Austin Dog Rescue on KXAN, Paws in Prison Program

A partnership in a Lockhart lockup is transforming lives, both human and canine.

This is the first time that Texas female inmates have had the chance to take part in the Paws in Prison program.

All the dogs were abandoned, abused, rescued and faced being euthanized, until local dog rescue groups teamed up with a local prison last month.

There are 12 new inmates at the Geo Group's Lockhart Prison. These rescued dogs have come a long way in a short time.

They're jumping through hoops, learning new steps, overcoming obstacles and starting to trust again, but these dogs are not the only ones gaining new skills.

"For me it's been a learning experience," says inmate Vicki Hamilton. "We come here with a feeling of worthlessness. These dogs give us a sense of purpose."

The inmates take care of the dogs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"They are learning about responsibilities, even when it is not convenient, like at 3 in the morning, and they have to take a potty break," says assistant warden Irene Hamlin.

Each dog has two handlers.

Roommates Brandi Townsend and Olga Ibarra are responsible for Lucy while Vicki Hamilton and Kyarah Higgs care for Ralph.

More than 100 inmates applied to take part in the program, and only 24 were chosen.

"I wanted Ralph so bad, and she came in two days later and brought Ralph to me, it was the best Christmas present I could ever have," Higgs says.

The warden says since the dogs moved in, there have been fewer problems in the dormitory.

The Lockhart facility plans to continue the program.

The first class of dogs will graduate in a couple weeks.

"Some were pretty sad, depressed, really not sure what happened in their lives; their life had been turned upside-down, and so this is giving them a second chance to find a good life this time," says Joyce Martin of Austin Dog Rescue.

Organizers have only found homes for two of the 12 dogs.

Lockhart Prison is holding an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, so the public can meet the dogs available for adoption. Learn more about the canines from Austin Dog Rescue.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Dog
• Rescue

[echimadi]

this is a great program. it not only helps the animals it helps the inmates.

[antifarleft]

Great work you are doing ladies....your kindness is very much appreciated.

[Somai82]

They're all fat. I hate fat women. The fatter the more likely they're cunts.

[DrDiddle]

Great work! We need this in every prison in this country.

[lucybells0]

So wonderful! I hope more prisons adopt these dog rehabilitation programs--they are remarkably beneficial to both dogs and inmates.

[Richcool79]

Dogs are sooo wonderful! This is BEAUTIFUL! is this in Austin Texas ? This is WONDERFUL. to see dogs that are resceued!

[kannon9]

Glad you found it. Animal Planet did have an old repeat of the show 2 nights ago. Wish they would bring the show back with new episodes. I agree I wish animal care was in every prison that is safe for them. Everyone benefits.

[ksb78]

That was the name of it? Thank you, kannon9. No wonder I couldn't find it on IMDB or Google. Yeah that show was a miracle. There needs to be more programs like that.

[kannon9]

Wasn't it "Cell Dogs"??? Great tv show, great program for animals and inmates its a miracle worker.

[wyntpaint]

Great program! Giving these women new perspective and purpose for their lives is essential. God bless them and those behind the program!

[myfatproductions]

well i only care about the dogs