What happens when you give a big, tough, and intimidating man — a prison inmate, no less — a tiny, adorable puppy? Amazing things can happen.

Since 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind has given prison inmates the opportunity to give back to the community by raising service dogs. Its prison puppy-raising program pairs “Future Leader Dogs” with model prisoners who have demonstrated they can be trusted to provide 24/7 care to a puppy for up to a year. We’ve seen similar prison program before, and that’s because of the exceptionally high success rates for both canine and human well-being. In conjunction with Purina Pro Plan and Lions Club International, Mutual of America brought cameras into correctional facilities of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin to tape the amazing video below.

The pups spend 26 days in prison, where they bond with and are trained by their respective inmates. The two form an unbreakable connection that can leave a major impact on the inmates. After the 26 days, the Leader Dogs are able to go home safely and independently. There is a marked reduction in the rate of recidivism among prison puppy raisers and they express pride and gratitude for the chance to give something back.

What an incredible gift, to both the inmates and society as a whole. Do you think more towns across America should have a program like this? Let us know, and please SHARE this video with your friends on Facebook!
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