In the United States, nearly six million pets enter shelters every year, hoping for a home to call their own. Many of these shelters are limited in space, leaving volunteers looking for opportunities to help dogs and cats find a family sooner. One of these opportunities, Paws for Life, is in place at CoreCivic's Lake Erie Correctional Institution in Conneaut, Ohio.

Paws for Life is a partnership between Lake Erie and the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League (ACAPL). Under the guidance of professional trainers and correctional staff, carefully selected residents are now working with shelter dogs to teach them obedience, manners, leash skills, confidence and socialization. The goal is to help dogs that need extra care and attention have a better chance of adoption, while also giving the men a sense of purpose and responsibility. Several dogs are already in the process of transitioning to their forever homes.

"Each dog lives with its assigned handler, who is responsible for feeding, grooming and training the dog every day," said James Warsing III, who serves as a unit manager and leader of Paws for Life at Lake Erie. "The dogs learn good manners, and the residents learn patience, responsibility, and compassion. For many participants, it's their first chance in years to care for something other than themselves."

The ACAPL says the program has been transformative for both the dogs and their handlers. The dogs thrive with one-on-one attention, consistency, and love, and the handlers are learning compassion, purpose, and have a new sense of connection by giving back to the community.

"This program, among others at Lake Erie Correctional Institution, engages the men to participate in meaningful activities that ultimately give back to the community," said Stephen Reynolds, warden at Lake Erie. "We have seen these men engaging more with their families and with staff in a positive way."

The program currently has six dogs under the training of 12 residents at Lake Erie, with plans to welcome more dogs in the future. Each dog is trained for about three months.

"The results speak for themselves," said Warsing. "Dogs that might have been overlooked at the shelter are finding homes faster, and participants in the program often show better behavior, stronger work habits, and a sense of pride in giving back."

When the dogs graduate, they are eligible for adoption through the ACAPL. In fact, several of the dogs have already been adopted by staff at Lake Erie. Paws for Life is giving both the dogs and the men a second chance, all while offering a space to heal.

"This program has had such a positive effect on the entire facility," said Reynolds. "The dogs have created a calming effect among the residents, giving them a normal feeling of life and instilling hope."

Reynolds says the program will expand to 12 dogs with 24 trainers, and the facility is working to implement more programs like this one where residents can learn animal care and grooming skills.