Through a partnership with a local animal rescue organization, residents at CoreCivic's Saguaro Correctional Center in Eloy, Arizona, are training and rehabilitating shelter dogs so they have a better chance of adoption. The program pairs dogs from Cedar Oaks Animal Rescue with two resident handlers–a primary and secondary–who work with the dogs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Over about nine weeks, depending on a dog's progress, the animals learn basic obedience skills such as sit, stay, and come, as well as more advanced skills, all while building confidence. Once the dogs are ready to graduate, they are available for adoption.

Residents participating in the program say working with the dogs has helped them gain new skills and it gives them something to look forward to every day.

"It opened up my heart," Jose O. said. "Caring for these dogs, giving back to another living being and knowing that they're going to go to a good home, it has opened me up a lot. I learn a lot from them."

Another participant, Joseph P., recently joined the program and is training his first dog, Lola. He says when Lola first arrived at the facility, she had to be brought in on a cart because she refused to walk. She was shy and fearful but is now friendly and outgoing. He says seeing her transformation has been the most incredible experience.

"It makes each day more possible and more positive," Joseph P. said. "It allows you to do something you enjoy and something that's worthwhile. Seeing these dogs that won't even walk, and then they walk out with a new person to their forever home, where they will be loved and cherished. It gives you purpose."