Every single dog in the world deserves to find a happy, loving home.
After all, we’re talking about animals that have been standing by their humans for thousands of years. They’re famous for being loyal and loving, and incredible cuddlers. Why are there still so many without homes?
It depends a little bit on the type of dog. Pit bulls, for example, face injustice because of the negative reputation that precedes them. Other dogs, like chihuahuas, might be overbred.
For greyhounds — graceful dogs that are famous for their speed — the problem has deep roots. Thousands of these beautiful dogs never find their forever homes, and end up put down without ever getting to know what it’s like to have a family.
Fortunately, inmates in two Australian prisons are starting to change that by stepping up to take part in a new program, which helps dogs and prisoners lead happier lives!
Check out the adorable photos of the work in progress!
Dog racing has been going on for centuries, but many dog advocates argue that the sport is cruel to the animals and needs to be put to a stop.
We're probably a long way from banning the practice, but that doesn't mean we can't all step up and help the thousands of dogs affected by the racing industry.
Greyhounds are the most popular racing dog of them all because they can run at speeds over 40 mph, and they have incredibly sweet, eager-to-please temperaments.
Their speed combined with their agreeable personalities means that these cuties often go through the wringer in the racing business.
It also means that greyhounds are overbred, meaning too many are bred than the racing industry can accommodate. They aren't always bred as carefully as they should be, leading to dogs that are never going to be suitable as racers.
The result is a huge number of dogs that are retired from racing or never became racers in the first place, all looking for happy homes and lots of snuggles.
That's where the Prisoner Pet Program comes in. The program is run by Greyhound Racing Victoria, GRV, which is an Australian racing organization that is finally stepping in to help the many dogs left adrift by the racing industry.
GRV runs an adoption program, where they actively find happy forever homes for lots of dogs.
Still, not every dog is ready to go straight to a home. Many dogs, especially those that were once racers, need to be retrained and taught how to relax, living as a pet for the first time ever.
That's where the prisoners come in. Inmates at minimum security Dhurringile and Tarrengower prisons in Victoria, Australia, are involved in an awesome program that pairs greyhounds with prisoners.
For the inmates who have committed low-level crimes, it's a privilege to have the opportunity to train and nurture a pet.
For the animals, it's a way to start getting adjusted to life outside of the race course or the kennel.
According to an article published by ABC Australia, the rehabilitation process is two-fold.
Many of the dogs have always been treated as working animals. This means they have never really interacted with humans, and have never really been cuddled or played with. So the inmates work on bringing them out of their shell and socializing them with people and with other dogs.
Meanwhile, the work is also deeply therapeutic for the prisoners. One told ABC, "It's made me really look at life, while I've been in jail and seen them come a long way. And it's changed me a lot. Teaching the dogs really taught me other things that I didn't know; how to be a good friend, just be a good person in life."
Since the programs roll out several year ago, the inmates have changed the lives of hundreds of dogs.
The work that they do teaches the pups that it's a-ok to act like, well, dogs.
They learn to be goofy and loving and affectionate without fear, and are well-prepared for civilian life afterwards.
Hopefully, their dedicated trainers in the prison will be similarly changed by the power of all that puppy love!
With just a little bit of encouragement and socializing, these greyhounds make for great pets.
Despite their intense athleticism, greyhounds are real "couch potatoes" as a breed. They are big on using their speed for quick bursts of energy and playtime, and then immediately needing a nap afterwards.
Thanks to the prisoners, these dogs will become lovely, lazy house pets who will show off their running skills — if and when they're in the mood.
In the meantime, breeders everywhere are focusing on reconfiguring their practices, so fewer greyhounds are left homeless, and legislators are pushing to banish dog racing.
If you're interested in greyhound rescue and rehabilitation here in the U.S., check out the Adopt-A-Greyhound.
And don't forget to SHARE this amazing program with dog lovers everywhere!
