January 6, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A second chance - Giving shelter dogs a new shot at life

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice and the Rita B. Huff Humane Society in Huntsville recently teamed up to help train dogs to make them more likely to be adopted.

Six dogs are currently a part of an eight-week program inside the Ellis Unit Trusty camp in Huntsville.

The dogs range in age from eight months old to five years old. The men train the animals to obey commands like sit, stay, and lay down, as well as becoming comfortable around people and other animals.

The inmates participating are within two years parole eligibility or completing their sentence.

One offender in the program said, "the dogs were really nervous when they first arrived, but it's almost like a complete transformation now. I'm glad to be giving back for once." After the eight-week course, the dogs will be available for adoption through the Rita B. Huff Humane Society.

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