“This program has renewed a sense of purpose in my life. It has given me the ability to define confidence in myself and establish my character as a man held to better standards. The program has also given me the chance at change and the ability to make a difference in the lives of people and dogs.”

~Current Program Participant

“The program has sharpened my work habits and commitments. There are no days off when you are a dog handler. It’s kept me busy and focused. I make positive choices in here because I refuse to put in jeopardy what I’m loving doing.”

~Current Program Participant

“Please thank Jett’s handler at the prison and make sure he knows that this little puppy has brought so much happiness to me and my family already. We will be forever grateful to the rescue, the prison, and his handler.”

~Adopter

“Being a dog handler has helped my anxiety so much that I don’t have to take medication for anxiety anymore and my depression is so much better as well.”

~Current Program Participant

“I adopted my dog, Alex from the Chillicothe Correctional Institution, and he enjoys interacting and learning new commands at the doggy daycare facility at CCI. He has made a deep connection with the handlers in the institution. He looks forward to daycare and the handlers enjoy playing with and training him. I have seen how the program positively influences not only the dogs but the handlers to grow as people and increase responsibility. They learn skills in these programs to better themselves in the community. The dogs and handlers develop a bond with each other and it's amazing to witness.”

~Current Program Staff Member

“My rescue prison dog is Shrek. We adopted him in January 2017 and he is a 6 year old rat terrier. He came from a basement with 8 other dogs, was adopted twice and returned. He was sent to Mansfield’s cell dog program to learn his manners. He is now the best dog to my 85 yr. old mother and me!”

~Adopter

“I want to tell you how much we appreciate you all! We have fostered dogs that have graduated. Everything the dogs are taught is amazing to see! I adopted Teddy and Simon and I can’t begin to tell you how much we love them! Please know there are so many people that appreciate what you are doing. I know you might not hear it enough but we all do! It’s so great to see the handlers save these dogs and the dogs save them right back. All my thoughts and prayers!”

~Current Rescue Partner Foster and Adopter

“We adopted Willow at the Humane Society of Madison Co. in November and she received training at Madison Correctional. I can not praise this program enough! Not only is it a great opportunity for the handlers, but for the adoptive family. When Willow finally came home, she was about 90% potty trained, she knows basic commands (of course, we continue to reinforce them) and she is very well behaved. I was very worried about getting a puppy because of "puppyhood", but the training has made is so much easier. I highly recommend this program and will definitely take part in it again.

I firmly believe that if more humane societies participated, there would be less dogs in shelters and more in loving homes!”

~Adopter

“This is Elvis, who I adopted through A.D.O.P.T. Pet Rescue, Inc.’s Canine-Inmate Program in the Fall of 2017. Thanks to that program, I got a well-behaved, sweet dog who loves everyone (& cheese - especially cheese)!”

~Adopter