Dogs Trained By OK Inmates Graduate From "Guardian Angels"

A groundbreaking prison outreach program hit a milestone Friday afternoon at Mabel Bassett Women's Correctional Facility near McLoud. 

It's called the "Guardian Angel's" program. In January, three dogs that were provided by Oklahoma's Humane Society were paired with six inmates. Those inmates spent the past three months training those dogs. 

During a ceremony at Mabel Bassett Friday, those dogs were given by those inmates to the dogs' new "permanent" owners. Lela and Dana Harris from Oklahoma City were there to pick up "Koco," a rat terrier mix.

"Oh I've waited for this so long," Lela said. "I've been getting updates on him and how he's doing. And he will be a good one to have around the house."

Allen Dabbs oversees the program.

"In here at the late hour of night they can give all the love they need to give these dogs," he said. "They are still humans. We want these ladies to realize they can do something good." 

Six new dogs arrived Friday at Mabel Bassett, and they will be trained by those inmates as well. The program is supported through donations, and a lot of help from Oklahoma's Humane Society.