 

So awesome! And the dogs are so cute!

How are the inmates doing in the program?

Oh, I really love Meredith! :D

Paints since 6-8-14

This is fantastic. I do agree that programs like this not only give the animals a second chance, but the people as well. Glad you're able to do this!

Here's an update and some more pictures! 

We switched Bo for Birdie last Thursday. Birdie was way too focused on her handler, so we decided to split them up and switch dogs. Bo needs some more reinforcement so he went to Birdie's handler. I love her! She looks SO MUCH LIKE MY DOG! Except...much bigger and without the white face :) I took her to the vet on Friday and I was able to get some pictures of her. 

At the vet! 

Cone of shame :( Which she destroyed within one day. But it's okay. 

Oh, and Chao if you're reading this, I'm taking Meredith and Birdie to the vet on Thursday and I'm going to get some pictures of her for you! Since I think she's your favorite :) 

Ummmm more pictures all the time!  All these doggies are super cute!  I love her smile even in the cone of shame! :P

I love Birdie! Here's some pictures for comparison. I'm telling you, she's a bigger version of my dog. Minus the white face. Even the mannerisms are similar. Here's my dog for comparison! 

See! I love her. I'll try to get more pictures, but since I can't have my phone inside the institution, I can't unless I get some with the digital camera I can take inside or if I take them out somewhere. Thursday I'm taking Birdie back to the vet and Meredith has an appointment too, so I'll try to get more! 

Doggy class tonight went well :)

Chaoooooo....

We took Meredith to the vet on Thursday long with Birdie. I was able to get her picture for you! Here's the adorable little girl..

I think she's even smiling for you :) 

And of course I had to get a picture of our Birdie. She's all better now and I think she's going to stay with my offender handlers for good. I miss Bo - but I just love Birdie so much.

And to answer your question from above, Blitz..the offenders are doing pretty well. Most of them have been in the program for a few years. My two handlers are new, they've only been in the program for about three months so Birdie is their second dog. They are very passionate about being in the program and really enjoy having their dogs. They do need to work on some of the basics though - but they have good attitudes and are good with the dogs, so they'll come around. 

OH MY GOD LOOK AT THAT BIG DUMB SMILE.

I just love pibbles. Love them. Oh dear.

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