A new scheme where prisoners train dogs abandoned at shelters is changing lives – both for the people and the animals.
Inmates at a prison in America can get matched up with a dog awaiting adoption, and the pair then spend two months looking after each other 24/7.
When the dogs first arrive, they often have no training and are nervous because being in a shelter is a strange environment.
But after the dogs have spent a few days just chilling out and settling in, the prisoners start teaching them tricks like sit, stay and roll over.
![Shelter dogs and prison inmates are paired for bonding exercises Source: CNN](https://i2.wp.com/www.4synapses.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ad_187149011.jpg?resize=730%2C411)
Shelter dogs and prison inmates are paired for bonding exercises Source: CNN
Once the dogs are trained, they stand more chance of finding a family to adopt them so it’s great news for the animals.
But it turns out looking after a dog and helping them also benefits the inmates – as anyone who has looked after a pet themselves probably won’t be surprised by.
Susan Jacobs-Meadows, executive director of Canine CellMates, said: ‘Most of these guys gave up believing that there was very much of value to them a long time ago. But when that dog loves them and trusts them that starts to change how they feel about themselves.’
![Shelter dogs and prison inmates are paired for bonding exercises Source: CNN](https://i1.wp.com/www.4synapses.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ad_187149006.jpg?resize=620%2C349)
Shelter dogs and prison inmates are paired for bonding exercises Source: CNN
Some of the prisoners at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta out saw similarities between the animals and their own situations, CNN reported.
One man said: ‘The bond that me and Fred have… He came to a place where he was going to be put to death and I came from a place that was on the bad side.
‘If Fred can have an opportunity to go to a good home and he can change, that makes me want to change the environment that I’m in. That means I can do better also. ‘
Prisoner Joseph Baker added: This programme has changed me – it has taught me to have responsibility and how to have patience.’
![Shelter dogs and prison inmates are paired for bonding exercises Source: CNN](https://i2.wp.com/www.4synapses.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/ad_187149007.jpg?resize=620%2C349)
Shelter dogs and prison inmates are paired for bonding exercises Source: CNN
Source: metro.co.uk
Author: Jen Mills for Metro.co.uk
Photo credit: CNN, cavemancircus.com