Watch Dogs on the Inside

Dogs on the Inside is a heartwarming and uplifting documentary from 2014 that follows the journey of a group of convicted felons who participate in a unique rehabilitation program that pairs them with abused and abandoned dogs. The film is directed by Brean Cunningham and Douglas Seirup and was widely praised by audiences and critics alike for its emotional honesty and touching portrayal of the transformative power of human-canine relationships.

The film begins by introducing us to a group of prisoners at the North Central Correctional Institution in Massachusetts. These men, some of them convicted of violent crimes, are participating in a program called "Don't Throw Us Away," which is designed to provide a second chance for both inmates and animals. Through this program, the inmates are paired with shelter dogs who have been deemed unadoptable due to behavioral issues or other challenges.

At first, the inmates and dogs are skeptical of each other. The prisoners have little experience with training or caring for animals, while the dogs are understandably cautious around humans who have mistreated them in the past. But as they spend more time together and work through various challenges, a remarkable transformation takes place. The dogs, who had been withdrawn and fearful, begin to trust their human handlers and reveal their true personalities. And the inmates, who had been hardened by years of confinement and neglect, begin to open up and show a newfound sense of empathy and compassion.

The film focuses on several different pairs of inmates and dogs, each with their own unique challenges and breakthroughs. One inmate, Candido Santiago, works with a pit bull named Gypsy, who had been abandoned by her owners and left to fend for herself on the streets. Together, Candido and Gypsy learn to trust each other and form a deep bond that goes beyond words. Another inmate, Michelle Riccio, works with a black lab named Chance, who had been severely neglected and traumatized. Through her work with Chance, Michelle gains a sense of purpose and hope for the future.

As the film progresses, we see how the inmates' experiences with the dogs begin to trickle into other areas of their lives. They start to take more responsibility for their actions, communicate more effectively with others, and form better connections with their families. And the dogs, who had been given up on by society, begin to find loving forever homes with families who see their true potential.

Overall, Dogs on the Inside is a powerful testament to the transformative power of animal-assisted therapy. Through its moving portrayal of the inmates' journeys, the film reveals how even the most neglected and discarded beings can be saved by love and compassion. Whether you're a dog lover, a prison reform advocate, or just someone who appreciates a good story, this film is not to be missed.

Dogs on the Inside is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.