Prisoner-Pet Partnership Results In Dog Graduates

PENDLETON, Ind. -- A prison program that is growing in popularity is changing lives in more ways than one.

The "Second Chance At Life" greyhound prison partnership is headed into its second year at the Correctional Industrial Facility in Pendleton, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

Jamie Adams, an inmate at Pendleton, and 19 other offenders are taking part in the program.

They take dogs that have been retired from racetracks because they are too slow and turn them into pets ready for adoption.

"They don't have any type of information on life outside of the track. When we get them, it's like a handful of clay. We get to mold them," Adams said. "They're very gentle. They're very loving. They're very smart. They're very attentive and they want to please you and they're very outgoing. They like to run and play."

The fourth greyhound graduation was held Wednesday. Instead of caps and gowns, the dogs get silks and new leashes.

Thirty-two greyhounds have completed training, which went on for about two weeks. Thirty-three offenders worked as their handlers, socializing the former racers.

"All of these inmates here are saving the dogs' lives. If we didn't have these guys to take the dogs, the dogs would be put down," said Tracy Sebastian, of the National Greyhound Foundation.

The men who have volunteered to be trainers said the animals change their lives for the better.

"It has helped me a great deal. It's taught me patience, a lot more understanding," said Anthony McCracklin.

The program started six years ago in Ohio by people who save greyhounds and rehabilitate inmates.

More information about adopting a greyhound can be obtained by calling 765-278-9435 or at www.4greyhounds.org/prison