USA: Puppies Behind Bars by Radhika Chalasani (25 images)
The Puppies Behind Bars (PPB) Program works with inmates at prisons in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to train service dogs to assist disabled people and provide bomb detection services. The puppies, all labrador and golden retrievers or a mix, arrive at the prisons when they are eight weeks old and remain there working, mostly living with one inmate for 20 months. The prisoners are responsible for their training, daily care, and well-being. The mission of the program states a...
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![ED AND MIDAS, AN 18 MONTH-OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER -- Ed was sentenced to 20 years to life and has served 16 years of his sentence. ED: "My smile muscles hadn't been used in 15 years. You can't show emotion and open up to anyone...it's a sign of weakness [in prison]. The dogs open you up and then next thing you know you've changed. It's such a worthwhile thing for so many people. So many things you do in here mean nothing....this is all very, very worthwhile...better than sitting in like a warehouse the way so many facilities are. I'm like the doctor for all the dogs. I do plan to pursue a career in the veterinary field...in the medical end."..The Puppies Behind Bars (PPB) Program works with prison inmates in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to train service dogs, including ones who help injured soldiers. The puppies arrive at 8 weeks-old and remain at the prisons, mostly working with one inmate, for 20 months. Fishkill Correctional Facility is a medium security prison in New York with 22 men in the puppy program. The emotional element of caring for the puppies breaks down the hard façade that most prisoners create for themselves to survive prison life. Prisoners learn responsibility and pride in helping others. The program often gives them a new outlook on their crimes, their time in prison, and goals when they are released. ..](http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000IbaflsqAOqc/t/200/I0000IbaflsqAOqc.jpg)
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![SIDNEY AND 18-MONTH-OLD LABRADOR TONI -- Sidney has been in prison for 10 years. SIDNEY: "I am in prison for thinking crime was the only alternative for success, not exploring my options, and keeping a tight grip on a destructive, non-productive life-style. That is WHY I'm in prison but the court system termed it robbery in the first degree. I was sentenced to 15 years. I wanted something challenging as well as rewarding in my life and wanted to start a process of giving back to people in need. I've learned that I'm not as impatient as i thought I was. I've gained an option to take this skill [dog training] and further my education and to continue to pursue what has given me a sense of purpose." ..The Puppies Behind Bars (PPB) Program works with prison inmates in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to train service dogs, including ones who help injured soldiers. The puppies arrive at 8 weeks-old and remain at the prisons, mostly working with one inmate, for 20 months. Fishkill Correctional Facility is a medium security prison in New York with 22 men in the puppy program. The emotional element of caring for the puppies breaks down the hard façade that most prisoners create for themselves to survive prison life. Prisoners learn responsibility and pride in helping others. The program often gives them a new outlook on their crimes, their time in prison, and goals when they are released. ..](http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000HH.i8xjGdSw/t/200/I0000HH.i8xjGdSw.jpg)
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![ANDREW AND REZZIE, 18-MONTH-OLD GOLDEN RETRIEVER -- Andrew was sentenced to 14 1/2 years for robbery and has been in prison for 11 years. ANDREW: "I've learned how to work with other people and do more for others. It [training dogs] allows my daughters to be proud of me to know I'm doing something good for someone else. I want to be a veterinarian. Rezzie has a natural way with him. He knows when a person is not able to do too much for themself. He will put his paw on the person's lap in a wheelchair so they can pet him. It's like you lose a part of your family when the dogs leave." ...The Puppies Behind Bars (PPB) Program works with prison inmates in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to train service dogs, including ones who help injured soldiers. The puppies arrive at 8 weeks-old and remain at the prisons, mostly working with one inmate, for 20 months. Fishkill Correctional Facility is a medium security prison in New York with 22 men in the puppy program. The emotional element of caring for the puppies breaks down the hard façade that most prisoners create for themselves to survive prison life. Prisoners learn responsibility and pride in helping others. The program often gives them a new outlook on their crimes, their time in prison, and goals when they are released.](http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000oksMtbfnTRc/t/200/I0000oksMtbfnTRc.jpg)
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