PENDLETON, Ind. -- Some Indiana prisoners will be getting foster pets as part of a program that allows inmates to take care of animals that might have otherwise been euthanized.

It's part of pet prison partnership program "Second Chance At Life" that was started in Ohio five years ago by people who save greyhounds and rehabilitate inmates.

Four greyhounds moved to a new foster home at the Pendleton Correctional Facility, a medium to maximum security prison, on Thursday, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

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Partnership Provides Pets For Prisoners

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Clifford Wilbourn-El said he wants to work with animals once he's released from prison.

"It's an early start to help me get trained," Wilbourn-El said. "I'll be teaching the dog, but at the same time, he'll be teaching me."

The program partners offenders with retired racing greyhounds from Florida. The dogs live in cells with their handlers.

"The dogs are going to get love and their going to get attention and affection. The chances of these dogs staying in permanent homes once they get out is going to be greater because these inmates have done such a great job," said Maleah Stringer, of Second Chance At Life.

The dogs spend between eight and 10 weeks in training at the prison. Department of Corrections Commissioner David Donahue said he is optimistic that the program can change lives.

"When they get out of jail, they'll be a better citizen in the community that they return to," Donahue said.

The program will be used in three other Indiana prisons and the dogs will eventually go up for adoption.

More Info: More: National Greyhound Foundation