Pups behind bars: New Mexico prison inmates care for shelter dogs

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico -- The 'Prisoners and Animals Working Together Towards Success' program has saved the lives of approximately 200 dogs and changed the lives of at least 30 prison inmates who have learned to train the animals.

"I'm a very different person because I'm taking care of an animal that depends on me every day. So it such a great feeling to provide that for these animals," said James Ruiz, an inmate at the Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility just west of Las Cruces.

The program takes dogs from Las Cruces shelters that were on their way to being euthanized and gives them a second shot at finding their forever home.

Each dog is assigned to a prisoner who will have to take care of the animal for around two months.

Doug Baker, one of the founders of the PAWS group, explained: “Basic obedience training socialization, they teach him some tricks and then after the dog graduates after about two to three months they get him adopted and then get more dogs from the shelter.”

When the inmate finishes his sentence, he will then return to his community with a skill.

The dogs also help the prisoners as well.  Inmate Ruiz added, "I give a lot of love because of this little girl right here. And the great thing is knowing shes going to make someone's life a lot richer when she leaves here."

The PAWS program also looks to incorporated anxiety training so that some of the dogs they have can be given to soldiers returning home with PTSD.

If you would like further information you can check their website out at: https://cd.nm.gov/prisoners-and-animals-working-for-success-p-a-w-s/