An innovative scheme where prisoners train dogs abandoned at shelters is changing lives — both for the people and the pooches.



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Inmates at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta get matched up with a dog awaiting adoption, and the pair then spend every day and night together for two months. The prisoners train the dogs, and the dogs in return give love, affection and a sense of responsibility to their human companions.



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It’s all part of the Canine CellMates programme.

The results are life-changing for some, with prisoner Joseph Baker saying: “This programme has changed me — it has taught me to have responsibility and how to have patience.”



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The inmates also teach the dogs tricks such as sit, stay, and roll over, which help the canines increase their chance of getting adopted.



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Susan Jacobs-Meadows, executive director of Canine CellMates, said: “Most of these guys gave up believing that there was very much of value to them a long time ago. But when that dog loves them and trusts them that starts to change how they feel about themselves.”



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The inmates also see deep similarities between the animals and their own situations, with one man saying: “The bond that me and Fred have… He came to a place where he was going to be put to death and I came from a place that was on the bad side.”



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“If Fred can have an opportunity to go to a good home and he can change, that makes me want to change the environment that I’m in. That means I can do better also.”



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Watch the CNN report on this amazing initiative below: