It wasn't all that long ago that some of the Orange County Jails initiated a program that allowed inmates to help rehabilitate rescue dogs, as a means of training them to become more adoptable.

And in early June, volunteers rescued five more dogs from high-kill shelters and brought them to one of the state's high security prisons.   The idea behind this, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation- is to give certain state inmates the task of helping "rehabilitate" these high-risk dogs so they too can find forever homes.

The most recent group of dogs graduated from the 12-week training program earlier this month.

Each dog needs to go through a multi-point obedience program which has been certified by the American Kennel Club.  Once this is done, their chances of being adopted becomes much much higher.

Not only is the program a win for the dogs, it's also a win for the inmates.  It gives them a chance to care for, love and shape the future of an animal that may otherwise have been put down.

Although this type of program is certainly not new to CA jails and prisons, it's the first time it's been implemented at a high-security detention center.  Many of the people being held here are serving life sentences, they said.

The Paws For Life program is only available to inmates who have demonstrated good behavior and who have proven they can get along with corrections staff as well as their peers.

Deputies at the facility say since it first started, the program has gone out without a hitch.   The animals are well cared for and they help keep inmates calmer and more positive.

Read the full story here:  When dogs go to jail