Puppies Behind Bars (PBB) is one of the most innovative programs I have ever come across. Prison inmates actually help train guide dogs for the disabled and to work as explosive detectors for law enforcement. The puppies are raised by the inmates in their cells for several months. They also attend classes with their charges. The inmates have the time to lavish the attention these dogs need to socialize with people and learn basic obedience skills before moving on to professional training.
For the inmates, it is a second chance at life and to give back to society when they are entrusted with a puppy. They learn patience, responsibility, how to work as a team and how to give and receive unconditional love. For many, it is the first positive achievement in their lives. The program changes the lives of trainees. Some of their comments from the website video include "I have learnt to give" and "The dog has helped me to become compassionate".
The program began with just five puppies in a New York maximum security prison for women and is now involved in seven correctional facilities, raising 100 puppies. Dog graduates of the program have gone on to work in every state in the US and in 13 countries abroad.
Visit the PBB website and learn more about this worthy cause and how you can help to continue their work. All the proceeds from their online shop go to their program.
Inmate Charities
Puppies Behind Bars
Trend Themes
1. Inmate Training Programs - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Applying the concept of inmate training programs to other industries such as rehabilitation, skill development, and workforce training.
2. Animal-assisted Therapy - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring the potential of using animals, particularly dogs, in therapy programs to promote emotional well-being and personal growth.
3. Social Enterprise Initiatives - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Embracing social enterprise models to create impactful programs that benefit both individuals in need and society as a whole.
Industry Implications
1. Prison Systems - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating inmate training programs as part of prison rehabilitation strategies to reduce recidivism rates and develop valuable skills.
2. Animal Training - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Leveraging the success of inmate training programs to revolutionize the field of animal training for various purposes, including service animals and assistance animals.
3. Therapy and Counseling - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating animal-assisted therapy into traditional therapy programs to enhance emotional well-being and improve overall outcomes for individuals seeking treatment.