"When you're in here people forget about you, and I'm sure that a lot of these dogs feel the same way that people forgot about them." – an inmate in the documentary 'Dogs on the Inside'
The above quote holds so much significance because it rings so true. Stray dogs and abandoned dogs do have a lot in common with prison inmates. Sure, some of them may be misbehaved or have done bad things, but the vast majority of them are good people (and good animals) that just had a rough life, took a wrong turn, or fell in with the wrong people.
What is perhaps most amazing about this connection, however, is that now (thanks to the work of people like Don't Throw Us Away founder Michelle Riccio) these animals and these inmates both have the opportunity to help each other in a profound way.
The inmates can learn to make a loving, caring connection, gain a greater sense of responsibility, and even have a taste of freedom, while the dogs (often strays) can get what is essentially a foster parent. For a stray animal complex that is stretched far beyond its capacity (and often has to euthanize dogs they can't find homes for), programs like this that work in minimum security prisons can be a lifeline for animals that wouldn't otherwise have one.
And it's this heartwarming connection that the new documentary Dogs on the Inside explores. Directed by Brean Cunningham and Douglas Seirup, the film takes a look at the innovative and touching way that Don't Throw Us Away are bringing prison inmates and dogs in need together to form long-lasting, beautiful bonds. It's a fantastic film and one that dog lovers everywhere will want to see.
LittleThings.com is excited to exclusively premiere the below clip from the film just prior to its Digital VOD release tomorrow. In the clip, you'll get to see inmates meet their potential pooches for the very first time and when I tell you that the look on their faces is priceless, I'm probably underselling. It actually, quite literally, left me speechless.
We've included some photos from the film as well, but please scroll all the way down to the bottom and check out this heartwarming clip. If that doesn't make you want to see the film, I'm not sure what will.
Dogs on the Inside arrives on Digital VOD on iTunes, VUDU, Amazon Instant Video, Google Play, and DogsOnTheInside.com on Tuesday, February 10.
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(Main photo: Bond/360 / Dogs on the Inside)
Michelle Riccio, Founder, Don't Throw Us Away
