Puppies Behind Bars

The Puppies Bedhind Bars (PPB) program works with prison inmates in New York, New Jerey, and Connecticut to train service dogs. Many of the service dogs 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. The emotional element of caring for the puppies breaks down the hard facade that most prisonders create for themselves to survive prison life. Prisoners learn responsibility and acquire 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.