Program Pairs Inmates With Dogs At OK Correctional Facility

A unique program at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center for Women in McLoud has given a handful of "offenders," as well as some lucky dogs, a second chance. 

Six women have been paired with three dogs. The dogs are provided by the Oklahoma Humane Society. The offenders will help train the dogs, which have mild behavior problems, and probably would otherwise not have much of a chance of being adopted. 

Once the dogs go through the program, they will be paired with a new owner and a new home. 

April Wilkins is serving a life sentence at Mabel Bassett, and is one of the three offenders participating.

"It's so wonderful to love on something again, and feel affection again. It softens you a little bit.  I've been locked up a long time, so I'm really excited about that." 

Program administrators say the cost will be minimal.  Most of it will be covered by donations.