When is going to prison a good thing? When you are a homeless dog—that’s when!  But it’s also a good thing even if you are a very well-bred puppy whose mission in life is to bond with one special human …

The Helping Paws Program at Dwight Correctional Center in Illinois was the state’s first service dog program involving inmates. And Jake was its first graduate. Jake was placed at ManorCare Health Services in Hinsdale, where he provides social and loving service. He is a Golden Retriever blend and  a perfect “poster pet” …

It is not easy being a black dog in a shelter. And if you are a sizable pooch–mutt or purebred, your chances decrease with every inch.

Simply said—black dogs are passed up by even the well-meaning folks searching humane societies and shelters for …

If you know of a dog, inmate or parolee, or recipient of a prison trained dog that has a great story to tell—let me know-and we’ll tell it here. These programs have proven the power of love and hope to heal hearts and minds in humans and canines both.

The original …