Second Chance Pups

Second Chance Pups is a 501(c)3 corporation supported ENTIRELY by adoption fees and private donations. We select dogs from local shelters and rescues and match them to carefully selected volunteer inmate/handlers from the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Dogs then live at the penitentiary while handlers provide nine weeks of intense training and love. It is a great rehabilitative measure for the inmates, offering them an opportunity to give back to society in a positive manner and contribute to a solution for the growing problem of uncared-for and unwanted animals. Otherwise overlooked dogs get a second chance at a lifelong relationship with a loving family. The first rotation of dogs started in September of 2004 in an effort to help more homeless animals find their way into forever homes. To date, SCP has adopted out 349 dogs and 220 inmates have participated in the program. Inmate trainers work together with a professional trainer, prison staff and SCP volunteers to provide dogs with basic obedience training, socialization, behavior modification, grooming and daily 1 on 1 attention. The dogs involved in the program graduate with a wealth of valuable skills that help give them a paw up on finding a home. Prison training programs like ours dramatically increase the number of shelter dogs adopted by providing them with a little help. The impact of similar programs throughout the United States is universally positive. Inmates learn training skills that support their own successful rehabilitation and reentry into society. Morale of both inmates and prison staff is greatly enhanced. Adoptable dogs who would otherwise be left to languish or be at risk for an uncertain future due to lack of socialization or training receive a second chance for a good life.