Did you know that there’s a program where prisoners can prove themselves through dog training?

It also comes with a winning incentive: if you do well, you could be granted pardon sooner than you expect.

The program doesn’t benefit the prisoners alone – it gives dogs a second chance, too.

Most dogs included in the program are shelter rescues.

Once the dogs graduate from the training program, they’re either released for adoption or paired with a veteran that needs support.

This program is what brought Steven and Pavlov together.

Pavlov was taken in by the Animal Care and Control Team in Philadelphia.

Later, he was signed up for the recidivism reduction program under New Leash on Life, a non-profit aiming to increase shelter dogs’ adoptability.

Through this, inmates and rescue dogs are brought together in hopes of achieving long-term success.

Steven Morales and Pavlov didn’t immediately hit it off.

Steven described Pavlov as a dog ‘running the joint’; he had no idea how to begin training him or if he would succeed.

They started by doing things together, like sleeping, eating, and hanging around.

Steven noticed how closely Pavlov stayed with him.

That was when he realized how genuinely lovable Pavlov was. They kept going.

It took only two months before Pavlov began to show obedience to Steven’s commands.

The dog’s progress also paved the way for Steven’s progress, and before long, the inmate was released early.

But Steven couldn’t stop thinking of Pavlov.

He badly wanted to adopt the dog he’d grown to love but he didn’t know if the life he was getting back to was fit for the dog.

He needed to figure out first where he’d live and what he would do for a living.

Soon, Pavlov found a home with Marina Andersson.

The sweet dog won her over with his charming disposition.

While living a happier life with Pavlov, Marina stumbled across a Facebook post about Pavlov on New Leash on Life’s page.

Her excitement at seeing Pavlov on the page prompted her to reach out to Steven whom she assumed missed Pavlov to this day.

Steven was overjoyed at hearing about Pavlov’s new life.

He may not have gotten to adopt the dog but it was enough to know that Pavlov was in good hands and in a much better state, living the life he deserved.

Pavlov and Steven both got the happy endings they needed and worked hard for.

It’s incredible how a dog’s love brings so much love and hope to humans.

The bond formed between Steven and Pavlov paved the way for better tomorrows for each of them.

From Steven’s earlier release to Pavlov’s happy life with Marina, the future is indeed much brighter for both.

They may not live together and see each other every day but knowing they’re both doing so much better is a sure sign that they surpassed their goal together.

Prepare to cry happy tears as you watch their sweet reunion below!

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Source: New Leash on Life, YouTube – The Dodo, Facebook – New Leash on Life USA