Rescued Dogs, Rescuing Lives Behind Bars

CBS Evening News: Repeat Offenders Take In Shelter Dogs - And Both Find Healing

(CBS)  In prison, where kindness is considered a weakness ... dogs make tough men tender.

Inmates and dogs are doing time together in nine Colorado prisons, CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.

One inmate said his dog is the "best cellmate I ever had."

In two months' time dogs -- mostly shelter rescues found beaten, starved and abandoned -- are made adoptable again by inmate trainers.

Inmate Marion Crawford said his charges have taught him "responsibility. Patience."

Repeat offender Crawford is also a repeat trainer. Porter is his 54th dog here.

"He brightens my day," he said. "Every day."

It's really about second chances. For the dogs and the inmates.

Debi Stevens started the program six years ago. To qualify, inmates must be trouble-free for six months.

"It gives them new life skills," she said.

Skills Cynthia Gonzalez had never learned. She's doing life for murder.

"It gives me comfort," Gonzalez said. "Just hearing her breathe; hearing her move at night. It's helped teach me love and care. Something I didn't always notice on the streets."

Many of these dogs, like many of their inmate handlers, were considered throwaways. But outside these walls, the success of this program is in its rescued lives - both of dogs and of people.

Robert Gerle credits his successful family life after prison to four years inside training dogs.

"I sent a little bit of myself home with every one of them," Gerle said, tearing up.

More than 3,000 dogs have left prison life for new homes.

Inmate Crystal Terry compares giving up each dog to giving up a child.

"So this brings out the maternal side in you?" Strassmann asked. "And you like that side?"

"I do, especially if you didn't get to appreciate it when you were out there," Terry said.

In a prison, of all places, they found it in each other.

The chance to feel again.

[averagejane3]

The first time I saw this was on "The Dog Whisperer". I can''t remember which prison was shown, but the women and the dogs were happy together. This is one of the most ingenious prison program that I have ever seen. Just think how many unwanted pets that could be taken care of this way. Hurrah for Colorado!!!

[sed81650]

I love this story. You knew the prisoners really related to their dogs and cared for them deeply. They have done an excellent job and have helped themselves by doing this. Kudos to whoever put this program together.

[barbaram99]

Used to lived in Colo springs years ago. Hats off to the inmates caring for the dogs,,THAT IS GREAT.. tHE LESSIONS THEY LEARN ..KEEP IT GOING...