By Daniela Caride Publisher

Service dogs are well known by their selfless dedication on helping their disabled owners. But they also touch the lives of many others.

"Prison Pups" (2006)

The hour-long documentary by Alice Bouvrie called “Prison Pups” (2006) shows the amazing work inmates do at Concord Farm, a minimum-security prison in Massachusetts, under the supervision of Dogs For Deaf and Disabled Americans — NEADS. The nonprofit, which prepares dogs to work for the disabled, coaches prisoners on service dog training.

NEADS benefits greatly from the work prisoners provide. Prison puppies are ready for their duty approximately after a year of training — half the time they require when prepared by a family. Prisoners have more time, so they train the dogs faster.

And during this year, inmates also learn a lot.

“We say we are a debt to society,” says one of the prisoners to the camera. “But we’re a bigger debt to humanity. So [NEADS program] gives me a chance to give back and feel good about myself.”

When prisoners enroll in the NEADS program, they learn a skill, overcome boredom, become more active and confident, and develop unforgettable relationships with the dogs they raise.

“I’m responsible for a life,” says an inmate. “Before that, it was just me against the world.”

If you want to make a gift to a dog-lover friend, your neighborhood library or school, I highly recommend this film.

* Documentary Educational Resources sent me the DVD as a courtesy.