A group of rescue dogs works with the incarcerated at North Kern State Prison—something the prison has welcomed since 2017. Dogs rescued by Marley’s Mutts live in the prison to learn skills to get them ready to find their forever home. Along the way, an unbreakable bond is formed within the walls of the prison.
- Since 2017, North Kern State Prison has been part of the Pawsitive Change Program—a Marley’s Mutts initiative to bring rescue dogs into prisons for mutual rehabilitation.
- The men involved in the latest cohort tell 23ABC the program has changed them for the better, teaching them about responsibility and patience on the foundation of mutual trust.
- All dogs featured in this story are available for adoption through Marley’s Mutts Dog Rescue. Learn more about adoption here .
BROADCAST TRANSCRIPT:
When you think of a prison, you may think of gray walls and people passively waiting out their sentences, but here at North Kern State prison these walls tell a different story. The mural behind me tells a different story of what’s happening inside, and the men I spoke to here tell me that they are actively working on rehabilitation, and it’s all focused on the unique connection between a man and his dog.
“All she wants is just a little love–a little love and affection,” Clarence Lee said. “I mean, who don’t want no love and affection?”…