Adopt Wiggles a Doxie Corgi Dog in the Puppies for Parole Program

  Wiggles is a 3 years old "Dorgi" - a Dachshund and Corgi mixed breed dog looking for her forever home.  She a little thing, just about 15 pounds and full of fun.

Wiggles loves to play with other dogs, snuggle close to her humans and play with her toys.  She's learning her manners and will make a wonderful family companion.  Wiggles is housebroken and adorable!

Wiggles has all age appropriate vaccinations, is spayed and has been tested for heartworms.  

Wiggles is a member of the EDNAS Puppies for Parole Program and will not be available for adoption until December 8, 2012.  K9 Rescue and Rehab is accepting applications for Wiggles until November 21, 2012.  To be considered please visit http://www.K9RescueAndRehab.org and use the ADOPT button to provide the required information.  Out of state adoptions are available.

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups throughout Missouri. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. 

Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. 

Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

The benefits of this program are three-fold. Puppies for Parole gives offenders the skills necessary to support successful rehabilitation, reentry, ultimately improving public safety. At the same time, this is an opportunity for the offenders to re-pay Missouri communities and repair some of the debts caused by their crimes. Participants have seen this program have a profound effect on the inmates and staff, increasing the safety and security of the facility.

EDNAS is the official name of the Missouri Puppies for Parole program in the Potosi Correctional Facility. K9 Rescue and Rehab executes their program in this maximum security environment. The standards are held as high for this program as the security is at this facility. 

The result of each cycle is to assure all dogs are complete ready for a loving new family home. To help achieve this offenders are provided a training program and the guidance, experience and skills from The Pawsitive K-9, Bob Brasses BS Ag, CPDT-KA Owner and Head Trainer. With each cycle of dogs the offenders continue to learn how to address more difficult K9 behaviors. This allows K9 Rescue and Rehab to continue to assist with the tougher behaviors that end many K9's lives in shelters.

Check out all the awesome dogs available for adoption from K9 Rescue and Rehab!

Missouri Puppies for Parole Dog Training Program

We've barked quite a bit about the Missouri Puppies for Parole program and are pleased that it is now operating in 13 of Missouri's prisons.  It's definitely a winning proposition for everyone involved.  Dogs from animal shelters get another chance for a good home by receiving training which can include house breaking, basic obedience, and some even learn sign language.  Offenders get a chance to contribute to society, engage in something positive and learn a new skill.  And the program doesn't cost taxpayers a dime.  All the pet food and supplies are donated.

To date over 250 dogs have been trained and adopted.  Notable success stories include Sparky, a dachshund that was scheduled for euthanasia because he is deaf.  Missouri prison offenders took the dog and taught him sign language.  They then raised the money to pay for the dog's adoption fee and donated Sparky to the Missouri School for the Deaf.  Students there continue Sparky's lessons.

Another is the case of Knuckles who was returned to animal shelters twice due to behavior problems.  After his Puppies for Parole training, he was placed in a home as a companion for a little girl with Autism.  The little girl bonded with Knuckles immediately and is now able to sleep through the night.

 

Deaf Dogs Trained and Taught Sign Language: MO Puppies for Parole

Zeus, a deaf Dachshund dog  

If you read my post earlier this morning, you read about Bailey, the deaf Dalmation dog being trained and taught sign language through the Missouri Puppies for Parole program.  Bailey is not the first deaf dog trained by MO offenders and, I suspect, she won't be the last.

In January of this year, offenders at the South Central Correctional Center (SCCC) in Licking, MO raised funds to pay for the adoption fees to donate a deaf dog to the Missouri School for the Deaf.

Offenders at SCCC not only gave Zeus a second chance at life, they also made sure he was going to a good home where he will help others. Zeus, a male,
deaf Dachshund, was donated to the Missouri School for the Deaf in Fulton. The adoption fees were paid for by the offenders.

Zeus was born deaf. The birth defect rendered him useless to the breeder and his future was uncertain,at best. The Dachshund ended up at an animal rescue shelter where his handicap plagued any chance foradoption. The shelter reached out to SCCC, which participates in the Department of Corrections’
(DOC) Puppies for Parole program. The program pairs rescueddogs with offenders at prisons throughout the statefor training in order to make them more adoptable.

When the shelter approached SCCC about taking Zeus in for the eight-week training session, the offender handling team was more than willing to accept the challenge of helping the dogovercome his disability. In preparation, the handlers met with deaf offenders at SCCC to learn sign language. The
offenders devised a plan that would teach the Dachshund how to respond to commands with the use of sign language.

“Surprisingly, within the first week Zeus had the command ‘sit’ picked up,” said Tina Holland, SCCC institutional activitycoordinator. “We couldn’t use a dog whistle as a training tool because he couldn’t hear it. The offenders figured out how to train Zeus by stomping the ground with their feet. He could feel the vibrations from the floor. Once he recognized what the vibrationsmeant, he picked up one command after another.”


Holland said the offenders used treats as positive reinforcement because Zeus also suffered from severe anxiety. After the dog’s training was complete, the offenders got together and decided they wanted Zeus sent to a school for the deaf so he could help others. They made that possible by raising and donating
the adoption fees. “It was really rough on them (the offender handlers) when he left,” Holland said. “This was a huge accomplishment for them. It’s truly an inspirational story.”


Puppies for Parole is funded by donations only and does not receive state funding. The dogs’ training consists of a two-month period in which they learn verbal commands and general obedience. The offenders and the dogs go through the rehabilitative process together. The culmination of the training is the graduation ceremony at theend of the eight weeks, during which time the dogs are administered a K-9 Good Citizenship Test they must pass. Offender trainers gain vocational skills and learn responsibility through the program. It
alsooffers offenders the opportunity to repay the community. 

On February 1, 2010, Jefferson City Correctional Center received the first dog through Puppies for Parole. There are currently 75 dogs in training at 10 of the DOC’s institutions. For many of the dogs that are selected for the program, it allows them asecond chance, if not their only chance, to find a home. Since its inception, approximately 150 dogs have been saved from euthanization and have been adopted out.

Adopt Bailey a Deaf Dalmation Dog: MO Puppies for Parole

Bailey, deaf Dalmation dog at MO Puppies for Parole  

Yes, you read that correctly. Bailey is deaf. And she knows sign language.

Bailey is a female Dalmation dog that is being trained at the Jefferson City Correctional Center through the Missouri Puppies for Parole program. Her parole office is the Jefferson City Animal shelter (which means that is the shelter she came from and from where she may be adopted.

Bailey was pulled from the shelter and placed in the MO Puppies for Parole program when she was only 13 weeks old. Definitely cute and oh, so smart, she immediately stole the hearts of everyone. Her trainers have taught her sign language and she already knows how to sit, stay and roll over.

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

Adopt Stripe: Border Collie Mix Dog from MO Puppies for Parole

Border Collie Mix, Stripe - photo Mo Dept of Corrections

Stripe is a female Border Collie mixed breed dog.  She's in the MO Puppies for Parole program at the Farmington Correctional Center.  Right now her trainer is working with Stripe on focus exercises and self confidence because she's timid and afraid of pretty much everything.  Her parole office is Massas Creek (and that's who will supervise her adoption into a forever home.)

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

Adopt Delaney: Shepherd Mix Dog Trained by MO Puppies for Parole

Delaney - Adoptable Dog from
Missouri Puppies for Parole Training Program

Do you have room in your heart for another canine companion?  Consider Delaney, a hound / shepherd mixed breed dog.  She's being trained in basic obedience skills by the Missouri Puppies for Parole program at the Crossroads Correctional Center.  Delaney's parole office is TAILS Rescue and she can be adopted through them.  Her trainer reports that Delaney is very happy go lucky. 

Puppies for Parole is a unique Department of Corrections program made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

The benefits of this program are three-fold. Puppies for Parole gives offenders the skills necessary to support successful rehabilitation, reentry, ultimately improving public safety. At the same time, this is an opportunity for the offenders to re-pay Missouri communities and repair some of the debts caused by their crimes.

Adopt Gizmo: Golden Retriever Corgi Mixed Breed Dog from MO Puppies for Parole

Gizmo, Golden Retriever mixed breed dog at
Missouri Puppies for Parole

Now here's some good news.  Not only is Missouri Puppies for Parole is about to adopt its 200th dog, but this successful private / public partnership program is set to expand into two more prisons this spring.  That will bring the total to 14 of Missouri's state prisons participating. 

Talk about a winning proposition.  Puppies for Parole operates without the use of any taxpayer dollars.  Dogs from animal shelters and animal advocacy groups are trained by prison inmates and then are available for adoption to the public.  Obviously, the dogs and shelters benefit:  these dogs become more adoptable.  However, the inmates involved in the program benefit as well.

Considering adding a new dog to your family?  Just take a look at the sweet face on Gizmo.  He's a young Golden Retriever / Corgi mixed breed dog.  Gizmo is receiving his training at the Western Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center;  his parole office is the St Joseph Animal Control and Rescue.  According to his trainer, Gizmo is already a nice dog, but they're working on some anxiety issues due to his recent separation from his owners. 

Adopt Bella the Dog - Trained at MO Puppies for Parole Program

Bella, an Adoptable Dog from MO Puppies for Parole

Bella is a young, female, mixed breed dog available for adoption.  Currently enrolled in the Puppies for Parole training program at the Jefferson City Correctional Center, Bella's parole office is the Jefferson City Animal Shelter.

According to her trainer, Bella hates cats.  In fact, chaising cats, especially those easy to catch kittens, is why Bella found herself homeless and at the animal shelter.  Though they have not been able to work on that nasty habit specifically, her trainer assures us that will be consideration for future placement.  Sounds like Bella needs a no-cats home.

Bella is learning basic obedience and housebreaking with positive reinforcement.  She loves to run and play.  If you're looking for a young, energetic canine companion who already is housebroken and knows basic obedience commands, Bella just might be the perfect dog for you.  For more information about Bella and other dogs in the Puppies for Parole program, contact them today.

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs

Adopt Tink: An Adoptable Husky Dog at MO Puppies for Parole Training Program

Tink, Husky mixed breed dog at MO Puppies for Parole

Look at the sweet face on this dog!  Tink, a Husky mixed breed dog, is currently in the Missouri Puppies for Parole training program at the Jefferson City Correctional Center.  Tink's parole office is the Jefferson City Animal Shelter.

Tink is young and nowhere near full grown.  He is a bundle of enthusiasm.  Turned over to the animal shelter because his family could no longer afford to feed him, he'd also never had any veterinary care. 

If you have room in your life for Tink or a dog like him, surf on over to Puppies for Parole.

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs

Adopt Jake: Black Dog from Missouri Puppies for Parole Training Program

Jack, black Lab mixed breed dog at Puppies for Parole

Its past time we featured a black dog!  Jack is a male black Lab mix dog.  He's currently at the Jefferson city Correctional Center for his training.  His trainer describes Jack as you, energetic and very intelligent.

Right now Puppies for Parole is working with Jack on basic obedience training.  Jack is still a puppy right now.  He does have a potential home waiting for him with a man who has Parkinsons Desease.  Puppies for Parole will be working with Jack on companion training.

If you're interested in Jack or a dog like him, contact the Missouri Puppies for Parole Program.

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through their partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they will be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

Adopt Aaron an Adoptable West Highland Terrier Dog Trained by MO Puppies for Parole

Aaron - a Westie mix dog from MO
Puppies for Parole training program

For Love of a Dog would like to introduce you to Aaron, a West Highland White Terrier mix dog available for adoption.

Aaron is a male Westie mix dog who is receiving his training at the South Central Correctional Center through the Puppies for Parole program. His parole office is the Animal Shelter of Texas County (which means that is the Puppies for Parole shelter / rescue partner for Aaron.)

Aaron became homeless when authorities seized him from a neglect situation.  He was confined to a wire cage and malnourished.  Aaron had no socialization skills.  He's had some health issues which have been treated.  He's certainly a cutie.

Puppies for Parole is a program of the Missouri Department of Corrections made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they are sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

Missouri Puppies for Parole Dog Training Program

You've noticed that we've been barking about the Missouri Department of Corrections Puppies for Parole program.  We've encouraged you to explore adopting a dog from this training program because it benefits Missouri animal shelters, but also contributes to the growth and rehabilitation of offenders currently incarcerated in Missouri.  We've explained the program in words, but a video is soooo much better!

Grab a dog.  Sit.  Stay.  Learn how shelter dogs are being saved by Puppies for Parole.

Adopt Mandi an Adoptable Dog Trained by MO Puppies for Parole

Mandi, German Shorthair dog from Missouri
Puppies for Parole training program

For Love of a Dog would like to introduce you to Mandi, a German Shorthair dog available for adoption.
Mandi is a female German Shorhair dog who is receiving her training at the Western Missouri Correctional Center through the Puppies for Parole program. Her parole office is the City of Cameron Animal Control and Shelter (which means that is the Puppies for Parole shelter / rescue partner for Mandi.)

Mandi is a friendly girl, but was accused of killing chickens - which nearly got her shot.  She's working on manners, basic obedience and house breaking.

Puppies for Parole is a program of the Missouri Department of Corrections made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they are sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

Adopt Charlie an Adoptable Great Dane Mix Trained by Puppies for Parole

Charlie, a Great Dane mix dog at Missouri
Puppies for Parole training program

For Love of a Dog would like to introduce you to Charlie, a Great Dane mixed breed dog available for adoption.

Charlie is a male Great Dane mix who is receiving his training at the Jefferson City Correctional Center through the Puppies for Parole program. His parole office is the Jefferson City Animal Shelter (which means that is the Puppies for Parole shelter / rescue partner for Charlie.)

Charlie is 70+ pounds of pure muscle and a tri-color mass of canine puppy.  Although 2 years old, he has the attention span and enthusiasm of a 6 month old puppy.  He's also more than 30 pounds underweight.  He will be a huge dog and will require lots of room to run and play. 

Puppies for Parole is a program of the Missouri Department of Corrections made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they are sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

Adopt Dawn an Adoptable Dog Trained by MO Puppies for Parole

Dawn - an adoptable dog from the Missouri
Puppies from Parole program

For Love of a Dog would like to introduce you to Dawn, a Pekingese dog available for adoption.

Dawn is a female Pekingese dog who is receiving her training at the Western Missouri Correctional Center through the Puppies for Parole program. Her parole office is the City of Cameron Animal Control and Shelter. (which means that is the Puppies for Parole shelter / rescue partner for Dawn.)

Dawn was a puppy mill breeding dog.  She's friendly and has become housebroken quickly.  However, her regal nature does not take kindly to being told what to do.  Learning commands is coming slowly.

Puppies for Parole is a program of the Missouri Department of Corrections made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they are sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

Adopt a Dog from Missouri Puppies for Parole

Humphrey, a Beagle mix
Photo courtesy of
MO Dept of Corrections
Puppies for Parole

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month is almost over, though any time is a good time to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue.  You might want to consider adopting a dog that has completed one of the programs at your state's correctional facilities.  Yup, you read that right.  Many have wonderal training programs that benefit both the dog and the offender.

Here in Missouri, we have the Puppies for Parole program.  The MO Department of Corrections is partnering with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they are be sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption.

The Puppies for Parole program web site has photographs and information about each dog that is available for adoption.  The information includes the dog's breed, sex, the institution where the dog completed the program, the animal shelter partner, and a progress report of the dog's training.

Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.  Visit the Puppies fr Parole program on the web to select your new best furry friend.

Adopt Pete an Adoptable Pitbull Dog Trained by MO Puppies for Parole

Pete the Pit Bull dog
Photo courtesy of the MO Dept of Corrections
Puppies for Parole program

Not only is it Adopt a Shelter Dog month, it's also Pit Bull Awareness Day.  For Love of a Dog would like to introduce you to Pete, a pitbull dog available for adoption.

Pete is a male pit bull who is receiving his training at the Missouri Eastern Correctional Center through the Puppies for Parole program.  His parole office is Mutts 'n Stuff (which means that is the Puppies for Parole shelter / rescue partner for Pete.)

Pete became homeless when his owners could not afford to keep him. According to his trainer, Pete came out front for a visit to the administration building this past week. Although most people are leery of Pit Bulls, Pete showed staff just how loving the breed is. Pete showed off for staff by sitting on command, laying down, and giving high five. The staff members in the administration building were cooing over him.

Puppies for Parole is a program of the Missouri Department of Corrections made possible through partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups statewide. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they are sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

Puppies for Parole Missouri Department of Corrections Program Update

Photo courtesy of the MO
Department of Corrections

Congratulations to the Missouri Department of Corrections Puppies for Parole program!  On Wednesday they were awarded the Governor's Award for Innovation.  What a great acknowledgement for the hard work of all involved in this terrific program.

According to George Lombardi, Director of the MO Dept of Corrections, the Puppies for Parole continues to evolve and expand beyond his initial expectations and vision.  There are already nine (9) Missouri correctional institutions with the program in place with another five (5) ready for implementation.  The MO Dept of Mental Health will be using the program to adopt dogs for use in some of their facilities to aid the adjustument of the mentally iss and developmentally disabled.  The Veterans Administration has voiced interest in doing the same for combat vets with PTSD.  Plus, a psychiatrist from a hospital in St Louis may utilitze the Puppies for Parole program dogs for use with children with autism.

Puppies for Parole is a unique program made possible through MO Dept of Corrections partnerships with animal shelters and animal advocate groups throughout Missouri. Selected offenders have the opportunity to become trainers to rescue dogs in the program. Offenders work with the dogs teaching them basic obedience skills and properly socializing the animals, making them more adoptable. Once the dogs have successfully completed the program they are sent back to their original shelter to be placed up for adoption. Last year in Missouri, more than 46,000 homeless canines were euthanized. Puppies for Parole hopes to reduce that number by producing loving, obedient, adoptable dogs.

The MO Dept of Corrections maintains that the benefits of this program are three-fold. Puppies for Parole gives offenders the skills necessary to support successful rehabilitation, reentry, ultimately improving public safety. At the same time, this is an opportunity for the offenders to re-pay Missouri communities and repair some of the debts caused by their crimes. MO DOC has seen this program have a profound effect on the inmates and staff, increasing the safety and security of the correctional facility, as well.

According to MO Dept of Corrections Director, George Lombardi, "The dogs have a remarkable impact on MDOC offenders, improving offender behavior and giving offenders incentive to maintain excellent conduct records. Offenders not directly involved in the program are showing responsibility and selflessness by donating to support our efforts. Staff morale is also enhanced by the presence of the dogs."

MO Puppies for Parole uses no general revenue funds and operates solely on donations.

Puppies for Parole Prison Inmates Train Dogs for Adoption in Missouri

From a report by Jay Scherder, KY3 News in Springfield, MO

In Licking, Missouri, a new program gives state prison inmates a chance to train shelter dogs. "Puppies for Parole" lets convicts prepare them for adoption, while repaying communities.

It's been a long time since Joe Denti has had the chance to pet a dog, let alone care for one. He's been incarcerated for 21 years. The program gives selected offenders like Denti the opportunity to become trainers to rescued dogs.  "It's a very strict criteria," said South Central Correctional Center activity coordinator Tina Holland. "They do have to reside in our privilege unit, so they have to be conduct-violation-free for a year."

Other requirements involve education and anger management classes.  "It's more than just giving back and helping out," said Denti. "It's also proving ourselves in being worthy of responsibility that's been given to us."

It's a win-win for the offenders, the dogs of the Texas County, MO animal shelter, and for the community.  "This program definitely made a positive behavioral change and even some thinking changes," said Warden Michael Bowersox. "When they go back out, hopefully we'll see a different individual than what came into the system."

"I've created a lot of harm in my life and these dogs are out suffering and that gives me a chance to give back," said Denti.   "For our shelter, which is a small shelter, it frees up space because they are a no-kill shelter," said Holland.

Training a dog can be a real challenge, from commands to house training. They also learn to sit, stay, shake, and roll over. Denti admits that it's rough at times but certainly has its rewards.  "There's nothing better than seeing a dog smiling at you in the morning, first thing in the morning. You just can't beat it. It's priceless," he said.

So far, five rehabbed dogs have been adopted, and five have already been trained. The local animal shelter provides the food, dog crates and treats. This program is currently operating in seven Missouri state prisons.