Sometimes, second chances come with four paws and a wagging tail.
For Richard Johnson, a former inmate at Jefferson City Correctional Center in Missouri, that's exactly what happened.
Missouri Department of Corrections | Joe Denti
While serving time, Johnson joined Puppies for Parole, a rehabilitation program pairing inmates with rescue dogs in need of training, care, and a little extra love. Through the program, Johnson worked closely with several dogs, teaching them basic obedience skills and preparing them for adoption into forever homes. What started as a way to pass time quickly became something much deeper: a sense of purpose, connection, and healing he hadn’t felt in years.
Missouri Department of Corrections
The impact of the program was profound. Not only did Johnson find a sense of responsibility and pride in caring for the dogs, but he also discovered a passion for animal care. After his release, Johnson didn’t let that spark fade. Instead, he pursued a degree in veterinary technology—channeling everything he learned during Puppies for Parole into a full-time career.
Missouri Department of Corrections
Today, Johnson is a certified veterinary technician. He works at a local animal hospital, providing skilled, compassionate care to animals every day. He credits the Puppies for Parole program not just for changing his life, but for helping him realize what he was truly capable of achieving.
Missouri Department of Corrections
"It's more than just teaching a dog to sit," Johnson told Daily Paws. "It teaches you patience, compassion, responsibility—and that you’re capable of making a real difference."
Johnson’s story is a powerful reminder that rehabilitation can take many forms—and that sometimes, the ones we rescue end up rescuing us, too.
You can learn more about the life-changing work made possible by Puppies for Parole and meet the dogs currently eligible for adoption by visiting https://doc.mo.gov/programs/puppies-parole.
