In fact, dogs are being used in many prisons across the country as a means of therapy. It’s actually a reciprocal relationship. Specially screened inmates are used to train basic obedience to and socialize canines. They may work with shelter dogs that need training to make them adoptable, or service dogs that will eventually work for the handicapped. Meanwhile, the pups provide the inmates with a purpose, a sense of self-worth, and unconditional love.

It has long been a concern of sociologists and behavioral experts: we can train the minds of prisoners, but how do we educate the hearts? Most educational resources in jails are “program based;” they help inmates get their GEDs, they provide substance abuse counseling, they teach a vocational trade. But studies have shown that paroled prisoners have a better chance at succeeding on the “outside” if they’ve been educated emotionally as well. A dog provides inmates with structure (caring for the animal might be the first time that someone has relied on them for basic needs), pride (they can see the progress and ultimate result of their work) and acceptance and tolerance (the dog will make mistakes, but keeps trying and doesn’t give up).

An official at the Powers Correctional Center in Wisconsin observed that the shelter animals brought into their facility have to be groomed and re-trained in order to fit back into society and find a good home. Inmates perform these duties, and the dogs provide the convicts with a live visual aid as to the importance of a second chance.