Watch prisoners react as they receive puppies

Prisoners receive their Paws With A Cause dog at the Muskegon Correctional Facility in Muskegon, Mich. on Dec. 17, 2015. Thirty-two prisoners are apart of the new program, which pairs two inmates with a dog. Each dog will live with the inmates.

[InnannasRainbow]

THIS is what prisoners need. This is the best form of rehabilitation. Animals can reach us when no human can.

[cynthiahawkins]

This is a fabulous idea: everybody wins. Inmates get to use their 'time in' for a really meaningful purpose. The animals benefit. And so much emotional healing can happen. Bravo.

[karenkoe]

The guys seem to really enjoy interacting with the dogs. Good program for all involved, the men and the dogs.

[darrenheadrick]

For all the people that made negative comments, these are not the hard ass criminals. these convicts have selected because they are the ones that have done their time clean. the caring and training of these dogs is a privilege earned through good behavior. these inmates will be teach these dogs to be service animals for people needing assistance in the outside world. With
the mentorship of actual trainers the inmates with work with their perspective dogs in social skills, obedience and following basic commands. There's a program on the learning channel or one similar that shows inmates and these dogs working together. and at the end of each training both the dogs and the inmates have a graduation ceremony. Thus program dies work.

[dianaa.]

The public has NO idea that these dogs do as much for the inmates as the inmates do for them.

[jimbertido]

Many of these prisoners were physically/sexually/verbally abused as children by either their parents or in foster homes. They were never loved. For many this is the first time they will feel unconditional love & look what it can do. Sad.

[ophelias]

They go from these tough looking guys to these ten year old boys in seconds. I think it's sweet they have have these huge grins on their faces. That one guy at the start of the video was holding on to that dog like he was a drowning man.

[brandieblakley]

I wish Newport, Arkansas prison, the female side had a program like this.
having done time myself, I know it would have made my time easier!!

[Marty]

This is one of those rare times the government got it right, it's a win-win for all involved.

[joannp]

Animals are healers, they dont Judge, they love unconditionaly, they are the great communicators, if this program can change the attitude and lifes of some prisoners, then thats great. As an animal lover, Ive always known how important they are, how impossible it would be for people like me to ever live without them in our lives.

[formalbug]

Repeat after me...rehabilitation. Not keeping grown men in cages.

[maxnme]

This is a great program for both....the dog and the prisoner!

[deborah]

What a beautiful, phenomenal idea. SO great for rehabilitation and to open their hearts.

[me-yglz]

The three guys at the start had the biggest joy on their faces. It made me smile big with them 😊

[nebulastar]

Animals understand more than anyone could ever. I love all animals. They are our brothers and sisters. 💜

[michaelkay]

Learning compassion & putting others before yourself is the best way to overcome personal demons!!!

[jessetalbott]

Its design to teach inmates that everything has to be negative and violent in Prison and it shows them they have love to give and can receive love as well and have normal relationships with others.

[proudneanderthalnotfromafr]

95 per cent of people deserve a second chance in life

[dammitboy]

Want to see a big man turn into a big kid? Get him a dog.

[Nessiegirl]

This program should be in every prison. It not only helps dogs get out of shelters but helps the inmates learn responsibility, love for another being, patience, etc. It's the greatest rehabilitation.