Puppies Behind Bars
The charity we at Hummingbird House are sharing today is one we’re proud to brag about due to its perfect score on Charity Navigator. Yes, you read right: perfect score. Charity Navigator, an independent charity watchdog organization, evaluates organizations in the United States using publicly available tax returns filed with the IRS. They also evaluate charity websites. By analyzing these, they make their evaluation based mainly on the financial health and accountability and transparency of the organization.
Puppies Behind Bars first caught our attention because of its outstanding review on Charity Navigator. Upon further investigation, we learned about the incredible work being done by the individuals who run the program and became even more enthusiastic to share their story.
The mission of Puppies Behind Bars (PBB) as stated on their website is to “train prison inmates to raise service dogs for wounded war veterans and explosive detection canines for law enforcement.” In this program, puppies are introduced to inmates at 8 weeks old and live with them for 2 years. Clearly, the goal of this relationship is twofold: the puppy gets constant attention and training in a rigorous and regimented program while the inmate learns how to positively contribute to society.
Puppies Behind Bars began in 1997 and is still continuing strong today. The program maintains a high “graduation rate” of dogs; 75% of the puppies raised go on to operate as working dogs while the rest are released for adoption.
A touching story titled “Inmates Train Puppies to Help Wounded Veterans” released by News10 shares the tale of Glenn Rodriguez and Dixon, the puppy he trained. Rodriguez, a convicted murderer serving 26-years to life in prison, talked about the dog he trained with fondness. A softer side of this prisoner came out as he said, “I know the time is coming when [Dixon’s] going to be serving a greater purpose.”
The fact that inmates are getting the opportunity to contribute to a greater purpose makes PBB a very unique and special charity. If you’re feeling called to help support this organization, you have the option of making a donation on their support page of their website.
